About The Author: Travis Baugh is a Digital Brand Marketing Manager for Bryant, where he creates clear, helpful content to guide homeowners through heating, cooling, and indoor air quality decisions. His goal is to empower readers with the knowledge they need to choose the right comfort solutions for their home—confidently and comfortably.
A Homeowner's Guide to Air Source Heat Pumps
By Travis Baugh
An air source heat pump is an energy-efficient HVAC system that heats and cools your home by transferring heat rather than generating it. In the winter, it extracts warmth from outdoor air to heat your home, and in the summer, it moves indoor heat outside to cool your space. This dual functionality offers a versatile, cost-effective solution for year-round comfort.
How does an air source heat pump work?
Air source heat pumps use a refrigeration cycle to move heat between the indoors and outdoors. This process allows one system to act as both a heater and an air conditioner, providing consistent comfort in every season.
The Heating and Cooling Cycle
The magic lies in the refrigerant—a substance that changes from liquid to gas at varying temperatures to transport heat. Here is how the cycle operates:
- Evaporation: The liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air, causing it to evaporate into a low-pressure gas.
- Compression: The gas is then compressed, which significantly increases its temperature and pressure.
- Condensation: This hot, high-pressure gas flows through the indoor unit's coil, releasing its heat into your home's air. As it cools, it condenses back into a high-pressure liquid.
- Expansion: The liquid refrigerant passes through an expansion valve, which lowers its pressure and temperature, preparing it to absorb heat from the outdoors again.
This cycle runs continuously, using the ambient heat in the air to provide efficient heating and cooling with minimal energy consumption
“An air source heat pump is a heating and cooling system that transfers warm air from outside the home to inside the home in heating mode, and like an air conditioner, transfers warm air from inside the house to the outside of the house in cooling mode,” Mike Lea, co-owner of Lea Heating & Air Conditioning in East Dundee, IL said.
Learn more about what is a heat pump and how heat pumps work.
How is air source heat pump efficiency measured?
Efficiency is key to lowering energy bills. Air source heat pumps use two main ratings: SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) for cooling and HSPF2 (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor 2) for heating. Higher numbers in either rating indicate better energy efficiency and lower long-term operating costs.
Factors That Impact Efficiency
To get the most out of your system ratings (like SEER2), consider these four factors:
- Unit Sizing: An incorrectly sized unit—whether too large or too small—will not operate at peak efficiency. Professional sizing is crucial for optimal performance.
- Outdoor Temperature: While heat pump efficiency naturally decreases as outdoor temperatures drop, modern cold climate heat pumps are engineered to provide reliable heat even in freezing conditions.
- Installation Quality: A professional heat pump installation ensures correct refrigerant levels, proper airflow, and secure electrical connections, all of which are vital for efficiency.
- Regular Maintenance: Keeping filters clean and scheduling regular heat pump maintenance allows components to operate efficiently and extends the system's lifespan.
Compared to traditional electric resistance heating systems like baseboard heaters or electric furnaces, air source heat pumps are significantly more efficient and can deliver substantial energy savings.
Types of Air Source Heat Pumps
Every home is different, and so are the solutions available. Whether you have existing ductwork or need a flexible option for a room addition, there is a model for you.
Single-Stage vs. Variable-Speed
- Single-stage heat pumps operate at one fixed speed, turning on and off to maintain temperature. They are a consistent and reliable option.
- Variable-speed heat pumps adjust their operating speed based on the home's heating or cooling needs. This allows for more precise temperature control, quieter operation, and superior energy efficiency.
Ducted vs. Ductless
- Ducted heat pumps use your home's existing ductwork to distribute conditioned air, making them a popular choice for homes with a central HVAC system.
- Ductless heat pumps, also known as mini split heat pumps, are a great option for homes without ductwork. They consist of an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor units, enabling zoned heating and cooling for individual rooms.
Dual Fuel Systems
Dual fuel systems pair an electric air source heat pump with a gas or oil furnace for maximum efficiency. The system intelligently switches between the heat pump in milder weather and the furnace during extreme cold, ensuring you always have reliable, cost-effective heat.
How do I choose the right air source heat pump?
Choosing the right air source heat pump involves considering your home's size, your local climate, and the features that matter most to you. An expert can perform a load calculation to determine the correct size for your home and recommend a model with the right efficiency ratings for your climate.
Key factors to consider include:
- Sizing: Your local Bryant dealer can calculate the precise size needed for your home's square footage, layout, and insulation levels to ensure efficient operation.
- Climate: In colder regions, a heat pump with a high HSPF2 rating is essential. In warmer areas, focus on a model with a high SEER2 rating for cooling efficiency.
- Features: Look for features that enhance comfort and performance, such as variable-speed compressors, noise-reduction technology, and ENERGY STAR® certification.
Work With A Bryant Dealer To Find The Right Air Source Heat Pump
At Bryant, we offer a wide range of high efficiency heat pumps designed with efficiency and performance in mind. Our advanced technologies and innovative features ensure optimal performance and reliability, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable indoor environment while helping reduce your heating and cooling bills.
Whether you're looking for a single-stage or variable-speed heat pump, ducted or ductless system, or a dual fuel option, your local Bryant dealer can perform your heat pump replacement. Schedule an appointment with your local Bryant dealer today and start to experience the comfort of an air source heat pump.
Discover Bryant Heat Pumps
Choose a Bryant heat pump for reliable, energy-efficient heating and cooling all year round. Known for their durability and advanced technology, Bryant heat pumps offer superior comfort while lowering energy costs. With quiet operation and smart features like variable-speed motors, Bryant heat pump systems ensure optimal temperature control. Backed by industry-leading warranties and professional installation from your local Bryant dealer, a Bryant heat pump is a long-term investment in comfort, efficiency, and peace of mind for your home.
Air Source Heat Pump FAQs
A heat pump is a general term for systems that transfer heat to provide heating and cooling, while an air source heat pump specifically extracts heat from the outside air to condition your home.
Air source heat pumps are generally cost-effective to run, especially in moderate climates, and can be cheaper than gas or electric resistance heating depending on local energy prices due to their high efficiency.
Air source heat pumps are most efficient at temperatures above 40°F, though modern cold-climate models maintain strong performance even in subfreezing conditions.
Yes, air source heat pumps can be worth it, especially in regions with mild winters and moderate humidity, where it can deliver efficient year-round comfort.
Most heat pumps last around 10 to 15 years, depending on maintenance and local climate conditions.
Learn More About Heat Pumps
- Explore heat pump repair
- Read our guide to heat pump cost
- Understand what is an electric heat pump
- Discover what is auxiliary heat
- How do I know if I have a heat pump?
- Learn about heat pump benefits
