If you’re like many people who live where temps regularly fall below zero, you’re probably wondering if heat pumps work in cold climates. We’re here to tell you: YES. Did you know that modern cold air heat pumps can warm your home even when outside temperatures dip as low as -13°F?
Heat pumps for cold climates are advanced heating systems specifically designed to perform effectively, even in harsh winter temperatures. Unlike traditional heating systems that rely on fossil fuels, cold climate heat pump systems extract heat from the outdoor air, making them a sustainable and energy-efficient choice for homeowners seeking a climate-friendly solution that enhances comfort and reduces energy costs.
Don’t just take our word for it, though – our customers encounter some of the coldest temperatures in the U.S., and our heat pumps held strong throughout hundreds of homes during an arctic blast in Colorado in 2022.
Benefits of Cold Climate Heat Pumps
Transitioning to a cold climate heat pump comes with several advantages:
Energy Efficiency
Instead of creating heat directly from burning stuff, cold weather heat pumps move heat from the outside into your home (and the opposite in the summer). This process uses 3x less energy than generating heat from scratch, resulting in lower energy consumption and consistent warmth for your home.
Cost Savings
Reducing your energy consumption can result in substantial long-term savings. Heat pumps have lower operating costs than traditional HVAC systems, offering a return on your investment through reduced energy bills. (Want to see your estimated operating costs? Calculate it here.)
Environmentally Friendly
Cold climate heat pumps do not burn fossil fuels to generate heat, which means they do not produce carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gasses. This makes them a more environmentally friendly option compared to fossil fuel-based systems.
Year-Round Comfort
A heat pump for cold weather climates provides both winter heating and summer cooling. This versatility makes them a smart investment for maintaining a comfortable indoor living environment throughout the year with a single system.
Increased Home Value
Installing a cold climate heat pump can increase your property’s value by an average of 4-7%. As energy efficiency becomes a priority for homebuyers, having a reliable, energy-efficient heating system can make your home more attractive on the market.
Low Noise
Raise your hand if you love that loud buzzing noise coming from your furnace. Nope? Same. Heat pumps operate quietly, allowing you to enjoy the comfort of your home in peace.
Zone Regulation
Some cold temperature heat pumps come equipped with zone control, which allows you to adjust the temperature in different areas of your home separately to your comfort level. This can help to save energy by only heating or cooling the areas of the home that are being used.
Start your clean energy journey today with Elephant Energy!
How a Cold Weather Heat Pump Works
Heat pumps are innovative systems that move heat from one place to another, rather than generate it like a furnace does.
In the winter, heat pumps absorb heat from the outside (yes, there’s still enough heat in the air even when it feels cold to us!) and release it inside, heating your home. In the summer, heat pumps act like an air conditioner and move heat from inside your home to the outside, cooling your home.
- Outdoor Heat Absorption: Even when it feels cold outside, there’s still heat energy in the air. The heat pump’s outdoor unit draws in this air and passes it over a heat exchange surface containing refrigerant.
- Refrigerant Cycle: A special cold-weather refrigerant inside the heat pump absorbs the heat from the outdoor air. This causes the refrigerant to evaporate, changing from a liquid to a gas.
- Compression: The gaseous refrigerant moves to a compressor, significantly increasing its pressure. This process raises the refrigerant’s temperature substantially.
- Indoor Heat Distribution: The now-hot refrigerant travels to the indoor unit, passing through another heat exchanger. Here, it transfers heat into individual zoned units or your hot water system.
- Continuous Operation: As the refrigerant releases heat into your home, it cools down and condenses into liquid. It then returns to the outdoor unit to repeat the cycle. This process continues until your home reaches the desired temperature set on your thermostat.
- Reversible for Cooling: The heat pump can reverse its operation in summer. It absorbs heat inside your home and releases it outdoors, effectively cooling your living space.
By moving existing heat rather than burning fuel to create new heat, cold climate heat pumps offer a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solution for home comfort.
Why Choose Elephant Energy?
When you’re ready to upgrade to a heat pump for cold climate comfort, it’s important you go with the technical experts who will size your home perfectly, ensuring you have the right system for your heating and cooling needs. Elephant Energy delivers unmatched value and performance you can trust, even on the coldest day. Here’s how we stand out:
Expertise
With nearly 1,000 homes electrified in Colorado and Massachusetts, we are experts in cold temperature heat pump installation. Our expert Project Managers will work with you to ensure a seamless installation tailored to your needs.
Customer Service
Our Home Comfort Advisors are dedicated to your project from start to finish. They are your go-to resource, guiding you through every step of the process and ensuring you feel supported and informed throughout your electrification journey.
