A cold-climate heat pump is designed to heat homes even in extreme weather, with some systems performing reliably down to -22°F. As most models are electric, they provide a cleaner alternative to gas-powered heating systems in colder regions. Cold-climate heat pumps also provide cooling during warmer months, making them a year-round comfort solution. Similar to a standard heat pump, they also come in ducted and ductless varieties for different home setups.
How Does a Cold-Climate Heat Pump Work?
Cold-climate heat pumps work similarly to traditional heat pumps, transferring heat energy between the indoor and outdoor environments. However, they include specialized components that allow them to operate efficiently in freezing conditions. They use a low-temperature or winter-grade refrigerant that has a lower boiling point. This allows cold-climate heat pumps to draw more heat from the cold air.
Standard heat pumps lose heating capacity in extreme cold, but cold-climate models overcome this by using vapor injection technology. A small amount of refrigerant is re-injected into the compressor at a high temperature to boost heating capacity.
Moreover, they have variable-speed compressors, which make them highly efficient by adjusting their speed in response to heating demand. Unlike single-speed systems that constantly switch on and off, they maintain steady temperatures, increasing the speed up in extreme cold and slowing down in mild weather.
ENERGY STAR® Requirements for Cold-Climate Heat Pump
ENERGY STAR cold-climate heat pumps must meet rigorous performance standards to ensure reliable operation in freezing weather. The US Department of Energy tests heating performance at 5°F, and products must meet this temperature to qualify. In addition, these units must pass a Control Verification Procedure (CVP), which ensures all controls, sensors, and components operate correctly in cold weather to prevent any issues. They also undergo third-party verification recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Benefits of Using Cold-Climate Heat Pumps
- High Efficiency: Achieves up to 22.0 SEER2 for cooling and 10.5 HSPF2 for heating, offering substantial energy savings compared to traditional systems.
- Consistent Indoor Temperature: Cold-climate heat pumps use a variable-speed compressor, which helps maintain a balanced indoor environment and prevents temperature fluctuations.
- Rebates: May qualify for local utility rebates and federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, making the investment even more cost-effective.
Make Your Cold-Climate Heat Pump Smart With Cielo Smart Thermostats
Making cold-climate heat pumps smart is easier than ever. With Cielo smart thermostats for both central HVAC and mini-split systems, you can control your heat pump remotely, set schedules, and monitor energy usage. This not only enhances comfort during freezing conditions but also improves efficiency, helping you save on energy bills.
