Fundamentals of Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps: Understanding the Refrigerant Cycle

Weatherization professionals are increasingly encountering homes with central air conditioning and heat pumps. To ensure that systems are installed, commissioned, and verified correctly, it’s essential to understand the fundamentals of how these systems move heat. This session provides a practical, accessible overview of the refrigerant cycle and its role in both cooling and heating.
Participants will learn the basic components—compressor, condenser, expansion device, and evaporator—and how refrigerant flows through each stage of the cycle. The session highlights the differences between traditional air conditioners and heat pumps, including the role of the reversing valve and how heat pumps provide both heating and cooling from the same system.
By grounding these concepts in field applications, weatherization professionals of all levels will be better equipped to communicate with HVAC contractors, recognize proper system operation, and support energy-efficient installations that deliver real comfort and savings to households.