heat pump

noun

1. a device that uses a compressible refrigerant to transfer heat from one body, as the ground, air, or water, to another body, as a building, with the process being reversible.

heat pump

noun

1. a device, as used in a refrigerator, for extracting heat from a source and delivering it elsewhere at a much higher temperature

Word History and Origins

Origin of heat pump¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

There’s the Get a Heat Pump website, launched by the charities Nesta and The MCS Foundation, which explains what heat pumps are and how they might fit into a home renovation plan.

From BBC

This proposal is very attractive to richer countries in Europe as it is far cheaper to pay for a wind farm somewhere in Africa, for example, than to subsidise heat pumps at home.

From BBC

It provides thousands of dollars in the form of rebates and tax credits for a consumer to get an EV and electrify their home with solar panels, a heat pump, and an induction stove.

From Salon

Another element is the transition to electricity for vehicles and heating – the increasing number of electric vehicles and heat pumps are also driving up demand for power, often met by fossil fuel sources.

From BBC

They’ve talked about installing solar panels, which would require replacing the roof, or replacing the house’s two older gas furnaces with an electric heat pump, Bellis said.

From Los Angeles Times