A home heat pump is a highly efficient heating and cooling system. But when the temperature drops below 20° in the winter, can it work for heating homes? In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of heat pumps and whether they work well in winter.Â
Key Takeaway
Yes, heat pumps work well even in winter; freezing temperatures are no problem for heat pumps. It used to be that some heat pumps were better suited to cold climates than others. The good news is that thanks to technological advances, you and your family can stay warm even in the most frigid weather using heat pumps.
What Are Heat Pumps?
A heat pump transfers heat from cold outdoor air to indoor air during the cooler months. It draws heat out of the indoor air in warmer months to cool your house.
With electricity as their power source, heat pumps circulate refrigerant to keep you comfortable all year long. And if you’re looking for methods to reduce carbon footprints print, you can also benefit from heat pumps. Heat pumps don’t burn fossil fuels, reducing their environmental impact and making them an energy-efficient alternative to furnaces and air conditioners.
Pros of Heat Pumps
Cost-effectiveness: Compared to combustion-based systems, heat pumps are cheaper to operate. Energy savings are greater in the long run because they are more energy efficient.
Efficiency: Heat pumps are less energy and fuel-intensive than other heating and cooling systems. On average, they last for 15 years.
Requires less maintenance: You can check specific details of the system once a year, even by yourself.
Cons of Heat Pumps
Upfront costs are high: Quality of equipment, the complexity of installation, type of system, labour and many other factors contribute to their cost.
Installation is tricky: You must research the movement of heat, the local geology and your household’s heating and cooling requirements.
Electricity is required: Electricity is more environmentally friendly than burning fossil fuels, but it is not without risks. For instance, heat pumps can’t run during power outages.
Do Heat Pumps Work in Winter?
Even in cold climates, heat pumps work very well in winter. Heat pumps are twice as efficient in temperatures below 0° Fahrenheit as gas heating and electric heating.
With new heat pump technology, you can keep your home warm even in the coldest winter and use significantly less electricity than a traditional heater.
You may wonder: Can a heat pump be ineffective at a certain temperature? Currently, there are cold-climate heat pumps that perform well at -10°. Below this temperature, many models for cold climates use backup heating to keep the house warm.
What’s the Best Home Heating Option?
If you need help with your home heating, Centraheat can assist you. With your needs and budget in mind, we’ll find the best possible home heating solution. Contact our specialists today to get started.
