Certified Residential Appraiser Practice Exam

What type of system utilizes freon for cooling and can reverse its operation for heating?

1. Combination Heating System

2. Geothermal Heating System

3. Heat Pump System

4. Solar Heating System

The correct answer is: Heat Pump System

A heat pump system is designed to utilize refrigerants, commonly known as freon, to facilitate both cooling and heating functions. In cooling mode, the heat pump absorbs heat from the indoor air and transfers it outside, effectively lowering the indoor temperature. Conversely, during the heating mode, the process is reversed: it extracts heat from the outside air (or ground) and brings it indoors, even in cooler conditions. This versatility makes heat pumps efficient systems for year-round temperature control in residential properties. The feedback on the other options provides a clearer understanding of why they are not the best choice. A combination heating system may involve various heating methods but doesn't specifically focus on the cycle of cooling and heating via the same mechanism as a heat pump. A geothermal heating system taps into the Earth's temperature but does not use freon and primarily focuses on ground heat for heating, rather than altering its operations for cooling. A solar heating system uses solar energy to provide warmth and does not utilize freon or have the capability to reverse its function for cooling. Thus, the unique functionality of a heat pump system stands out in this context.