A compensator for an indoor unit of a reversible heat pump is disclosed. The compensator comprises a conduit of a predefined profile having a first end, and a second end. The first end of the conduit is adapted to be fluidically coupled to a thermal expansion device and a primary header of the indoor unit, such that the conduit remains above a connection point between the conduit, the thermal expansion device, and the primary header. The compensator is configured outside the indoor unit in one or more configurations. The compensator stores excess charge created between heating and cooling modes of the heat pump.