Can Heat Pumps be Used in Northern Climates?

If you’re shopping for a new home comfort system, odds are you’ve heard about the efficient, cost-effective and eco-friendly features of heat pumps. These systems have been sought after in warm climates for decades. But since they use heat from the outdoor air and transfer it inside, conventional wisdom suggests that installing them in cold climates is not practical. This may have you asking if a heat pump is a good 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 suitable for northern climates. Over the last decade, the acceptance of heat pump technology has soared in Northern European countries like Norway and Sweden. With standard January temperatures sitting around 20 degrees F, homeowners in these communities obviously depend on efficient 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 too weak for temperate climates. As the temperature fell below freezing, these systems were unfortunately unable to extract enough heat to effectively warm a house. But this is no longer accurate. Here are the innovative features designed for cold-climate heat pumps that allow them to operate efficiently at temperatures below 0 degrees F. 

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

• Multi-stage compressors run at lower speeds in moderate weather and increase to higher speeds in extreme cold. This boosts efficiency in changing weather conditions and keeps the indoor temperature more stable. 
• Variable-speed fans have multi-stage compressors to produce heated air at the proper rate. 
• The upgraded coil design found in most modern heat pumps features grooved copper tubing with a larger surface area, enabling the unit to transfer 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 superior to depending on a backup electric resistance heater. 
• Better motors consume less electricity to boost energy savings. 

• Other engineering modifications like weaker ambient flow rates, an increase in compressor capacity and improved compression cycle configurations further reduce 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 illustrates the total heating output throughout the heating season divided by the energy consumed during 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. Lots of cold-climate heat pumps offer 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 use in the process. 

Performance falls 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 common fuels including 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 difference is based on how tough the winter is, the utility costs in your area, whether your heat pump was installed correctly and whether you installed solar panels to offset electricity costs. 

Other Factors to Think About 

If you’re considering switching 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 must be sized, designed and installed correctly to perform at their peak. 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 federal government. The tax credit amount for qualifying installations is $300 up to the end of 2022. 
• Solar panels: Heat pumps use electricity, so they work 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 exploring options for a new property, Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing can help you make a cost-effective decision. We’ll evaluate your home comfort needs, consider your budget and suggest the best equipment, which could 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.