How Do Air Source Heat Pumps Work?

Air source heat pumps (ASHPs) extract heat from the outdoor air, even in cold weather, using a refrigerant that absorbs this heat in a heat exchanger. The refrigerant, which turns into a gas as it absorbs heat, is then compressed to raise its temperature significantly. This hot gas transfers its heat into the home, warming the indoor air or water for heating systems, before condensing back into a liquid. The refrigerant then returns to the outdoor unit to repeat the process. This cycle is highly efficient, as it moves existing heat rather than generating it, leading to energy savings.