Can Heat Pumps be Used in Northern Climates?

If you’re shopping for a new home comfort system, chances are you’ve heard about the efficient, cost-effective and eco-friendly features of heat pumps. Heat pumps have been a favorite in warm climates for a very long time. 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 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 appropriate for northern climates. In the last decade, the usage of heat pump technology has increased significantly in Northern European countries like Norway and Sweden. With regular 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 been delighted to discover that they fulfill their needs perfectly. 

What Makes Cold-Climate Heat Pumps More Efficient at Low Temperatures? 

Heat pump technology was previously insufficient for temperate climates. As the temperature dropped below freezing, these systems were simply unable to collect enough heat to effectively warm a house. But this is no longer the case. Here are the innovative features designed for cold-climate heat pumps that allow them to operate efficiently at temperatures lower than 0 degrees F. 

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

• Multi-stage compressors run at lower speeds in mild weather and transition to higher speeds in extreme cold. This increases efficiency in changing weather conditions and keeps the indoor temperature more stable. 
• Variable-speed fans work with multi-stage compressors to deliver heated air at the proper rate. 
• The enhanced coil design used in most modern heat pumps is designed with grooved copper tubing with a larger surface area, enabling the unit to transfer heat more efficiently. 
• Flash injection opens a shortcut in the refrigerant loop to increase cold-weather heating performance. Efficiency falls off a bit in this mode, but it’s still better than relying 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 calculated by its heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF), which illustrates 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 national minimum efficiency rating for heat pumps will be 8.8 HSPF. Many cold-climate heat pumps come with ratings of 10 HSPF or higher, allowing them to operate at up to 400% efficiency in temperate weather. In other words, they move four times more energy than they use 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 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 usually less expensive than installing a heat pump. The cost variation will depend on how harsh the winter is, the utility rates in your area, whether your heat pump was installed correctly and whether you have solar panels to offset electricity costs. 

Other Factors to Take into Consideration 

If you’re thinking of switching from a traditional furnace, boiler or electric heater to a cold-climate heat pump, consider these additional factors: 

• Design and installation: Cold-weather heat pumps are designed for efficiency, but they should be sized, designed and installed correctly to perform at their best. Factors like home insulation levels and the placement of the outdoor unit can also affect 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 through the end of 2022. 
• Solar panels: Heat pumps run on electricity, so they pair 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 old HVAC system or comparing options for a new property, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you make a cost-effective choice. We’ll evaluate your home comfort needs, take a look at your budget and point you toward the best equipment, which may be a cold-climate heat pump or another kind of system. To ask questions or schedule a heat pump installation estimate, please contact your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office today.