Jahutussoojuspump

Jahutussoojuspump is a type of heat pump that extracts thermal energy from the environment and transfers it to a space or fluid for heating purposes. The term comes from the Estonian words "jahutus" meaning heating and "soojuspump" meaning heat pump. Such pumps operate on the same principle as refrigeration units, using a refrigerant cycle to move heat from a cooler region to a warmer one. Typical applications include residential and commercial heating, domestic hot water production, and in some cases, warmer months for cooling when the process is reversed.

A typical jahtustsoojuspump consists of an evaporator, compressor, condenser, and expansion device. In heating mode, the refrigerant absorbs heat from sources such as air, ground, or water, then is compressed to raise its temperature. The hot refrigerant releases the captured heat in the condenser to the building's heating network or water supply. Because the pump drives the cycle with electrical power rather than burning fuel, its energy efficiency is higher than conventional furnaces. Efficiency is quantified by the coefficient of performance (COP), with typical values ranging from 3 to 5.

Various types of jahtustsoojuspump exist, including air-source (ASHP), ground-source (GSHP), and water-source (WSHP) units, each chosen based on available ambient heat reservoirs and installation constraints. In Estonia, where cold winters demand significant heating, heat pumps are increasingly integrated with district heating systems and renewable energy strategies. Regulations and incentives have been introduced to promote their adoption, reducing carbon emissions and operational costs.