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A heat pump can cool your home in summer and heat it in cooler months with the same equipment.
In this blog, we’ll explain what heat pump cooling is, how it works, the main system types, and how filters support airflow and indoor air quality.
A heat pump is an electric system that moves heat with refrigerant. In cooling mode, the indoor coil absorbs heat from your home, and the outdoor coil releases that heat outside. The indoor blower sends the cooled air through ducts or into a room head for ductless systems.
This is why people say they are cooling with a heat pump. In summer it works like a central AC. In cooler months the cycle reverses to provide heat.
When a heat pump cools, moisture condenses on the indoor coil and drains away. Good humidity control depends on correct sizing, clean coils, a clear condensate drain, and air handlers that can run at lower fan speeds for longer cycles when needed. Very humid homes sometimes add a standalone dehumidifier.
Timely filter changes maintain system airflow and keep filtration performance high.Clean filters reduce dust and allergens in the air, support better humidity control during cooling, and protect the blower and coil from buildup that can lead to higher energy use or repairs. A dirty filter can increase runtime, raise utility bills, and allow bypass of fine particles that affect indoor air quality.
Ducted heat pumps use the same pleated HVAC return filters that central AC and furnaces use. A clean, properly rated filter protects the blower and indoor coil and keeps airflow in the target range.
Mini split indoor heads use washable mesh screens. Remove and clean them on the schedule in your manual. These heads do not accept pleated HVAC filters. If you want finer room filtration, pair a mini split with a portable HEPA air purifier that is sized to the room.
If your heat pump is ducted, it uses the same return filter as a central AC or furnace. Choose a snug-fitting pleated filter in MERV 8, 11, or 13. Filterbuy offers standard and custom sizes, made in the USA, with fast free shipping and optional Auto Delivery.
A properly sized heat pump, paired with a snug fitting MERV rated return filter and timely maintenance, delivers efficient cooling and cleaner indoor air.
It is a system that moves heat from inside your home to the outside. The indoor air gets cooler as the system removes heat and releases it outdoors.
Yes. In cooling mode a heat pump works like a central air conditioner. It moves heat out of your home using refrigerant.
Yes, if it is sized and installed correctly. Proper duct design, airflow, and equipment capacity are important for hot weather performance.
A ducted heat pump uses your home’s ducts and a central air handler. A ductless mini split uses one or more indoor wall or ceiling units to cool specific rooms.
Yes. Ducted systems use pleated HVAC return filters at the air handler or a return grille. Replace them on schedule to protect airflow and the coil.
No. Mini split heads use washable mesh screens that you clean. They do not accept pleated HVAC filters. For finer room filtration you can add a portable HEPA purifier.
Use the highest MERV your system supports while keeping airflow normal. MERV 8 is common for dust. MERV 11 helps with pet dander and many allergens. MERV 13 targets finer particles if your equipment and ducts can handle the added resistance.
Check monthly. Replace pleated HVAC filters every one to three months based on dust, pets, and runtime. Clean mini split screens on the schedule in your manual.
Yes. In cooling mode moisture condenses on the indoor coil and drains away. Good dehumidification depends on correct sizing, clean coils, and proper airflow.
SEER2 shows seasonal cooling efficiency. EER2 shows efficiency at a specific test condition. Higher numbers mean less electricity for the same cooling.
Often yes. A modern heat pump provides the same cooling as central AC and can also heat your home in cooler months.
If your heat pump is ducted you need a snug fitting pleated HVAC return filter. Filterbuy offers MERV 8, 11, and 13 filters in standard and custom sizes that ship fast with free delivery. If your heat pump is ductless you will clean the built in screens and may add a room air purifier for finer filtration.
No. Supply vents should deliver air that is already filtered. Adding media at supply vents can reduce airflow and increase noise.
Keep the outdoor unit clear of debris. Make sure the condensate drain is clear. Replace or clean filters on time. Schedule professional service for airflow checks and refrigerant charge.
