Cold Climate Heat Pumps: Everything You Need to Know
Discover everything you need to know about cold climate heat pumps, and if this heating and cooling technology is right for your home.
By Anne Fonda
We recently sat down with Chelsea Hudson, Product Manager, Ducted Variable Speed Outdoor for Trane Residential. She’s responsible for leading the development and launch of innovative and energy-efficient products for the variable speed outdoors segment.
Our conversation focused on cold climate heat pumps (CCHPs) and what homeowners need to know about them.
What is a cold climate heat pump?
Before we get into our discussion with Chelsea, we should go over the basics of what a cold climate heat pump is and how it differs from other air-source heat pumps. CCHPs are inverter heat pumps that use variable-speed compressors to offer greater heating efficiency at lower ambient temperatures than standard heat pumps.
During low ambient temperatures, we can boost heating capacity by overspeeding the compressor. They offer the basis for the electrification of heat in the United States. In addition, they act as an energy-efficient air conditioner in the summer. When you select the right components, you end up with one of the most energy-efficient HVAC systems available today.
Now for our Q and A session.
What are the requirements for being an ENERGY STAR®-qualified cold climate heat pump?
“Keep in mind that as of January 1, 2025, ENERGY STAR® has changed requirements to Version 6.2 for air conditioners, heat pumps, and CCHPs.”
The latest energy efficiency criteria for split system ducted certified residential cold climate heat pumps are:
- Minimum SEER2 of 15.2
- Minimum HSPF2 of 8.1
- Minimum Coefficient of Performance (COP) at 5° F of 1.75.
- Percent of Heating Capacity at 5°F of at least 70% of that at 47°F
There are other certification requirements as well specific to CCHPs, but those are the basics. Learn more about the importance of HVAC efficiency metrics.
“Trane only certifies an electric heat pump system combination if it exceeds the minimum performance requirements. We won’t certify a system that barely meets the minimum criteria, we want to ensure the systems we certify go beyond minimum expectations.”
Which Trane heat pumps meet the ENERGY STAR®CCHP designation requirements? Which one is the best currently?
“The 17 Multi-Speed, 18 TruComfort™ Variable Speed, and 20 TruComfort™ Variable Speed with WeatherGuard ™ heat pumps in certain combinations with the appropriate air handler or furnace meet the performance requirements to be ENERGY STAR®-qualified as a cold climate heat pump.
However, not every matched system will be certified. That’s why it’s so important to work closely with your Trane dealer to get the best heat pump system tailored to your home and climate. Which one is the best currently? The best value option is the 17 Multi-Speed, but the best performance and most comfort is the 20 TruComfort ™ Variable Speed with WeatherGuard ™.”
How efficient are Trane heat pumps at heating in cold temperatures?
“Efficiencies will vary based on the system matchup and may be different with an air handler vs a furnace, for example. You also have to take into account the heating design temperature – different regions may experience different efficiencies in extreme ambient temperatures. For example, many systems will start to lose delivered heating capacity as it gets colder outside, where CCHP systems are able to ramp up and deliver extended capacity at those lower temperatures.
Like I said, performance is based on the system matchup, but in general, our current variable-speed heat pumps are more efficient at heating in cold temperatures, delivering 100% heating capacity down to around 27° F and 70% down to about 5° F.”
Do I still need a furnace if I have a heat pump?
“It depends. How cold are your winters? How long are your winters? Which heat pump are you interested in, and what is its heating efficiency or low-ambient performance capability? A heat pump that’s more efficient for heating at lower temperatures paired with an air handler might be suitable for some locations, but not for others.”
A dual-fuel heating system is when you pair a gas furnace with the heat pump. The heat pump does most of the heating, but on those extremely cold days, the furnace takes over to help ensure maximum comfort and maximum heating efficiency. This system is also known as a hybrid heating system.
Are these heat pumps eligible for the heat pump tax credit and heat pump rebates I’ve heard about?
“Most of them are, depending on the configuration of the indoor unit you pair with the heat pump. Again, work with your Trane dealer to get the specifics on eligible products and what financial incentives you qualify for. Some states have different income requirements and different requirements for the system itself.”
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has multiple federal tax credits and state-run rebate programs available to help you make your home more energy efficient. Learn how to stack tax credits and heat pump rebates and save.
What’s this I hear about a new Trane cold climate heat pump?
“We’re really excited about this. We feel it can be a real game-changer for homeowners in northern states who never thought a heat pump system could work for them.
Trane participated in the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge. Our prototype exceeded the DOE’s requirements – When tested at the DOE’s lab, Trane’s CCHP prototype performed in temperatures as low as -23° F, surpassing the mandatory -20° F DOE requirement.”
The cold climate heat pump team says the redesigned unit is undergoing further field trials in Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Montana. While final performance specifications are yet to be defined, the goal will be to provide electrification of heat to as many homes as is economically viable for all stakeholders, and to proliferate more widespread adoption of heat pumps across the country.
A Trane cold climate heat pump installation in Texas, guarded by the owner's dog.
“We hope to have this new CCHP ready to install in homes throughout the country in 2026. It’s an exciting time for this technology,” Hudson concluded.
Work with the HVAC sustainability experts
As you can see, heat pump technology has come a long way in recent years. If you’re interested in potentially saving on your energy bills and reducing your carbon footprint at the same time, a heat pump may be the heating and cooling solution you need.
Work with your local Trane dealer to learn about the options best suited to your climate, your home, and your budget.
Anne Fonda, Content Writer
A Content Writer with Trane Technologies, Anne Fonda researches topics and writes for Trane® and associated residential HVAC brands. She works in collaboration with Trane Technologies subject matter experts, offering easy-to-understand, informative content on complex topics. Her goal is to help consumers make informed decisions on the products and services they need.
She has written for HVAC and other service provider websites for over 16 years. Before transitioning to web content writing, Anne had a 14-year stint as an award-winning journalist. She graduated cum laude from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys playing word games, reading, gardening, spending time with family, and visiting gardens and museums.
Expert review by Chelsea Hudson, Product Manager, Ducted Variable Speed Outdoor
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