About the Course
Who is it for?
engineers seeking a strong foundation and scientific approach to heat pumps
installers aiming to avoid costly mistakes by understanding the root causes of system issues
heat pump professionals who want to excel in design, installation, and commissioning (not just product handling)
anyone in the HVAC industry keen to align with global best practices and deliver reliable, efficient systems
What is included?
📌 3 main modules
💼 17 microlearnings
🏅 19 interactive assessments
📹 22 short video lessons
“99% of heat pump problems aren’t about the heat pump; they’re caused by poor design, installation, or commissioning. Our mission is to help you master the science and fundamentals, so you can deliver outstanding results every time.”
Content Summary:
1 Fundamentals of Heat Pumps
1.1. Welcome to Heat Pump Introduction and Technology
You’ll understand the mission and structure of the course, including how it’s designed for accessible, engaging learning. Discover how the platform supports your professional growth with videos, animations, and real-world examples. Learn how to navigate the course.
1.2. What is a Heat Pump?
You’ll learn the basic principle of heat pumps: moving heat from one place to another for both heating and cooling. Real-life examples will illustrate how this works in everyday life.
1.3. Types of Heat Pumps
You’ll explore the four main types of heat pumps, and how they differ by heat source and sink. The section focuses on air-to-water heat pumps as the most versatile for home heating and hot water. You’ll understand the importance of system design and installation for efficiency and reliability.
1.4. Power and Energy
You’ll learn the difference between power (rate of energy use) and energy (total work done), using simple analogies. The section explains how these concepts apply to heating systems and why understanding them is essential for system design. You’ll also see real-world examples to reinforce the distinction.
1.5. Laws of Thermodynamics
You’ll discover the key thermodynamic laws that govern how heat pumps transfer energy, not create it. Each law is explained in practical terms, showing how they apply to real heating and cooling scenarios.
1.6. Heat and Temperature
You’ll learn the crucial difference between heat (total energy transfer) and temperature (how hot or cold something is). Analogies make these concepts easy to grasp. This section prepares you to understand low-temperature heating systems and their advantages.
1.7. Phase Change
You’ll see how substances change phase by absorbing or releasing energy, a process central to heat pump operation. The section covers why phase change enables efficient heat transfer in refrigerants. You’ll understand how latent heat is used to move energy without changing temperature.
2 Refrigerant Cycle and Components
2.1. Refrigerant Cycle
You’ll learn how the refrigerant cycle moves heat using four main components in a closed loop. The section explains each step (evaporation, compression, condensation, and expansion), and how they work together. You’ll gain a foundational understanding of what makes heat pumps so efficient.
2.2. Evaporator
You’ll discover how the evaporator absorbs heat from the environment, turning liquid refrigerant into gas. This process is the first step in the heat transfer cycle and is crucial for system performance. By the end, you’ll understand why evaporators are key to efficient heating and cooling.
2.3. Compressor
You’ll learn how the compressor increases the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant gas, preparing it to release heat. The section explains the role of electrical energy in driving the cycle. You’ll see why the compressor is often called the “heart” of the heat pump system.
2.4. Condenser
You’ll understand how the condenser releases heat from the refrigerant gas to the target space, turning it back into a liquid. This section shows how usable heat is delivered to your home. You’ll learn why condensers are essential for both heating and cooling modes.
2.5. Expansion Valve
You’ll learn how the expansion valve drops the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, preparing it to absorb heat again. The section explains this step’s role in completing the cycle. You’ll see why precise control at this stage is vital for system efficiency.
2.6. Four-way Valve
You’ll discover how the four-way valve allows the heat pump to switch between heating and cooling by reversing the refrigerant flow. The section covers its importance for year-round comfort.
2.7. Refrigerants and Their Properties
You’ll explore the types of refrigerants used in modern heat pumps, focusing on efficiency and environmental impact. The section explains why refrigerant choice matters for safety, regulations, and performance. You’ll learn about current trends like the shift to low-GWP refrigerants.
3 Efficiency and Regulations
3.1. COP, SCOP, EER, SEER, SPF
You’ll learn what each efficiency metric means and how to use them to compare heat pump systems. The section explains why higher values mean better energy savings and lower running costs. You’ll gain confidence in evaluating system performance for your needs.
3.2. Heat Pumps vs. Fossil Fuel Technology
You’ll understand why heat pumps are more efficient than fossil fuel systems, delivering more heat per unit of energy. The section covers environmental and cost benefits, showing how heat pumps help reduce emissions. You’ll see practical comparisons to help you make informed choices.
3.3. Electricity-to-Gas Price Ratio
You’ll learn how the cost-effectiveness of heat pumps depends on the price ratio between electricity and gas. The section explains what makes heat pumps economical in different regions and market conditions. You’ll understand the impact of policy, infrastructure, and energy prices on adoption.
3.4. F-Gas Regulations
You’ll discover the basics of EU regulations phasing out high GWP refrigerants, and why this matters for sustainability. You’ll learn the essentials of compliance and environmental responsibility.
Your Instructor
Mario Dodić

Mario Dodić is a heat pump trainer and the founder of HVAC Education Hub with more than 7 years of experience in Technical Support and HVAC Trainer.
