Heat pumps are becoming increasingly popular across Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland—and for good reason. They are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and capable of both heating and cooling your home. But how does a heat pump actually work?
This guide explains the basic operation of a heat pump in simple terms, so homeowners can better understand what’s happening behind the scenes.
What Is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is a heating and cooling system that transfers heat rather than generating it. Unlike a furnace, which creates heat by burning fuel, a heat pump moves existing heat from one place to another using electricity.
Even when outdoor temperatures feel cold, there is still heat energy available in the air. A heat pump captures that heat and brings it inside during winter. In summer, the process is reversed to remove heat from your home, providing cooling similar to an air conditioner.
The Main Components of a Heat Pump
Most heat pump systems include four key components:
Outdoor Unit – Absorbs or releases heat from the outside air
Indoor Unit (Air Handler or Fan Coil) – Distributes heated or cooled air throughout your home
Refrigerant – A special fluid that absorbs and releases heat as it circulates
Compressor – Pressurizes the refrigerant and moves it through the system
These components work together in a continuous cycle to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
How a Heat Pump Heats Your Home
During the heating season, the heat pump operates as follows:
The outdoor unit pulls in outside air and extracts heat from it.
The refrigerant absorbs this heat and changes from a liquid to a gas.
The compressor increases the temperature of the refrigerant by pressurizing it.
The hot refrigerant travels to the indoor unit.
Heat is released into your home’s air, warming the space.
The refrigerant cools, returns to liquid form, and the cycle repeats.
This process is highly efficient because the system is moving heat instead of creating it.
How a Heat Pump Cools Your Home
In cooling mode, the heat pump works similarly to an air conditioner:
Heat is absorbed from inside your home by the indoor unit.
The refrigerant carries that heat outdoors.
The outdoor unit releases the heat into the outside air.
Cooler air is circulated back through your home.
Because the system can reverse its operation, a heat pump provides year-round comfort with one piece of equipment.
What Is a Reversing Valve?
The reversing valve is a critical part of a heat pump. It allows the system to switch between heating and cooling modes by changing the direction of refrigerant flow. This single component is what makes a heat pump a dual-purpose system.
Why Heat Pumps Are Efficient in Vancouver’s Climate
Heat pumps perform especially well in mild coastal climates like Vancouver. Modern cold-climate heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently even during colder winter temperatures, making them a reliable alternative to traditional furnaces.
Benefits include:
Lower energy consumption
Reduced carbon emissions
Consistent, even heating
Heating and cooling in one system
Understanding Defrost Cycles
In colder weather, frost can build up on the outdoor unit. Heat pumps automatically enter a defrost cycle to clear this frost. During this short process, the system temporarily switches modes to melt ice buildup. This is normal and helps maintain efficiency and system longevity.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the basic operation of a heat pump helps homeowners make informed decisions about maintenance, energy use, and system upgrades. With proper installation and regular servicing, a heat pump can provide efficient, reliable comfort for many years.
If you’re considering a heat pump or have questions about how your system is performing, consulting a professional HVAC technician ensures you get the most out of your investment.