One great way to get more efficient heating and cooling in your home is with a heat pump. But don't think heat pumps are just for heating. Many can be used for both heating and air conditioning. In fact, many ductless mini-split air conditioning units also operate as heat pumps.A heat pump is equipment that uses a refrigerant to move heat from one place to another.During the summer, a heat pump captures heat from inside a home and transfers it to the outdoor air through a condensing unit. heat pump is equipment that uses a refrigerant to move heat from one place to another. During the summer, a heat pump captures heat from inside a home and transfers it to the outdoor air through a condensing unit.