Debunking the Biggest Myth About Heat Pumps

Heat Pumps: The Future of Home Heating and Cooling

Introduction

If you live in a place warmer than -460°F, you likely qualify for a heat pump. These devices are becoming essential for decarbonization, with places like Maine already installing 100,000 units.

Efficiency in Cold Climates

Heat pumps are effective even in frigid weather. Nordic countries, which experience Europe’s coldest climates, use them extensively. A study found that if every American used a heat pump, emissions in the residential sector could be significantly reduced.

How Heat Pumps Work

Heat pumps operate by circulating refrigerants and changing their pressure to work-a-comprehensive-guide-to-efficient-heating-and-cooling/” title=”How Heat Pumps Work: A Comprehensive Guide to Efficient Heating and Cooling”>transfer thermal energy. This process works both for heating in winter and cooling in summer. Over the years, improvements in components and refrigerants have made these appliances more efficient.

“It’s really all about the refrigerant,” says Katie Davis, vice president of engineering and technology for residential HVAC at Trane Technologies.

Even in freezing temperatures, the refrigerant boils at around -55°F to -59°F, allowing efficient heat transfer.

Government Support and Weatherization

Governments are encouraging the switch to heat pumps, covering additional electric work and weatherization efforts like insulation and windows. This helps homes retain heat, making heat pumps more efficient and reducing electricity usage.

Backup Heating for Extreme Cold

In extremely cold climates, some heat pumps have built-in backup electric heating elements. These activate when temperatures drop below 14°F, but even then, they are more efficient than gas furnaces.

“Ninety-five-ish percent of people will never even go to the backup system ever, even on the coldest day where they live,” says Lambert of Quilt.

With proper insulation and the right heat pump, the need for backup heating is rare and brief.

The All-Electric Home

The future home will be fully electric, with heat pumps providing both heating and cooling, even on the coldest winter nights. The idea that heat pumps don’t work in cold weather is a myth.