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A heat pump is one unit that can heat and cool. It moves heat with refrigerant. In summer, it works like an AC and carries heat out of the house. In winter, it flips and pulls outdoor heat inside. It moves heat rather than making it. With the right size and a good installation, it can be very efficient.
A heat pump heater doesn't generate heat—it moves existing heat from one place to another using refrigerant and a compression cycle.
Here's the simple breakdown:
Why it matters for your air quality:
Heat pumps circulate air through your HVAC system constantly, which means your air filter works harder. Regular filter changes (every 60-90 days) keep your heat pump running efficiently and your indoor air clean.
Key benefits:
In cooling mode, your heat pump works just like an air conditioner. Warm indoor air passes over the indoor coil, and the refrigerant soaks up that heat and turns into a vapor. The compressor then squeezes the vapor to raise its pressure and temperature and sends it to the outdoor coil. Outside, the coil dumps that heat into the air so the refrigerant cools back down. An expansion device drops the pressure so the refrigerant is ready to absorb heat again on the next pass through the indoor coil. The reversing valve stays set to Cool for this entire cycle.
In winter, your heat pump runs in reverse. The outdoor coil pulls heat from the cold air outside, and the refrigerant picks it up. The compressor squeezes that refrigerant so it gets hotter, then sends it to the indoor coil. Your blower moves air across that warm coil and pushes the heat through the ducts. An expansion device then drops the pressure so the refrigerant can head back outside and grab more heat. The reversing valve is set to Heat for this whole process. On a cold or damp day,s you might see a brief defrost cycle that melts frost on the outdoor coil, then the system goes right back to heating.
An air conditioner only cools. A heat pump cools in summer and heats in winter with the same hardware. If your ducts are in good shape, a heat pump air conditioner system can replace an old AC and also provide heating. Homes without ducts can use ductless mini split heads to condition specific rooms.
Many homes use ducted heat pumps that connect to existing supply and return ducts for whole-home comfort. Ductless systems use wall or ceiling heads and work well in additions or in homes without ducts. Compare models using SEER2 for cooling and HSPF2 for heating. Higher numbers mean higher seasonal efficiency under the current test method. In colder regions, choose a cold climate model and keep backup heat only for rare extremes.
Use Heat, Cool, or Auto as seasons change and avoid large thermostat swings. Keep at least three feet of open space around the outdoor unit for airflow and service. For ducted systems, check the return filter monthly so the indoor coil stays clean. For ductless heads open the front panel and clean the washable intake screens on the schedule in the manual.
Your return filter works in both seasons. Pick the exact size and install it with the airflow arrow toward the blower.Choose a pleated Filterbuy MERV filter to make sure your HVAC is filtering out dust and allergens year-round. If odors are a concern, select Filterbuy Odor Eliminator with activated carbon.Check monthly and replace every one to three months. Change it sooner if you have pets, allergies, wildfire smoke, or renovation dust. Change it now if the media looks gray or matted, airflow feels weak, or you see dust streaks on supply vents.
No. An air conditioner only cools. A heat pump cools in summer and also heats in winter with the same equipment.
Yes. Modern cold climate models heat well in many regions. Output drops as temperatures fall, so some homes keep backup heat for rare extremes.
It reverses the refrigeration cycle. The outdoor coil absorbs heat from cold air, the compressor boosts it, and the indoor coil releases that heat into your rooms.
Lower heating output in very cold spells, brief defrost pauses in damp cold, and a need for clear space around the outdoor unit. Performance depends on correct sizing and airflow.
They move heat rather than make it, so they can be very efficient. Compare models using SEER2 for cooling and HSPF2 for heating. Higher numbers mean higher seasonal efficiency.
Often about 12 to 15 years with good installation and maintenance. Climate and usage can shorten or extend that range.
Check the return filter monthly. Keep at least three feet clear around the outdoor unit. Have a pro check refrigerant charge, electrical connections, and drains on a regular schedule.
Use the exact size. Choose Filterbuy MERV 11 for a strong balance of airflow and capture or MERV 13 if your system allows. Replace every one to three months based on dust and runtime.
Yes. Ductless mini split systems condition rooms with wall or ceiling heads and do not need ductwork.
Noise levels are similar to a modern air conditioner. Keep the outdoor unit level and clear of obstructions to avoid vibration and airflow noise.
Yes. In cooling mode, it removes moisture as air passes over the cold indoor coil, similar to an air conditioner.
No. It needs electricity to run. Consider whole-home or room-specific backup plans if outages are common.
Now that you understand how your heat pump heater works, make sure it keeps working efficiently with the right air filter delivered straight to your door. Shop Filterbuy's 600+ filter sizes and set up auto-delivery so you never miss a filter change again.
