A system that heats and cools by moving heat instead of burning fuel.
A heat pump transfers heat rather than generating it — pulling warmth from outdoor air into the home in winter and reversing to cool in summer. Because moving heat uses less energy than creating it, heat pumps are highly efficient. Cold-climate models work well below freezing.
Why Heat Pump matters
Equipment terms identify which part of the comfort system is doing the work and whether repair, replacement, or an upgrade is the best next step. Understanding the equipment helps you compare options without pressure.
When you'll see this term
You will usually see this term on service invoices, replacement proposals, equipment labels, and repair-or-replace discussions.
Questions to ask your technician
- Is this equipment repairable, or is replacement the better long-term value?
- How old is it, and is it still under manufacturer warranty?
- Would a different equipment type improve comfort or efficiency?
Heat pump vs. gas furnace: which is right for your home?
Related terms
- HSPF2 (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2)
- The heating-efficiency rating for heat pumps — higher is better.
- Refrigerant
- The fluid that carries heat through the cooling/heating cycle.
- Ductless Mini-Split
- A heat pump that heats and cools rooms without ductwork.
- Compressor
- The heart of the system that pumps refrigerant; the costliest part.