What is a central heat pump?
A central heat pump is an advanced heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system that provides both heating in the winter and cooling in the summer, using the building's existing air duct network. Unlike a wall-mounted heat pump that operates room by room, a central heat pump covers the entire house via ductwork, ensuring a consistent temperature in every room. It can replace both a traditional furnace and a central air conditioner.
In simple terms, it's a system consisting of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected by pipes filled with refrigerant. This refrigerant transports heat from one place to another depending on the season.
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In heating mode (winter) , the heat pump extracts heat from the outside air – even in extremely cold weather (some models operate down to -30°C ) – and transfers it inside the house to heat it.
- In cooling mode (summer) , the cycle reverses: the heat pump draws heat from inside the house and releases it outside, thus cooling the indoor air. It also acts as a dehumidifier in summer, increasing comfort.
- Distribution throughout the house : A fan located in the indoor unit (sometimes called a forced-air furnace or plenum ) pushes heated or cooled air through ducts. The conditioned air is then distributed to each room via air vents, providing uniform comfort and eliminating areas that are too hot or too cold.
In summary, a central heat pump uses a refrigeration cycle to move heat rather than create it. It offers an all-in-one solution to keep your home comfortable in all seasons, using existing or newly installed ductwork.
