Question 1

What does a heat pump do?

Accepted Answer

Moves heat from one place to another. A heat pump MOVES heat from a low-temperature source (air/ground/water) to a higher-temperature sink (building). It doesn't create heat by burning fuel.

Question 2

A heat pump works on the same principle as:

Accepted Answer

A refrigerator. A fridge extracts heat from inside and releases it at the back. A heat pump does the same on a larger scale - extracting heat from outside and delivering it inside.

Question 3

For every 1 unit of electricity used, a typical ASHP delivers:

Accepted Answer

2.5 to 4 units of heat. Heat pumps deliver 2.5-4 units of heat per unit of electricity. The extra energy is free environmental heat upgraded to a useful temperature.

Question 4

Where does the 'extra' energy come from that makes heat pumps so efficient?

Accepted Answer

Free environmental heat from air, ground, or water. The heat pump uses electricity to move heat, but the heat itself comes from the environment (outdoor air, ground, or water). This free heat is what gives CoP values above 1.0.

Question 5

What is the main environmental benefit of heat pumps?

Accepted Answer

Reduction in carbon emissions due to high efficiency. High efficiency (2.5-4x) reduces electricity demand and associated CO2 emissions. As the grid gets greener, HP emissions fall further.

Question 6

What is NOT a downside of an ASHP?

Accepted Answer

Can provide both heating AND cooling. Providing both heating and cooling is an ADVANTAGE, not a downside. Higher cost, lower flow temps, and noise are genuine challenges.

Free heat pump exam questions

1. What does a heat pump do?

2. A heat pump works on the same principle as:

3. For every 1 unit of electricity used, a typical ASHP delivers:

4. Where does the 'extra' energy come from that makes heat pumps so efficient?

5. What is the main environmental benefit of heat pumps?

6. What is NOT a downside of an ASHP?

Want the full bank?