Residential air source heat pumps act like a “heat mover,” utilizing the physical properties of a refrigerant. Through a refrigeration cycle and compression process, they absorb heat at low temperatures and release it at high temperatures.

Simply put, they extract heat from the outdoor air and transfer it to a building’s water system. Of course, in the summer, this process can be reversed to transfer heat from indoors to outdoors, achieving a cooling effect.

Residential air source heat pumps can connect to various systems within a building to deliver heating or cooling. These common “terminals” or end-use distribution systems include:

• Underfloor Heating (Radiant Floor Heating): Circulates heated water through pipes embedded in the floor for comfortable, even warmth.
• Radiators: Standard heating units that circulate heated water to warm rooms.
• Hot Water Tanks (for Domestic Hot Water): Stores hot water for household use (e.g., showers, sinks), heated efficiently by the heat pump.
• Fan Coils (Fan Convectors): Units that use a fan to blow air over a coil containing heated or cooled water, quickly distributing conditioned air.
• Central Ducted Systems (via Hydronic Air Handlers): Heated or chilled water from the heat pump can be sent to a specialized air handler unit, which then distributes conditioned air through a central duct network.
• Swimming Pool Heating Systems: Circulates pool water through a heat exchanger warmed by the heat pump.
• Spa Heating Systems: Specifically designed to heat water for hot tubs and spas.