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 sustainable features of heat pumps. Heat pumps have been sought after in warm climates for decades. But considering they absorb heat from the outdoor air and transfer it inside, conventional wisdom suggests that installing them in cold climates is not worth the effort. This may 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 suitable for northern climates. Over the last decade, the adoption 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 regions obviously rely on 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 More Effective at Low Temperatures? 

Heat pump technology was once insufficient for temperate climates. As the temperature dropped below freezing, these systems were simply unable to capture enough heat to successfully warm a house. But this is no longer accurate. Here are the advanced features designed for cold-climate heat pumps that enable them to perform efficiently at temperatures colder 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 work at lower speeds in moderate weather and switch to higher speeds in extreme cold. This improves efficiency in dynamic weather conditions and keeps the indoor temperature more stable. 
• Variable-speed fans have multi-stage compressors to supply heated air at the proper rate. 
• The improved coil design placed 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 improve 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 require less electricity to boost energy savings. 

• Other engineering upgrades like decreased ambient flow rates, an increase in compressor capacity and enhanced compression cycle configurations further decrease energy consumption in icy 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 for that period. The higher the HSPF, the better the efficiency. 

Beginning 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, helping 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 numerous 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 may vary. The biggest savers are usually people who heat with common fuels including propane and oil, as well as those who use electric furnaces or electric baseboard heaters. 

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

Other Factors to Take into Consideration 

If you’re looking at 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 engineered for efficiency, but they need to be sized, designed and installed correctly to perform at their peak. Factors such as home insulation levels and the location 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 are powered by 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 exploring options for a new property, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you make a cost-effective choice. We’ll assess your home comfort needs, take a look at your budget and recommend 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.