[RatchetWerks]

According to the HVAC industry it is the correct term, based on my experience.

I agree with your logic both modes of operation (heat/cool) are both pumping heat.

Cripple is a fairly strong word here. HVAC is hyper optimized for cost/simplicity at the expense of comfort and efficiency. Which kills me. The industry is also stuck in the 80s in terms of power electronics. Variable speed control on the fans and compressors are a BIG deal. Like 20k for the gear. Even though the BOM cost is dirt cheap. Look at Carrier Infinity if you are curious

MANY Megawatts worth of power would be saved if they just included a directional valve, some speed control PCB and electronic expansion valve

[balfirevic]

> Cripple is a fairly strong word here.

Well... I'm in Europe, so I don't know if I ever saw a heat pump that can't operate both ways :-)

[asteroidburger]

Until recently, they've not been as common here in the US. Fossil fuels are just so much cheaper for the end customer, and central HVAC units in homes are much more common here.

[RatchetWerks]

The US is somehow very ahead and very behind at the same time :)