Over the last few years, people have started to switch to electric heat pumps. This device has the ability to control the temperature of a house so that it is comfortable in all seasons. People are starting to realize that the impact of global warming is significant enough to make seasonal temperatures increasingly unpredictable.
The heat in summer has become more intense than it used to be. Likewise, winter often arrives with sharper cold spells that last longer. Using an electric heat pump is more efficient than relying on a standard AC or furnace to manage these extremes, and it gives you a single system that handles both heating and cooling.
Many heat pump manufacturers have designed their products by incorporating the latest technology. This has made electric heat pumps a much more effective choice in areas with cold or colder climates. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat pumps can reduce electricity use for heating by up to 65 percent compared to electric resistance heaters, making them one of the most energy-efficient options available today.
Contents
- 1 How an Electric Heat Pump Working System Functions
- 2 Electric Heat Pump vs Standard Heating and Cooling Systems
- 3 How to Operate an Electric Heat Pump Correctly
- 4 Legom as an Electric Heat Pump Manufacturer
- 5 Frequently Asked Questions
- 5.1 What is an electric heat pump and how does it differ from a standard air conditioner?
- 5.2 Can an electric heat pump work effectively in very cold climates?
- 5.3 What temperature should I set my electric heat pump to?
- 5.4 How much can I save on energy bills by switching to an electric heat pump?
- 5.5 How long does an electric heat pump typically last?
How an Electric Heat Pump Working System Functions
Understanding the electric heat pump working system helps you decide quickly whether to replace the existing heating and cooling system in your home. With a reversing valve built into the heat pump system, this pump can do the work of both a standard air conditioner and a furnace. The reversing valve is what allows the heat pump to provide heating in winter and cooling in summer from a single unit.
Heat pump technology mirrors that of standard air conditioners, utilizing R32 refrigerant for efficient cooling. Cooling occurs because heat transfers from inside the room to outside. The heat pump can also provide heating by extracting heat energy from outside the building and moving it indoors. For a deeper look at the individual components that make this process possible, you can read our guide on heat pump components and benefits.
Electric heat pumps generally emit a very small carbon footprint compared to gas furnaces and oil boilers. A growing number of heat pump manufacturers now produce models designed to minimize emissions even further, making them a genuinely practical choice for households and businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact.
How the System Works Based on the Energy Source
Heat is a renewable energy source that is eco-friendly and available in abundance around us. Heat pumps in homes or commercial buildings use energy from the air outside or heat stored within the ground. You will find electric heat pumps on the market classified by their energy source, either air source or ground source, and each type has its own strengths depending on the climate and building type.
The heat in the surrounding air or coming from the ground is warm enough to cause the coolant inside the heat pump to evaporate and turn into gas. This phase change is the key step that allows the pump to extract usable heat energy even from cold outdoor air. The pump then works to release this heat energy through the heat exchange surface, either inside or outside the building depending on the season.
Why the Compressor Is a Critical Part of the Process
The compressor is one of the most important components in an electric heat pump. It works by moving the refrigerant gas and increasing its pressure significantly. As pressure rises, the temperature of the gas also increases, which is what allows the heat pump to deliver warmth to the interior of the building even when the outdoor air temperature is quite low.
The quality and efficiency of the compressor directly affects the overall performance of the heat pump system. High-efficiency DC inverter compressors, for example, can adjust their output based on the actual heating or cooling load required, which reduces energy waste and keeps running costs lower throughout the year.
Internal Heat Exchange and How Warmth Reaches Your Rooms
After the compressor raises the pressure and temperature of the gas, it passes through the internal heat exchange surface. This is where the heat is transferred to the air or water circulating inside the building. You can also use this heat to operate a central heating system or to produce hot water for domestic use.
The efficiency of this heat exchange step determines how effectively the warmth reaches every part of the building. A well-designed distribution system, such as underfloor heating connected to the heat pump output, can spread warmth evenly across large floor areas without the temperature variations that are common with traditional radiator systems.
How the Refrigerant Cycle Completes and Resets
Once the hot gas has transferred its heat into the house, its temperature gradually decreases. As it cools, the gas returns to its original liquid form and is ready to begin the cycle again. This continuous loop of evaporation, compression, heat exchange, and condensation is what allows the electric heat pump to maintain a consistent indoor temperature with minimal energy input.
The closed nature of this cycle means that the refrigerant is never depleted during normal operation. As long as the system is properly maintained and the refrigerant charge is kept within the correct range, the pump can continue operating at full efficiency for many years.
Electric Heat Pump vs Standard Heating and Cooling Systems
Before deciding whether to switch to an electric heat pump, it helps to compare it directly against the systems it is most likely to replace. The table below shows the key differences across the most common options.
| Feature | Electric Heat Pump | Standard AC | Gas Furnace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating and cooling in one unit | Yes | Cooling only | Heating only |
| Energy source | Electricity (transfers heat) | Electricity (generates cooling) | Natural gas or propane |
| Efficiency rating | 200% to 400% (COP 2 to 4) | 100% to 200% (SEER based) | Up to 98% (AFUE) |
| Carbon emissions | Very low to zero | Low (electricity only) | High (fossil fuel combustion) |
| Works in cold climates | Yes (modern models to -25°C) | No (cooling only) | Yes |
| Running cost over time | Lower | Moderate | Higher (fuel-dependent) |
How to Operate an Electric Heat Pump Correctly
If this is your first time operating an electric heat pump, a technician will walk you through the heating and cooling settings after installation. You can also check the instruction manual included in the product packaging for a full breakdown of the controls. However, there are a few practical tips that make everyday operation much easier to get right from the start.
