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. Refrigerant absorbs heat as it evaporates in the outdoor evaporator, is compressed to a higher temperature and pressure, releases warmth in the indoor condenser, and then returns to the outdoor unit to repeat the cycle.
Air Source Heat Pump Installation Basics: Key Steps and Considerations
A fan pulls air across the coil fins, improving heat transfer as the refrigerant changes from liquid to vapor without reaching boiling point at the prevailing pressure. 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 technology extracts warmth even when outside temperatures are cool, making it an efficient alternative to traditional combustion-based systems in many climates. 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.
Air Source Heat Pump Installation Basics: Understanding the Core Components and Process
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. This drop prepares the refrigerant to absorb more outdoor heat, completing the closed-loop cycle that continuously moves thermal energy from outside to inside.
More About How does an air source heat pump work
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