If you live in Portland or Central Oregon, you’ve probably heard more people talking about heat pumps. These systems are quickly becoming a favorite for homeowners who want an energy-efficient way to stay warm in winter and cool in summer without relying on fossil fuels or juggling separate HVAC units.
At Roth, we’ve been helping Oregon families stay comfortable since 1976. In this post, we’ll show you how heat pumps work in clear, simple terms so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your home.
How a Heat Pump Works
The Basic Principle: Moving Heat, Not Creating It
Unlike furnaces or traditional air conditioners that generate heat or cold air, a heat pump works by moving existing heat from one place to another. In colder months, it pulls heat from the air outside and transfers it indoors. In warmer months, it reverses the process and moves heat out of your home.
Think of it like a refrigerator. Your fridge doesn’t create cold; it removes heat from inside the compartment and pushes it out of the back. A heat pump works the same way but handles your entire home.
The Refrigerant Cycle: The Heart of the System
At the center of every heat pump is a refrigerant that circulates in a loop, changing from liquid to gas and back again. This allows the system to absorb and release heat efficiently. It depends on four main parts:
- Evaporator Coil: Absorbs heat from the outside air (during heating) or indoor air (during cooling).
- Compressor: Pressurizes the refrigerant to raise its temperature.
- Condenser Coil: Releases heat indoors (in heating mode) or outdoors (in cooling mode).
- Expansion Valve: Drops the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant before it returns to the evaporator.
Each of these components plays a vital role in keeping the cycle moving and your home comfortable.
Heating Mode: Pulling Warmth from the Outdoors
Even when it feels cold outside, there’s still heat in the air. During Portland’s typical winter, cool but rarely freezing, the heat pump’s evaporator coil draws heat from that air. The refrigerant absorbs it, the compressor raises the temperature, and the warm refrigerant moves indoors. The condenser coil then releases that heat, warming your home’s air.
Because it’s only moving heat, not generating it, this process uses less energy than traditional heating systems.
Cooling Mode: Reversing the Process
In the summer, the process flips. A reversing valve changes the direction of the refrigerant. Now, the indoor coil acts as the evaporator, pulling heat from inside your home. The outdoor coil becomes the condenser, pushing that heat into the outside air. The result is a cooler home without the need for a separate air conditioner.
The Outdoor Unit (Compressor and Coils)
The outdoor unit houses the compressor and either the evaporator or condenser coil, depending on the season. It plays a major role in regulating refrigerant pressure and transferring heat in or out of your home. It’s important to keep this unit clear of leaves, grass, and other debris. In Portland’s wet climate, buildup can happen quickly, which can affect airflow and system performance.
The Indoor Unit (Air Handler and Coil)
Inside your home, the air handler works with the indoor coil to move heated or cooled air through your ductwork. Proper airflow is key to even temperatures and efficient operation. If your ducts are leaky or blocked, it can force your system to work harder than it should.
Keeping filters clean and scheduling routine maintenance are two of the best ways to protect your indoor unit and improve your comfort.
Auxiliary Heat (Backup for Colder Days)
While Portland winters are usually mild, there are days when the temperature drops low enough that a heat pump’s efficiency starts to dip. That’s where auxiliary heat comes in.
This backup system, often electric resistance heat or a small gas furnace, automatically activates when the outside temperature gets too low for the heat pump to keep up. It ensures your home stays warm even on the coldest days.
Types of Heat Pumps (Brief Overview)
Most homes in Portland and Central Oregon use air-source heat pumps, which draw heat from the air outside. These are the most common and cost-effective options. Some homes use ductless mini-splits, which are ideal for spaces without ductwork or for targeted room-by-room control. Ground-source heat pumps are another type, though less common due to the complexity and cost of installation.
Ready to Install a Heat Pump in Your Home?
Heat pumps are an energy-saving solution for homeowners in Portland and Central Oregon. Instead of burning fuel or relying on separate heating and cooling systems, you can use one system that moves heat efficiently, reducing your utility bills and environmental impact.
Roth has been installing and servicing heat pumps in Oregon for decades. Our licensed technicians understand the local climate, the equipment, and how to get the job done right. We also provide white glove service, which means we protect your home, communicate clearly, and follow through from start to finish.
If you want to know whether a heat pump is the right choice for your home, call Roth today. We’ll help you explore your options and find the best fit for your comfort and efficiency goals.
