Heating & Cooling 101

An inverter is an energy-saving technology found in select air conditioners and heat pumps that helps reduce wasted energy. Unlike traditional, non-inverter systems that constantly turn the compressor motor on and off to maintain a set temperature, inverter systems make slight adjustments to its variable speed compressor to keep the temperature steady. This approach can cut power usage and help reduce the uncomfortable temperature swings common in non-inverter systems, creating a comfortable living space.

A heat pump is a versatile indoor comfort system that can both heat and cool a space by transferring heat between the indoors and outdoors. In heating mode, it draws heat from the outside air and brings it indoors, even in cold weather. In cooling mode, it functions like an air conditioner, removing indoor heat and releasing it outside. With the push to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, all-electric, energy-efficient heat pumps offer an excellent, sustainable solution for maintaining indoor comfort. 

In North America, heat pump technology plays a crucial role in meeting emissions targets, particularly in areas where fossil fuels are banned in new construction or in communities striving to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. In the United States, heat pump technology is key to helping meet targets such as New York’s 80 x 50 goal (achieving 80% carbon reductions by 2050) and Berkeley, California’s ban on using fossil fuels in new construction.

A ductless mini-split heat pump system is a type of heating and cooling solution that operates without the need for traditional ductwork. Each indoor unit can be controlled independently, allowing for customized temperature settings in different rooms or zones. The system transfers heat between the indoor unit(s) and the outdoor equipment, providing efficient heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. They are particularly appreciated in homes that do not have air conditioning or heating through ductwork, or converting a garage into an office or a gym. They are also very cost-effective in solving a problem area, for example, a hot or cold spot or room in a home, serving as a support system instead of replacing what you already have.

Heat pumps rely on the closed-loop refrigeration principle of transferring thermal energy. In heating season, the outdoor unit absorbs heat from outside air, even in cold temperatures, and transfers it to the indoor space. In the cooling season, the indoor unit absorbs heat from indoor air and sends it outside. Heat pumps eliminate the need for standard combustion heating methods with fossil fuels, which means you don’t need to compromise comfort for sustainability.