Choosing a Heat Pump? Things to Consider if You Live in a Cold Climate
If you live in a colder climate, it's important to understand how these heat pump systems function in extreme temperatures. Unlike traditional heating systems, heat pumps offer unique benefits that make them an increasingly popular choice for homeowners seeking energy efficiency and cost savings.
"Heat pumps can be a great option whether you live in a warmer or colder area," noted Mohamad Nasab, Senior Product Manager at Bosch Home Comfort. "Cold-climate heat pumps, such as the IDS Ultra from Bosch Home Comfort, are great options for frigid climates. In the case of the IDS Ultra, this unit operates at full capacity down to 5 °F and can initiate heating down to -13° F."
The market is primed for consumers, thanks to tax credits and incentives that make it easier to upgrade and avoid changes in natural gas prices. "It may surprise you, but heating and cooling contribute to more than 35% of all U.S. energy consumption," shared Nasab. "Electric heat pumps are the future – in all climates." The Department of Energy (DOE) reported during its Cold-Climate Heat Pump Challenge that this technology can save households up to $500 per year on their utility bills while simultaneously playing a role in reducing carbon emissions released into the environment. As the DOE mentions, this aids in President Biden’s goal of 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035 and a net-zero carbon economy by 2050.
Related: Heat Pumps vs. Furnaces: How Do They Stack Up?
What’s different about modern cold-climate heat pumps?
Cold-climate heat pumps are built to withstand sub-zero conditions and still outperform your traditional gas furnace. Here are some features that are created with cold temperatures in mind:
Enhanced Vapor Injection (EVI) Compressor. Built to bring on powerful heating by borrowing extra heat from the hot side of the liquid refrigerant cycle, EVI compressors provide that extra boost to keep the home nice and toasty even during extreme cold.
Defrosting. Mechanisms within modern heat pumps are intended to handle higher levels of frost and ice buildup as the outdoor temperature influences the weather.
Increased heating capacity. This technology is prepared to extract extremely cold air and effectively warm your home with lower operating costs – compressors and advanced heat exchangers assist with this.
Materials built for colder temperatures. Cold-climate heat pump technology integrates optimal insulation that can withstand extremes, as well as refrigerants that can handle the colder temperatures.
Many colder climate heat pumps are also built with R-454B refrigerant, which has low global warming potential (low-GWP) and meets requirements laid out in the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act. For reference, the previous go-to refrigerant for the HVAC industry was the R-410A, which will be phased out beginning January 2025.
Related: 4 Ways a Heat Pump Will Reduce Your Utility Bills
Is a cold-climate heat pump right for you?
"If you live in an area with cold winters, where temperatures are known to drop – a cold-climate heat pump could be a good option," shares Nasab. He goes on to describe areas primarily in the Northeast, Midwest and Western United States, parts of the country where households are looking to make the switch from other forms of energy like propane/gas/oil to electric technologies. "These areas can experience frigid winters and would benefit from a unit that operates well in cold climates. In the Southwest and Southeast United States, a cold-climate unit isn’t necessary as the heating season is typically quite short and conditions aren’t as extreme."
Related: How Does the Weather Affect Your Home’s Foundation?