When operating in heat mode, where does hot gas leave the compressor first flow to?

When a heat pump operates in heat mode, the hot gas produced by the compressor first flows to the reversing valve. The reversing valve is a crucial component in a heat pump system that changes the flow direction of the refrigerant based on whether the system is in heating or cooling mode. In heating mode, the reversing valve directs the hot gas from the compressor towards the indoor coil, which functions as the condenser, allowing heat to be released into the indoor space. This function is essential because it enables the heat pump to transfer heat from the outdoor environment to the indoors efficiently.

The other components, such as the condenser, evaporator, and expansion valve, are part of different stages in the refrigeration cycle. The condenser receives the hot gas after it has passed through the reversing valve, while the evaporator is where the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside environment. The expansion valve is responsible for regulating the refrigerant flow between the condenser and evaporator but is not the first destination for the hot gas from the compressor in heat mode.