Introduction 

Energy prices are always on the rise, so it makes sense to look for ways to lower your utility bills. Installing a heat pump is a great way to cut your heating and cooling costs. A quality heat pump that’s been professionally installed can be two to three times as efficient as traditional heating and cooling systems.

Heat pumps work by drawing warm air from outside and transferring it inside. Because of this, there’s a common misconception that heat pumps won’t work in cold climates.  

Luckily, this isn’t the case at all. A modern heat pump will reliably heat and cool your home all year round, even during the coldest winter months. They’re better for the environment, and, best of all, will save you money!

Switch Together is working to provide people with better, more affordable, and more sustainable ways to heat and cool their homes. Here’s why we believe that heat pumps are great for homes in cold climates.

How do Heat Pumps in Cold Climates Work?

Heat pumps don’t work like normal furnaces. Instead of creating hot or cool air and pumping it into your home, heat pumps just transfer heat from one area to another. This makes them up to 300% more efficient than traditional alternatives.

A heat pump is basically an air conditioner that can also warm your home. They have much the same mechanics as an air conditioner, but they apply them differently.

When it’s hot, a heat pump transfers air from your home to the outside and works to control the humidity, just like an AC unit does. When it’s cold, the heat pump absorbs heat from outside and moves it into your living spaces.

So, how do heat pumps work in cold climates? With a little bit of science and a little bit of clever engineering.

How Heat Pumps Transfer Heat Efficiently in Cold Weather

Even though the outside temperature might be freezing, there’s still some hot air available. A heat pump has a refrigerant in the outdoor coil. This gets even colder than the air outside, so it can still absorb heat. As the heat is absorbed, the refrigerant turns into a gas. The heat pump’s compressor squeezes the gas, which raises its temperature. The resulting heat is released by the pump into your home.

Heat Pumps in Cold Climates: Do You Need a Backup Heating System?

If you’ve got a seriously old heat pump and you live in a particularly cold climate, then you might need a backup heating system. But modern heat pumps have sophisticated technology that helps them provide reliable, consistent heat in the coldest climates. With a good-quality heat pump that’s been professionally installed, there’s no need for a backup heating system.  

Are Heat Pumps in Cold Climates Worth it?

Now you know that a heat pump will work in a cold climate​, the next question is: Are they worth the money?

The answer is yes. A big yes. Although heat pumps do have some upfront costs, the massive savings they deliver make them a super smart investment. Over time, a heat pump will be more cost-effective and energy-efficient than almost any other alternative.

One study showed that 95% of homes with a heat pump in a cold climate were able to reduce their energy bills. Some homeowners were able to save up to $1,500 per year!

Want to know more? Contact Switch Together, and we’ll get you a great deal on a heat pump.