Cold-climate heat pumps are more than capable of heating a home in New England. They’re specifically designed to handle the cold and will provide reliable, energy-efficient heat even in negative temperatures.
How Do Heat Pumps Work in Cold Weather?
Heat pumps work in cold weather by pulling heat from the air outside and bringing it in to heat your home.
But how does that work? If it’s cold outside, the air is cold. So how does a heat pump get heat from cold air?
These are questions that we hear all the time when installing heat pumps in New Haven and throughout Connecticut.
The answer is simpler than you might think.
Heat moves whenever there’s a temperature difference, and it will always move from a warmer place to a colder one. So, to draw the heat out of cold air, all you have to do is put it next to something colder. That’s what a heat pump does, using refrigerant.
The heat pump pushes refrigerant through an expansion valve, which reduces its pressure and causes its temperature to drop significantly. Now that the refrigerant is colder than the outside air, it can absorb heat from the air as a fan blows it across the coils.
The refrigerant then passes through a compressor, which increases its pressure and causes its temperature to skyrocket. This high-temperature heat is then transferred to the air indoors to heat your house.
What to Expect from a Heat Pump in Cold Temperatures
Heat pumps provide reliable heat even in very cold temperatures. However, since they don’t generate heat, they don’t create that hot blast of air you get from a furnace.
- Energy Efficient Heating in Negative Temperatures – Some cold-weather heat pumps maintain their energy efficiency in temperatures as low as -15℉. Exact performance varies by heat pump brand and model.
- No Hot Blasts – The air coming from a heat pump will feel cooler than the air coming from a furnace. This is normal and won’t affect the temperature inside your home, but you won’t feel the same hot blast you get from a furnace vent.
- Even Heat – Heat pumps keep your house at a more consistent temperature than a gas furnace or baseboard/radiator heat, with no hot or cold spots.
How to Improve Heat Pump Efficiency in Winter
The best way to improve heat pump energy efficiency in cold weather is to insulate and air seal your house. If you have a central ducted heat pump, sealing your ductwork will also help.
- Home Insulation – If your house is poorly insulated, heat will leak out no matter how well your heat pump works. Insulating your attic, basement, and exterior walls will help your heat pump perform optimally.
- Air Sealing – Sealing drafty windows, doors, and vents will keep heat inside your home, making it easier for your heat pump to keep you comfortable.
- Duct Sealing – Sealing leaky air ducts ensures that heat makes it from your heat pump to your living spaces.
See if a Heat Pump Is Right for Your Home in New Haven, CT
If you need a heating system replacement in New Haven, Connecticut, a heat pump is a great option. New England Smart Energy Group can help you decide if a heat pump makes sense for your home. As an Energize Connecticut℠ approved contractor, we can also help you save on heat pump installation with Energize CT℠ rebates and incentives. If you’re income-eligible, you could get a no-cost heat pump!
