Can Heat Pumps be Used in Northern Climates?

If you’re searching for a new HVAC system, chances are you’ve heard about the efficient, cost-effective and eco-friendly features of heat pumps. Heat pumps have been popular in warm climates for decades. But because they use heat from the outdoor air and transfer it inside, conventional wisdom recommends that installing them in cold climates is not worth the effort. This might have you questioning if a heat pump is the right choice for your home in the Northern U.S. or Canada. 

Before going into more detail, rest assured that modern, cold-weather heat pumps are acceptable for northern climates. Over the last decade, the usage of heat pump technology has increased significantly in Northern European countries like Norway and Sweden. With average January temperatures hovering 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 meet their needs perfectly. 

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

Heat pump technology was previously unsuitable for cooler climates. As the temperature dipped below freezing, these systems were unfortunately unable to collect enough heat to efficiently warm a house. But this is no longer the case. Here are the innovative features used in cold-climate heat pumps that permit them to perform efficiently at temperatures below 0 degrees F. 

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

• Multi-stage compressors function at lower speeds in moderate weather and switch to higher speeds in severe cold. This improves efficiency in changing weather conditions and keeps the indoor temperature more balanced. 
• Variable-speed fans work with multi-stage compressors to supply heated air at the proper rate. 
• The enhanced coil design found in most modern heat pumps includes grooved copper tubing with a greater surface area, helping the unit to exchange heat more efficiently. 
• Flash injection opens a shortcut in the refrigerant loop to increase cold-weather heating performance. Efficiency drops a bit in this mode, but it’s still better than counting on a backup electric resistance heater. 
• More powerful motors require less electricity to boost energy savings. 

• Other engineering upgrades like weaker ambient flow rates, greater compressor capacity and enhanced compression cycle configurations further lower energy consumption in freezing winter weather. 

Traditional Heating Systems vs. Heat Pumps in Colder Climates 

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

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

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

In terms of actual savings, results can vary. The biggest savers are usually people who heat with combustible fuels such as propane and oil, as well as those who use electric furnaces or electric baseboard heaters. 

That being said, heating with natural gas still is usually less expensive than installing a heat pump. The cost difference depends on how tough the winter is, the utility prices in your area, whether your equipment was installed correctly and whether you have solar panels to offset electricity costs. 

Other Factors to Consider 

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

• Design and installation: Cold-weather heat pumps are built for efficiency, but they need to be sized, designed and installed precisely to perform at their peak. Factors such as home insulation levels and the location 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 use electricity, so they work well with solar panels. This combination can lower your energy bills even further. 

Start Saving with a Cold-Climate Heat Pump 

Whether you’re replacing an existing HVAC system or exploring options for a new property, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you make a cost-effective decision. We’ll assess your home comfort needs, consider your budget and suggest the best equipment, which may be a cold-climate heat pump or another solution. To ask questions or schedule a heat pump installation estimate, please contact your local Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing office today.