Admin - 03:00 pm -
October 27th, 2025 
You may have heard about heat pumps and wondered what they are and how they work.
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is an air conditioner that works in reverse. In summer, it works just like your air conditioner, removing the heat and moisture from the air inside your home. In winter, the process reverses – the heat pump gathers and concentrates the heat from cold outdoor air and sends the warm into your home.
How is a heat pump installed?
A heat pump is installed just like an air conditioning system. There are heat pumps that connect to your ductwork, and then there are ductless heat pumps, also known as a mini-split systems, which provide year-round heating and cooling in spaces on your property that don’t have existing ductwork.
When is the best time of year to use a heat pump?
Heat pumps are ideal for shoulder seasons (fall and spring) because they are most efficient when the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors is small, which is characteristic of these transitional periods. They function as an all-in-one heating and cooling system, meaning they can both heat and cool a home as the weather fluctuates, offering energy-efficient comfort without the need for separate systems. This allows them to provide the right amount of heating or cooling as needed, switching seamlessly between modes for optimal energy savings.
What if it gets too cold outside?
Your heat pump will be backed up by another integrated part of your system and can be matched up with any fuel type. It can be added onto an oil, gas or electric system to produce heating bills that are, in most cases, lower than either a furnace or heat pump alone would allow.
In short, heat pumps are “hot” because of their superior energy efficiency. They transfer existing heat rather than generating it, leading to lower energy bills, reduced carbon emissions, and the ability to provide both heating and cooling from a single, versatile system. For more information on heat pumps, call SOC Energy/Service Oil Co. at 717-564-1657 Ext. 106 or complete our contact form. And don’t forget to check out photos of our recent heat pump installations!
