What is a key distinguishing feature of a heat pump compared to a traditional refrigeration system?

A key distinguishing feature of a heat pump compared to a traditional refrigeration system is its ability to provide both heating and cooling. This versatility allows heat pumps to transfer heat from one location to another, effectively enabling them to operate in reverse to provide heating during colder months.

In contrast, traditional refrigeration systems are specifically designed primarily for cooling purposes, such as removing heat from a space, like in refrigerators or air conditioners. While both systems use similar components and principles, the defining attribute of a heat pump lies in its dual functionality, making it suitable for year-round climate control.

This dual capability is achieved through a reversing valve that allows the refrigerant to flow in both directions, thus enabling the heat pump to either absorb heat from the environment to warm an indoor space or expel heat to cool that space, demonstrating the system's adaptability in temperature regulation.