The short answer is yes! But it all really depends on the type of heat pump you own, how modern it is, and what climate it is designed for. Early heat pumps were only capable of operating around 5℃, after which they would have to be supplemented by another heating source such as a furnace. Today’s heat pumps, however, can efficiently work even at temperatures down to -30℃.
A heat pump works by extracting heat from the air outside to be redistributed within your home. It does this through coils located inside and outside the home that circulate a refrigerant used to absorb and eject heat. Heat pumps can be used to both heat and cool a person’s home. To heat it, the pump takes in heat from the outside air and puts it inside. To cool it, the pump takes heat from inside the home and redistributes it outside.
Advances in technology have made heat pumps capable of performing efficiently even in frigid temperatures. New refrigerants, electronics, innovative converters, and compressors have all contributed to today’s modern heat pump that gives homeowners a cost-effective way to heat and cool their homes without burning fossil fuels.
Best Heat Pumps for Cold Climates
Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) are the most common type of heat pump on the market today and are exceptionally popular in European countries like Norway, where over 60% of homes have been fitted with one. They’re also becoming more and more popular worldwide, with over 110 million units being installed globally last year.
It might seem counterintuitive to think there is heat in the air on a -30℃ day, but there is! An ASHP will extract that heat by means of a fan that collects the surrounding air and moves it over a coil containing refrigerant. The refrigerant absorbs the heat and is then moved indoors with the help of a compressor. An indoor air handler unit then blows the heated air into the home.
Want to learn more about heat pumps, and how your home can benefit from one? Contact the experts at Cedarwood today!
Heat Pump Efficiency
One of the biggest reasons people switch to a heat pump system is for the environmental and cost-saving benefits. Heat pumps use electricity as opposed to natural gas and virtually eliminate a person’s carbon footprint when heating their home. Modern heat pumps have been shown to work at 250% to 400% efficiency, which is astounding compared to a natural gas furnace which has an efficiency rating of only 50% to 98% for the most efficient models.
Should I Turn My Heat Pump Off in Extreme Cold?
For people who live in climates with sustained extreme cold conditions, a supplemental backup heat source may be required to assist your heat pump. This could be in combination with a furnace through a dual-fuel system or an all-electric system that uses electric heaters and/or baseboards.
Although heat pumps can still extract heat from extremely cold air, they likely won’t suffice alone for a large family home. Small condos and apartments may not need supplemental heating, however.
Servicing Your Cold Weather Heat Pump
If you’re looking for a heat pump in Scarborough, Toronto, or another surrounding area, Cedarwood is your best choice for installation, service, and routine maintenance to keep your pump running efficiently through the harsh Canadian winter. Contact us today to see how we can help!