How to Set the Thermostat for Maximum Comfort
Start by setting the heat pump thermostat to the most comfortable temperature for your household. You can do this by pressing a button on the remote control or directly using the controls on the thermostat unit in the room. The heat pump is designed to maintain a constant temperature, so once it is set, the system will work gradually and efficiently to reach and hold that level without constant manual adjustment.
One important point is that you should avoid setting the temperature to extreme levels. Dropping the thermostat to its lowest point on a hot day or raising it to the maximum during winter does not speed up the process. It only forces the system to work harder than necessary, which reduces efficiency and increases energy consumption over time.
Why Comfort Levels Vary Based on Outdoor Conditions
Because the heat pump system depends on the outdoor temperature and the level of insulation in your building, you may need to set the thermostat slightly higher or lower than the temperature you actually want inside. For example, if you are comfortable at around 18°C indoors, you may need to set the thermostat to 20°C so that the system compensates correctly for heat loss through the walls and windows.
The air flow inside the room will distribute more evenly once the heat pump settles into a steady operating cycle. Give the system time to stabilize after each adjustment rather than changing the setting repeatedly in short intervals. This patience is especially important during periods of extreme outdoor temperature, when the system requires a little more time to reach the target indoor temperature.
Why You Should Avoid Relying on Automatic Temperature Settings
People who are new to using an electric heat pump may be tempted to rely entirely on automatic temperature settings. While automation is a useful feature, it is important to understand its limitations during transitional weather. Cool summer nights and warm winter afternoons can cause automatic systems to switch between heating and cooling modes unnecessarily, which reduces overall efficiency.
A better approach is to monitor the forecast and set the thermostat manually based on expected conditions for the day. This gives you more control over energy consumption and avoids the system working against itself during mild transitional periods. Over time, you will develop a feel for the settings that work best for your building and location.
Legom as an Electric Heat Pump Manufacturer
Legom, as an electric air source heat pump manufacturer, provides practical and safe products that are designed to be straightforward from the very first installation. You do not need to worry about the initial setup and operation. Once the system is running, everyday use is simple and the performance is reliable across all seasons.
Our heat pump products have been sold in more than 90 countries, with more than 400 partners worldwide ordering regularly to sell under their own brands. You can explore our full range on our heat pump product page, or contact us directly to discuss OEM and ODM customization options for your business. We are ready to support your project from the initial consultation through to delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an electric heat pump and how does it differ from a standard air conditioner?
An electric heat pump is a device that transfers heat energy between the inside and outside of a building using electricity and a refrigerant cycle. The key difference from a standard air conditioner is that a heat pump includes a reversing valve, which allows it to run the refrigerant cycle in both directions. In cooling mode, it moves heat from inside to outside, just like an AC. In heating mode, it extracts heat from the outdoor air and moves it inside. This means a single electric heat pump can replace both an air conditioner and a furnace, which makes it a much more versatile and cost-effective system over the long term.
Can an electric heat pump work effectively in very cold climates?
Modern electric heat pumps are designed to operate in outdoor temperatures as low as -25°C, though performance does decrease at the lower end of that range. Older heat pump models struggled in cold climates, but advances in inverter compressor technology have made cold-climate heat pumps a reliable option even in regions with harsh winters. If you live in an area with very cold winters, look for a model specifically rated for low-temperature operation and consider a hybrid system that pairs the heat pump with a backup heating source for the coldest days of the year.
What temperature should I set my electric heat pump to?
For general home comfort, a thermostat setting between 18°C and 21°C is suitable for most households during the heating season. The exact setting depends on your personal comfort level, the insulation quality of your home, and the outdoor temperature. Rather than setting the thermostat to the maximum and then lowering it, it is more efficient to find a stable setting and leave it there. Heat pumps are designed to maintain a steady temperature continuously, and they perform best when they are not constantly switching between significantly different target temperatures.
How much can I save on energy bills by switching to an electric heat pump?
The savings depend on what system you are replacing and your local energy prices. If you are switching from an electric resistance heater, the savings can be substantial because a heat pump delivers two to four units of heat energy for every unit of electricity it consumes. If you are replacing a gas furnace, the savings depend on the relative cost of electricity versus gas in your area. In many markets, particularly where electricity is generated from renewable sources, the switch to a heat pump reduces both energy costs and carbon emissions significantly over the life of the system.
How long does an electric heat pump typically last?
A well-maintained electric heat pump generally has a service life of 15 to 20 years. The outdoor unit, which contains the compressor, tends to be the component with the most wear over time, while the indoor components often last longer. Regular maintenance, including annual servicing by a qualified technician, cleaning of filters, and ensuring the refrigerant charge is correct, can help the system reach or exceed the upper end of its expected lifespan. Choosing a product from a reputable manufacturer with proper certifications is also an important factor in long-term reliability.
Reviewed and updated by the LEGOM Technical Team on May 15, 2026. This article covers how an electric heat pump works, how to operate it correctly, and why it is a more efficient choice than conventional heating and cooling systems, based on Legom’s experience as an electric heat pump manufacturer supplying HVAC solutions to partners in more than 90 countries worldwide.