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In its most basic form, a heat pump acts very much like a refrigerator. When it’s cold outside, a heat pump pulls exterior heat inside. When it’s warm outside, it reverses directions and acts like an air conditioner, removing heat from your home. A compressor circulates refrigerant that absorbs and releases heat as it travels between the indoor and outdoor units. The indoor unit is called an air handler and the outdoor unit is very similar to a central air conditioner, but is called a heat pump.
As with all products, the lifespan will vary. However, an air/water or liquid/water heat pump from a reputable manufacturer should last between 20 and 30 years. Heat pumps, if correctly installed, require little maintenance.
An advantage of a heat pump is that instead of generating heat, it moves heat which greatly increases your energy efficiency. Another thing to keep in mind is that heat pumps are powered by electricity; you can save quite a bit of money on annual fuel consumption. With all of these positives, it is no wonder that heat pumps are rapidly becoming the most common choice for new and existing homes!