What is a heat pump cooling system?
All refrigerated air conditioning systems, including reverse cycle air conditioners, are heat pumps (so are refrigerators). A ‘heat pump’ transfers heat from one zone to another. Heat pumps consist of an indoor and outdoor coil connected by a pipe through which a refrigerant circulates (note that refrigerants used are now CFC free). As warm air passes over the inside coil, heat from the air is absorbed by the refrigerant. This cools the air that is released back into the room. Meanwhile, the heat absorbed by the refrigerant is transferred to the external coil where it is released to the outside air. Reverse cycle air conditioners also work in reverse to provide heating. During the heating mode, heat is absorbed from the outside air and transferred via the refrigerant to the air inside your home. It doesn’t have to be warm outside for reverse-cycle air conditioners to work – they are capable of providing adequate heat when outside temperatures are below freezing. Check with manufacturer
