A heat pump is a heating and cooling system that transfers heat between indoor and outdoor air or between indoor and underground pipes. In the winter, it extracts heat from the outside air (even in cold temperatures) and transfers it inside to heat your home. In the summer, it reverses this process to remove heat from your home and transfer it outside, cooling your indoor space.

Heat pumps work on the principle of heat transfer using refrigerant. In heating mode, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside air and moves it indoors, where it is released, warming the indoor space. In cooling mode, the process is reversed: the refrigerant absorbs heat from indoors and releases it outside, cooling the indoor space.

Heat pumps are highly energy-efficient, as they simply move heat rather than generating it. They can provide both heating and cooling, making them versatile for year-round comfort. Additionally, heat pumps can help reduce your carbon footprint since they use electricity instead of burning fossil fuels.

Heat pumps are ideal for moderate climates where temperatures rarely dip below freezing for extended periods. They are less efficient in very cold climates but can still be used with supplemental heating sources. Your HVAC professional can assess your home's insulation, size, and other factors to determine if a heat pump is a good fit.

The time required for a heat pump installation can vary depending on the complexity of the system, your home's existing infrastructure, and other factors. On average, a typical installation can take anywhere from one to three days. It's best to consult with your HVAC contractor to get a more accurate estimate based on your specific circumstances.