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. 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.
Understanding How Air Source Heat Pump Efficiency Works
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. 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.
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. In cooling mode, the indoor coil acts as the evaporator that absorbs heat from indoor air, while the outdoor coil releases heat to the exterior, functioning much like a conventional air conditioner but often with greater efficiency.
Understanding How Air Source Heat Pump Efficiency Works
How Refrigerant Moves Heat Evaporation in the Outdoor Coil In the outdoor evaporator, low-pressure liquid refrigerant expands and evaporates, drawing in thermal energy from the ambient air even at temperatures well above absolute zero. An air source heat pump moves heat rather than generating it, using refrigerant and a compressor to capture thermal energy from the outdoor air and deliver it indoors for heating and domestic hot water.
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