Space conditioning is the largest user of energy in a
residence, accounting for 40 percent of the average
home’s energy costs and more in extreme climates.
ENERGY STAR labeled heat pumps are space conditioning
systems that provide both heating and cooling. Heat
pumps use a refrigeration cycle, just like refrigerators
and air conditioners, to pump heat from one space to
another . The difference between a heat pump and
other refrigeration systems is a “reversing valve” which
switches the system between the heating and cooling
modes. The waste heat from these systems can also
be used for water heating.
www.energystar.gov
