Safety boundary: Outdoor-unit icing, refrigerant work and electrical service are technician tasks. Do not chip ice from coils or bypass controls.
A heat pump moves heat
In heating mode, an air-source heat pump extracts heat from outdoor air and transfers it indoors. In cooling mode it reverses direction, functioning much like an air conditioner.
Cold-weather performance
Capacity and efficiency change as outdoor temperature falls. Equipment selection should be based on climate performance data and the home’s heat loss, not only nominal size.
Backup and hybrid arrangements
Some homes use electric resistance backup; others pair a heat pump with a furnace. The controls decide when each source operates. Balance-point and fuel-cost assumptions should be explained in the proposal.
What to ask for
Request the selected model’s cold-climate performance, design temperature, calculated load, backup strategy, electrical requirements and commissioning measurements.
Useful questions to record
- Is airflow weak, warm, intermittent or normal?
- Is the outdoor unit operating?
- Is there ice or water around the indoor equipment?
Related guides
Central Air Conditioning BasicsThe indoor coil, outdoor unit, refrigerant circuit, blower and ductwork explained.Ductless Mini-SplitsWhere ductless heat pumps work well, where multiple heads complicate comfort and what installation quality means.Window, Through-Wall and Portable Air ConditionersHow room units differ and why single-hose portable units can disappoint.Air Conditioner or Heat Pump Not CoolingA safe troubleshooting sequence for weak airflow, warm air, icing and outdoor-unit problems.