In a heat pump, can the heat exchanger coils switch functions?

In a heat pump system, the heat exchanger coils are designed to switch functions based on the mode of operation—either heating or cooling. This capability is a fundamental feature of heat pumps, allowing them to extract heat from the outside air, ground, or water and transfer it indoors during heating mode, while reversing the process during cooling mode.

When the heat pump operates in heating mode, one set of coils (often referred to as the evaporator) absorbs heat from the environment, while the other set (the condenser) releases heat into the indoor space. When the system is switched to cooling mode, these coils swap roles: the coils that were previously absorbing heat now release it indoors, and the coils that were releasing heat become the evaporator, absorbing heat from inside the building.

This reversible operation enhances energy efficiency and versatility, enabling the heat pump to provide both heating and cooling as needed, depending on the season. Overall, the ability of the heat exchanger coils to function in both roles is what enables heat pumps to be effective heating and cooling solutions.