Heat Pump Systems

A heat pump is equipment that moves heat from one place to another using a refrigeration cycle. Instead of generating all of its heat directly, it collects available heat from the air, ground or another source and transfers it into air or water.

A heat pump absorbs low-temperature heat through a refrigerant circuit. A compressor raises the refrigerant pressure and temperature before the captured heat is transferred into air or water for heating, hot water or pool applications.

Heat pumps can be grouped by their heat source and output. Air-source systems collect heat from outdoor air, while ground-source systems collect heat from the ground. Air-to-air systems condition indoor air, while air-to-water and ground-to-water systems transfer heat into water.

Start with the calculated heating or water load, then check the required water temperature, climate conditions, operating schedule, storage, controls and system losses. Equipment should be selected for the real operating duty rather than nominal brochure capacity alone.

Sometimes, but not always. Space heating and domestic hot water can require different water temperatures, storage arrangements, controls and operating priorities. The complete system must be designed around both loads.

Yes, when the equipment is selected for the local climate and required duty. Outdoor temperature affects available capacity, defrost operation and efficiency, so low-temperature performance should be reviewed during selection.

Both use a refrigeration cycle to move heat. Air conditioning commonly refers to air-to-air equipment used for space cooling and heating, while heat pumps can also transfer heat into water for hydronic heating, domestic hot water and pool heating.

Some larger hydronic and commercial heat pump systems require three-phase power. Electrical supply, starting current, plant location and maintenance access should be reviewed early in the project.

Cost depends on the heat pump type, output, storage, controls, electrical requirements, installation conditions and connection to the wider heating or hot water system. A project-specific assessment is required for an accurate price.