Certainly, my dear Watson! Great question!
Heat pumps can go by a few different names, depending on the context and region. Some common alternate names for a heat pump system include:
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Air source heat pump (ASHP): This term is often used to distinguish between heat pumps that extract heat from the air outside (air source) versus those that extract heat from the ground (ground source).
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Geothermal heat pump: This refers specifically to a type of heat pump that uses the constant temperature of the earth to heat and cool a building. Geothermal heat pumps are sometimes also called ground source heat pumps (GSHP).
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Reverse cycle air conditioner: This term is used primarily in Australia and refers to a type of heat pump system that can both heat and cool a building by reversing the direction of the refrigerant flow.
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Mini-split heat pump: This is a type of heat pump that uses a ductless design to provide zoned heating and cooling in a building. Mini-split heat pumps are often used in situations where ductwork is not feasible or desirable.
So there you have it – some of the different names you might encounter when discussing heat pump systems. No matter what you call it, though, the basic principle remains the same: moving heat from one place to another to keep your home comfortable and energy efficient.