What is the operational mode of a heat pump that moves heat from a cool space to a warmer space?

The operational mode of a heat pump that moves heat from a cool space to a warmer space is indeed the heating mode. In this mode, the heat pump extracts heat from the outside, which could be cooler air, ground, or water, and transfers it into a building or other environment that is at a higher temperature. This process is achieved through the refrigeration cycle that includes compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation within the heat pump system.

In contrast, other modes serve different functions. Cooling mode would be utilized when the environment needs to be cooled rather than heated, drawing heat from inside a space and relocating it outside. Defrost mode is specifically activated in situations where the outdoor unit may form ice buildup and needs to warm the coils temporarily to melt the frost. Idle mode indicates that the system is not actively heating or cooling, remaining in a standby state. Understanding these different modes highlights how the heating mode is essential for transferring heat against the natural flow (from cool to warm) effectively.