What is the primary function of a heat pump in HVAC systems?

The primary function of a heat pump in HVAC systems is to transfer heat between indoor and outdoor environments. This process utilizes the principles of thermodynamics to either heat or cool a space, depending on the season.

During colder months, a heat pump extracts heat from the outdoor air (even when temperatures are low) and moves it indoors, effectively warming the space. Conversely, in warmer months, it reverses the process by removing heat from the indoor environment and releasing it outside, thereby cooling the indoor air. This dual capability makes heat pumps efficient and versatile for year-round climate control.

Heat pumps do not generate electricity, filter indoor air, or directly control humidity levels, though they can contribute to those functions indirectly through their operation and the use of supplemental systems. Thus, the heat pump's essential role is centered around the transfer of heat, making it a key component of modern HVAC systems.