By Anne Fonda
It’s a myth that you can’t have a heat pump efficiently heat your home if you live in a colder climate. Air source heat pump technology has evolved to meet the heating and cooling needs of homeowners in the coldest climates. That includes the Northeast, upper Midwest, and even Alaska.
A unit rated by ENERGY STAR® as a cold climate heat pump (CCHP) has met more stringent requirements for operating in colder temperatures than your average heat pump. Products undergo verification by a third party recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Cold climate heat pumps work the same as any heat pump. In winter, they take the heat energy from the outside air, draw it into the unit, and use that heat energy to heat the air inside your home.
There are numerous benefits of using a heat pump in a cold climate, including:
If you’re looking to save money on future utility bills or reduce your carbon footprint by using clean energy, a CCHP could be a good heating solution for you. As a bonus, the heat pump will air condition your home during those heat waves that are becoming more common in northern climes.
Look for a heat pump that has qualified for the ENERGY STAR® cold climate heat pump designation. When you search for products on the site, check the Cold Climate box and the brands you’re interested in to filter your results.
To get the cold climate designation, this means the heat pump will have:
Other features to look for that are not required, but can enhance the performance of your unit include:
To get the highest efficiency, greatest reduction in energy consumption, biggest cost savings, and longest life out of your heat pump, it’s crucial that you work with an HVAC contractor experienced with CCHP systems. You will also want to make your home more energy efficient by sealing around doors and windows and adding insulation. You want to minimize heat loss.
Q: Can a heat pump effectively heat a home in extremely cold temperatures?
A: Yes. When a high-quality variable-speed heat pump is paired with a gas furnace, you can stay comfortably warm on an average cold day or during the polar vortex. These systems are known as dual fuel systems or hybrid systems.
Q: How does a heat pump compare to other heating options in cold climates?
A: A heat pump utilizes electricity rather than burning fossil fuels. It is cleaner than a wood fire, as well. In addition, with a mini-split heat pump or ductless heat pump, you can heat and cool a cabin, older home, garage, or workshop that doesn’t have ductwork.
Q: What is the average lifespan of a cold climate heat pump?
A: Heat pumps of all types generally last about 15 years if they’re properly installed and maintained.
Trane is an industry leader in the development of reliable cold-climate heat pumps. Currently, for people who get extremely low temperatures in the winter, we advise implementing a hybrid system where you have a variable speed heat pump that can handle temperatures down to 5 degrees, with a paired gas furnace that kicks in at even colder temperatures.
But the technology is changing. Trane Technologies is partnering with the Department of Energy (DOE) in their Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge to develop new cold-climate heat pumps that deliver 100% heating capacity without the use of auxiliary heat and with significantly higher efficiencies at 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
When tested at the DOE’s lab, Trane’s CCHP prototype performed in temperatures as low as negative 23 degrees Fahrenheit, surpassing the mandatory negative 20 degrees Fahrenheit DOE requirement. After completing the challenge, Trane’s prototype underwent testing for two winters in the field. After refinements, they should be available to homeowners in 2025.
Wondering if a cold climate heat pump or dual-fuel system might be an energy-efficient and cost-effective way to heat and cool your home? Contact your local Trane dealer to arrange an in-home consultation and get a free quote.
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 Mark Woodruff, Senior Product Manager, Ducted Outdoor
Heat pumps are HVAC systems that can perform both heating and cooling functions without the use of electric heat or fossil fuels.
A dual fuel heat pump combines a heat pump and a gas furnace into one system, then uses whichever is optimal depending on temperature, season, and function needed to maximize your heating and cooling comfort.
A hybrid system combines a heat pump and a gas furnace and uses each in its optimal conditions in order to both heat and cool your home.
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