Heat pumps are an energy-efficient electric technology that use a condenser and refrigerant to heat and cool spaces. In the summer, the heat pump refrigerant pulls heat from inside air and transfers it outside to cool your space (like a refigerator or air conditioner). In the winter, a heat pump extracts heat from outside air (even cold air contains some heat!) and transfers it inside to warm your space.
Ductless heat pumps, AKA mini-split systems, like the one at the R.W. Kern Center, consist of outdoor condensers and indoor air handlers that work together to keep our building at just the right temperature throughout the year. Remember, heat pumps work most effectively in well-insulated buildings that can maintain stable indoor temperatures.
To see how it works, check out this short video.