Can Heat Pumps be Used in Northern Climates?

If you’re searching for a new HVAC system, odds are you’ve heard about the efficient, cost-effective and eco-friendly features of heat pumps. These systems have been a favorite in warm climates for many years. But since they take 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 questioning 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 acceptable for northern climates. Over the last decade, the acceptance of heat pump technology has surged in Northern European countries such as Norway and Sweden. With ordinary January temperatures sitting around 20 degrees F, homeowners in these areas obviously need 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 Effective at Low Temperatures? 

Heat pump technology used to be too weak for temperate climates. As the temperature dipped below freezing, these systems were simply unable to extract enough heat to successfully warm a house. But this is no longer the case. Here are the advanced features used in cold-climate heat pumps that enable them to perform efficiently at temperatures lower than 0 degrees F. 

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

• Multi-stage compressors run at lower speeds in moderate weather and switch to higher speeds in intense cold. This increases efficiency in dynamic weather conditions and keeps the indoor temperature more balanced. 
• Variable-speed fans use multi-stage compressors to deliver heated air at the proper rate. 
• The upgraded coil design placed in most modern heat pumps is designed with grooved copper tubing with a larger surface area, helping the unit to exchange heat more efficiently. 
• Flash injection opens up a shortcut in the refrigerant loop to increase cold-weather heating performance. Efficiency falls off a bit in this mode, but it’s still much better than relying on a backup electric resistance heater. 
• More powerful motors require less electricity to increase energy savings. 

• Other engineering upgrades such as decreased ambient flow rates, greater compressor capacity and improved compression cycle configurations further decrease 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 demonstrates the total heating output throughout the heating season divided by the energy consumed for that period. The higher the HSPF, the better the efficiency. 

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

Performance drops 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 might vary. The biggest savers are probably people who heat with common 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 installing a heat pump. The cost gap is based on how harsh the winter is, the utility prices in your area, whether your system was installed correctly and whether you have solar panels to offset electricity costs. 

Other Factors to Take into Consideration 

If you’re thinking of 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 need to be sized, designed and installed correctly to perform at their best. Factors such as home insulation levels and the placement 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 federal government. The tax credit amount for qualifying installations is $300 up to the end of 2022. 
• Solar panels: Heat pumps run on electricity, so they pair well with solar panels. This collaboration can reduce your energy bills even further. 

Start Saving with a Cold-Climate Heat Pump 

Whether you’re replacing an existing 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, consider your budget and recommend the best equipment, which might 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.