Final answer:
A heat pump is a device that can both heat and cool a space, working by transferring thermal energy in or out of a house. This process is efficient and contributes to sustainable living by supporting the development of zero-energy homes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The system that can generate heating and cooling from the same device is known as a heat pump. Heat pumps are versatile units that can transfer thermal energy in or out of a house; hence they can cool or warm a space accordingly. This transfer is achieved by reversing the flow of the working fluid within the system. In hot weather, the heat pump removes heat from inside the environment to the outside, cooling the area. Conversely, in cold weather, the heat pump works in reverse, drawing heat from the outside, even from cold air, to warm the inside of a building.
Utilizing a heat pump is a highly efficient method for both heating and cooling applications and plays a significant role in the movement toward zero-energy homes. These homes aim for minimal net energy consumption by optimizing the use of passive solar gain, better insulation, and efficient heat transfer systems among other methods. Heat pumps measure their efficiency in watts or BTU/hr, indicating the amount of thermal energy they can move per unit time.