How do heat pumps perform in extreme temperatures?

At a glance: 

• Today’s heat pumps are designed to work just as well in extreme temperatures.
• Modern advancements in motors and compressors ensure heat pumps last much longer. 
• Heat pumps are more efficient and environmentally-friendly, regardless of climate.

There was a time when furnaces performed better than heat pumps in extremely cold climates. However, today's technology advancements have made heat pumps just as effective at both heating your home in the summer and cooling your home in the winter. Plus, they’re way more energy-efficient, cost-effective and just better for the environment. Learn more about heat pumps. 

Before we get into heat pumps and how they hold up in extreme temperatures, let’s start with the basics. 

What is a heat pump and how does it work?

A heat pump is like an air conditioner that can also heat your home. Instead of generating their own heat like a furnace, heat pumps simply move heat from one place to another. 

When it’s hot outside, heat pumps extract the heat from the air inside and push it outdoors to cool your home. When it’s cold outside, the process is reversed to warm your home. 

“In moderate weather, cold climate heat pumps can operate at up to 400% efficiency — in other words, they produce four times as much energy as they consume.”

Can heat pumps handle extreme cold climates?

People have historically had their reservations about heat pumps and how well they work in extremely cold climates, but most would be pleasantly surprised at how efficient heat pumps can be. In fact, some heat pumps are designed to work in sub-zero temperatures. Sweden and Norway are great examples of two countries that have fully embraced heat pumps during winters that regularly dip below -22F. 

Thanks to innovations like dual or variable-speed compressors and advanced refrigerants, heat pumps are able to extract heat from the cold air more efficiently, helping them perform well during even the coldest winters. 

Dual-speed motors operate at two different speeds: one for cooling, and one for heating. They run at lower speeds to use less energy while cooling your home and higher speeds to heat your home faster. 

Variable speed motors automatically adjust their speed based on the temperature of your home, so they’re able to conserve energy while keeping your home feeling comfortable. 

Do heat pumps lose efficiency in extreme heat?

If you live somewhere with scorching summers, a heat pump can also handle extreme heat as well. During the summer, heat pumps pull the heat from inside your home and release it outdoors.  In fact, heat pumps are roughly 50% more efficient at cooling your home than a traditional air conditioner. 

What technological advancements have made heat pumps more durable?

Heat pumps have become way more advanced, making them last way longer. Many are made with corrosion-resistant materials to help them withstand extreme climates for longer periods of time. Advancements in compressors have come a long way too. New compressors generate higher pressures using less power, so your newer heat pumps don’t have to work as hard to heat your home. 

Is a heat pump the right choice for my home? 

There are a lot of factors that go into choosing a heating and cooling system for your home. Heat pumps are a great option because they offer both heating and cooling in the same unit, lower energy bills over time, and a more sustainable option for the environment. However, they can be expensive to install upfront and can sometimes work less efficiently in extreme climates. If you’re considering making the switch, it’s important to look at all the different factors and decide which are most important to you. 

Let Tetra help you get started

If you’re ready to make the switch to a heat pump, the experts at Tetra are ready to help you at every step of the way. From finding the right contractor for your home, to helping you score rebates from the government, Tetra is here for you.

Still have questions? Here’s some more details. 

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