Can Heat Pumps be Used in Northern Climates?

If you’re looking for a new HVAC system, odds are you’ve heard about the efficient, cost-effective and eco-friendly features of heat pumps. Heat pumps have been sought after in warm climates for a very long time. But because they absorb heat from the outdoor air and transfer it inside, conventional wisdom suggests that installing them in cold climates is not sensible. This could have you asking if a heat pump is a better 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 acceptable for northern climates. Over the past decade, the usage of heat pump technology has increased significantly in Northern European countries like Norway and Sweden. With ordinary January temperatures hovering around 20 degrees F, homeowners in these communities obviously need efficient heating options. Those who have installed cold-climate heat pumps have found that they meet their needs perfectly. 

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

Heat pump technology used to be too weak for cooler climates. As the temperature dipped below freezing, these systems were simply unable to collect enough heat to efficiently warm a house. But this is no longer the case. Here are the special features used in cold-climate heat pumps that allow them to operate efficiently at temperatures colder than 0 degrees F. 

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

• Multi-stage compressors work at lower speeds in mild weather and increase to higher speeds in severe cold. This boosts efficiency in varying weather conditions and keeps the indoor temperature more consistent. 
• Variable-speed fans have multi-stage compressors to produce heated air at the proper rate. 
• The upgraded coil design used in most modern heat pumps includes grooved copper tubing with a larger surface area, allowing the unit to exchange heat more efficiently. 
• Flash injection opens up a shortcut in the refrigerant loop to boost cold-weather heating performance. Efficiency falls off a bit in this mode, but it’s still better than counting on a backup electric resistance heater. 
• Improved motors require less electricity to boost energy savings. 

• Other engineering modifications such as decreased ambient flow rates, greater compressor capacity and enhanced compression cycle configurations further lower energy consumption in icy winter weather. 

Traditional Heating Systems vs. Heat Pumps in Colder Climates 

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

Starting in 2023, the national minimum efficiency rating for heat pumps will be 8.8 HSPF. The majority of cold-climate heat pumps come with ratings of 10 HSPF or higher, enabling them to operate at up to 400% efficiency in mild weather. In other words, they move four times more energy than they consume in the process. 

Performance dips as the temperature drops, but numerous 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 might vary. The biggest savers are likely to be people who heat with combustible fuels like propane and oil, as well as those who use electric furnaces or electric baseboard heaters. 

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

Other Factors to Think About 

If you’re looking at transitioning from a traditional furnace, boiler or electric heater to a cold-climate heat pump, don’t forget these other factors: 

• Design and installation: Cold-weather heat pumps are designed for efficiency, but they should be sized, designed and installed properly to perform at their best. Factors such as home insulation levels and the location of the outdoor unit can also reduce system performance. 

• Tax credits: You can save on heat pump installation costs with energy tax credits from the United States government. The tax credit amount for qualifying installations is $300 up to the end of 2022. 
• Solar panels: Heat pumps are powered by 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 an existing HVAC system or checking out options for a new property, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you make a cost-effective decision. We’ll review your home comfort needs, go over 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.