Can Heat Pumps be Used in Northern Climates?

If you’re searching for a new home comfort system, chances are you’ve heard about the efficient, cost-effective and enviromentally friendly features of heat pumps. These systems have been a favorite in warm climates for many years. But since they use heat from the outdoor air and transfer it inside, conventional wisdom recommends that installing them in cold climates is not sensible. This might have you wondering if a heat pump is a good choice for your home in the Northern U.S. or Canada. 

Before going more in-depth, rest assured that modern, cold-weather heat pumps are appropriate for northern climates. Over the last decade, the acceptance of heat pump technology has soared in Northern European countries like Norway and Sweden. With ordinary January temperatures sitting around 20 degrees F, homeowners in these areas obviously rely on effective heating options. Those who have installed cold-climate heat pumps have found that they fulfill their needs perfectly. 

What Makes Cold-Climate Heat Pumps Successful at Low Temperatures? 

Heat pump technology was once insufficient for temperate climates. As the temperature fell below freezing, these systems were simply unable to capture enough heat to effectively warm a house. But this is no longer the case. Here are the innovative features found in cold-climate heat pumps that permit them to work efficiently at temperatures colder than 0 degrees F. 

• Cold-weather coolants have a lower boiling point versus traditional heat pump refrigerants, helping them to draw more heat energy from cold air. 

• Multi-stage compressors work at lower speeds in temperate weather and switch to higher speeds in extreme cold. This boosts efficiency in dynamic weather conditions and keeps the indoor temperature more balanced. 
• Variable-speed fans work with multi-stage compressors to deliver heated air at the proper rate. 
• The enhanced coil design placed in most modern heat pumps includes grooved copper tubing with a bigger surface area, helping the unit to transfer heat more efficiently. 
• Flash injection creates a shortcut in the refrigerant loop to increase cold-weather heating performance. Efficiency drops a bit in this mode, but it’s still superior to depending on a backup electric resistance heater. 
• More powerful motors use less electricity to boost energy savings. 

• Other engineering optimizations such as decreased ambient flow rates, increased compressor capacity and enhanced compression cycle configurations further reduce energy consumption in freezing winter weather. 

Traditional Heating Systems vs. Heat Pumps in Colder Climates 

Heat pump efficiency is determined by its heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF), which conveys the total heating output over the heating season divided by the energy consumed during that period. The higher the HSPF, the better the efficiency. 

Starting in 2023, the nationwide minimum efficiency rating for heat pumps will be 8.8 HSPF. Many cold-climate heat pumps offer ratings of 10 HSPF or higher, enabling them to operate at up to 400% efficiency in moderate weather. In other words, they move four times more energy than they use in the process. 

Performance dips as the temperature drops, but many models are still around 100% efficient in sub-freezing conditions. Compare this to brand-new, high-efficiency furnaces, which top out at about 98% efficiency. 

In terms of actual savings, results may vary. The biggest savers are likely to be people who heat with delivered fuels such as propane and oil, as well as those who use electric furnaces or electric baseboard heaters. 

However, heating with natural gas still is generally less expensive than using a heat pump. The cost gap will depend on how harsh the winter is, the utility prices in your area, whether your system was installed correctly and whether you use solar panels to offset electricity costs. 

Other Factors to Consider 

If you’re considering switching from a traditional furnace, boiler or electric heater to a cold-climate heat pump, remember these other factors: 

• Design and installation: Cold-weather heat pumps are engineered for efficiency, but they must be sized, designed and installed precisely to perform at their peak. Factors like home insulation levels and the placement of the outdoor unit can also impact system performance. 

• Tax credits: You can save on heat pump installation costs with energy tax credits from the U.S. government. The tax credit amount for qualifying installations is $300 until the end of 2022. 
• Solar panels: Heat pumps run on electricity, so they function well with solar panels. This combo can lower your energy bills even further. 

Start Saving with a Cold-Climate Heat Pump 

Whether you’re replacing a current HVAC system or checking out options for a new property, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you make a cost-effective choice. We’ll review your home comfort needs, take a look at your budget and point you toward the best equipment, which could be a cold-climate heat pump or similar product. To ask questions or schedule a heat pump installation estimate, please contact your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office today.