Reliability
We’re committed to your satisfaction. Our team of vetted Contractor Partners delivers professional, timely service, ensuring top-notch quality in every installation.
Cold Climate Guarantee
We guarantee that your Elephant Energy Heat Pump System will keep your home at a comfortable 68°F, regardless of the outdoor temperature, for 10 years post-installation. If your system can’t meet this standard, we will repair, upgrade, or even replace it—at no extra cost.
Customized Plan
We create your Electrification Roadmap®, a comprehensive plan tailored to your unique needs and home layout. This outlines the optimal path for your transition to energy-efficient heating.
Incentives and Financing Options
Our goal is to always get you the most cost-effective system for your home, considering upfront cost, ongoing cost, and your personal comfort goals. To achieve this, we choose equipment that specifically meets your home’s needs while also ensuring the equipment falls within your budget (taking advantage of financial incentives wherever possible). With Elephant Energy, you don’t pay until your heat pump is fully installed. Several energy-efficiency incentives are also available through our financing partners, including the Colorado RENU (Colorado Residential Energy Upgrade) program and the Mass Save HEAT program.
Get Your Roadmap today and start your electrification journey.
Cold Climate Heat Pump Installation Process: What to Expect
At Elephant Energy, we make your transition to a cold air heat pump simple and stress-free. Here’s what you can expect:
Step 1: Get your Electrification Roadmap®
Our expert team creates a personalized plan to enhance your comfort, reduce bills, improve health, and lower your carbon footprint. We use building science expertise and proprietary technology to design a system that fits your home perfectly.
Step 2: Receive your instant project estimate
Our tech-enabled platform allows us to design a bespoke system for your home, providing upfront pricing for unmatched value and comfort. Use our free estimate tool to explore costs, including:
- Federal tax credits and rebates under the Inflation Reduction Act.
- RENU financing, which starts at 3.5%, with a $0 down payment.
- Up to $16,000 Mass Save HEAT rebates.
- Mass Save HEAT loans with 0% financing.
Step 3: Collaborate with your Home Comfort Advisor
After your estimate, a dedicated Home Comfort Advisor will discuss your electrification goals in a virtual meeting. Once you’ve decided on a path forward, an in-house expert will schedule a home visit to conduct a thorough home analysis to finalize your project specifications.
Step 4: Your Project Manager takes the lead
Once you approve the comprehensive plan and budget, we’ll introduce you to your Project Manager. They’ll oversee every detail, including:
- Ordering equipment
- Selecting the best Contractor Partner
- Managing the installation (typically two days)
- Ensuring flawless operation post-installation
- Handling all rebate paperwork
But the care doesn’t stop once your cold climate heat pump is installed. We’ll dot all the i’s and cross the t’s to check that your new equipment works and operates flawlessly. We even help simplify the financing process by managing all of the rebate paperwork for you. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy your upgraded home.
Take the Next Step
With the exceptional energy efficiency, comfort, and potential savings offered by a cold weather heat pump, now is the perfect time to make the switch. Don’t let another season go by with an outdated, inefficient heating system. Whether you’re tired of unpredictable energy bills, concerned about your carbon footprint, or simply ready for superior comfort, a cold climate heat pump is the solution for you.
Get started today!
FAQs
Have questions about operation, installation, efficiency, or maintenance? We have the answers you need.
How do cold climate heat pumps differ from standard ones?
Heat pumps for cold weather are specifically engineered to produce more heat at lower temperatures. They use advanced components and specialized programming to extract heat from the air efficiently—even in challenging conditions.
Will a cold climate heat pump save me money?
Yes, you can expect significant long-term savings. While initial costs may be higher, cold weather heat pumps are about three times more efficient than traditional gas-powered systems, leading to average annual utility bill savings of $1,000-$2,600.
Where in my home is the cold weather heat pump installed?
We install units in locations that maximize airflow and performance while considering aesthetics. Your Home Comfort Advisor will help you decide on the best placement for optimal results and visual appeal.
What is required for cold climate heat pump maintenance?
Essential maintenance includes regular filter changes, refrigerant level checks, and keeping the outdoor unit clear of debris. We recommend an annual service by a qualified technician to ensure your system runs smoothly and efficiently.
How long do cold climate heat pumps typically last?
Cold climate heat pumps are built to last, with an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years when properly maintained. This longevity makes them a wise investment for homeowners looking for long-term comfort and energy savings. Regular maintenance, such as annual professional check-ups and routine filter changes, can help extend the life of your system even further.
At Elephant Energy, we provide guidance on best practices for system care to ensure you get the most out of your cold climate heat pump for years to come.