Key Components and Their Roles Component Function Outdoor Coil Absorbs heat from outside air as refrigerant evaporates Compressor Increases refrigerant pressure and temperature, driving the heat transfer cycle Indoor Coil Releases heat to indoor air or heating distribution system as refrigerant condenses Expansion Valve Reduces refrigerant pressure and temperature, preparing it for outdoor heat absorption Fans and Blowers Move air across coils to improve heat transfer and distribute conditioned air. Efficiency Factors and Performance Considerations Coefficient of Performance depends on temperature differential, refrigerant properties, airflow, and system design, with well-installed units often delivering two to four units of heat for each unit of electricity consumed.
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Expansion and Return to the Outdoors After giving up its heat, the high-pressure liquid passes through an expansion valve or capillary tube, where its pressure and temperature drop sharply before returning to the outdoor evaporator. Condensation in the Indoor Coil Inside the building, the hot refrigerant vapor flows through the indoor condenser, where it condenses back into a liquid as it transfers heat to the indoor air or to a hydronic heating distribution system.
This drop prepares the refrigerant to absorb more outdoor heat, completing the closed-loop cycle that continuously moves thermal energy from outside to inside. As the refrigerant changes phase, it releases the thermal energy collected outdoors plus the energy added by compression, providing efficient space heating and often domestic hot water preheating.
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Core Components and Basic Layout The primary elements of an air source heat pump include an outdoor coil, an indoor coil, a compressor, and an expansion valve, arranged in a closed loop that circulates refrigerant. Cold climates may require specialized refrigerants, larger outdoor coils, or auxiliary backup heating to maintain performance as outdoor temperatures fall, while proper sizing and airflow are essential to avoid efficiency losses and ensure consistent comfort.
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