In the heating mode, which component of the heat pump is energized first?

In heating mode, the outdoor fan is energized first to facilitate the circulation of outdoor air over the condenser coils. This begins the process of extracting heat from the outdoor air, even when it is cold outside. As the outdoor fan operates, it helps to effectively draw air through the outdoor unit, and this air carries heat that has been absorbed by the refrigerant in the outdoor coil.

This initial step is crucial because the outdoor coil is responsible for collecting heat, and having the outdoor fan active ensures that this process can occur efficiently. Once the heat has been absorbed, the refrigerant is then compressed, and the heated gas is subsequently sent indoors to provide warmth.

By starting with the outdoor fan, the system can quickly initiate the heating cycle, making it a fundamental first action in the heating mode. The importance of this step is emphasized in the operation sequence of the heat pump, where efficient heat transfer is reliant on adequate airflow across the outdoor coil.