More are we seeing a rise of heat pumps being used in everyday homes, and with this there are many questions to ask.
One of the common questions is whether a heat pump will work in subzero temperatures. This is a question we will be answering in depth in this article.
Table of Contents
What Is A Heat Pump?
A heat pump is an appliance that uses electricity to move heat from one place to another.
It works by absorbing heat energy from its surroundings and transferring it into a fluid (usually water) where it can be stored or moved to other places.
The process of heating and cooling a home is called HVAC (Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning). A heat pump is part of the HVAC system.
The main difference between a heat pump and a standard air conditioner is that a heat pump has two parts: an evaporator coil and a condenser coil.
When you turn on your air conditioner, only the compressor runs. In a heat pump, both coils run at all times.
As the refrigerant circulates through the coils, it absorbs heat from the surrounding area and transfers it to the liquid inside the coils.
The liquid then goes back to the compressor where it is compressed and sent back out as vapor.
Why Use A Heat Pump?
There are several reasons why people use a heat pump instead of a traditional air conditioning unit. They include:
1. Energy efficiency – Heat pumps are more efficient than air conditioners because they don’t have moving parts. Most heat pumps use about 10% of the power required for an air conditioner.
2. Lower utility bills – Depending on how much heat is removed from your house, a heat pump may cost less to operate than an air conditioner. Some estimates say that a heat pump could save up to $100 annually.
3. No need for ductwork – If you want to add additional rooms to your home, a heat pump allows you to do so without having to install new ducts.
4. Easy installation – Because heat pumps are not connected to any electrical outlets, they can easily be installed in existing homes.
5. Quiet operation – Heat pumps make very little noise when operating.
6. Better indoor comfort – While most air conditioners cool down the entire room, heat pumps focus their efforts on the space where the person using them is located.
7. Ability to control temperature – With a heat pump, you can choose exactly which areas of your home get heated or cooled. You can also adjust the amount of heat or cold that each room gets.
8. Can be used year round – Unlike air conditioners, heat pumps can be used throughout the year.
Do Heat Pumps Work In Subzero Temperatures?
Yes! Heat pumps can be used in extremely low temperatures. No matter if the weather is hot or below freezing, your heat pump will work effectively to warm or cool your home.
With talking about cold weather, the heat pump will be able to successfully warm up a house even with low temperatures.
Because of this, this is many people’s top choice and an easy replacement for other units such as an air conditioner.
How Much Does A Heat Pump Cost?
Heat pumps typically cost around 20-30% more than an air conditioner with similar capacity. This is due to the fact that heat pumps require more components and are more complex than air conditioners.
Heat pumps come in three basic sizes: small, medium, and large.
Small units are usually designed for single family homes; medium units are intended for larger houses; and large units are meant for commercial buildings such as hotels, hospitals, schools, etc.
Can I Install A Heat Pump?
Yes, a heat pump can be installed by anyone who is familiar with electricity and plumbing.
However, it is better if someone who is trained does the installation just in case anything goes wrong during the process.
If you feel confident enough to install a heat pump by yourself, then all you need is some tools and knowledge of what wires go where.
How To Choose The Right Heat Pump For Your Home
When choosing a heat pump, there are a few things to consider. First, look at the size of the unit. A smaller unit will run cooler and consume less energy than a larger one.
Next, think about whether you would like to use it in summer or winter. In general, heat pumps work best in warmer climates.
They are less effective in colder weather since they must remove heat from inside the building and transfer it outside.
Finally, consider the number of people living in your home. A heat pump (thermostat) works best in a home with fewer occupants because it only needs to heat or cool the area occupied by the person using it.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Having A Heat Pump
If you live in a warm climate, having a heat pump may save you money on your heating bill. It also makes sense to have a heat pump if you plan on spending time outdoors.
Not only do heat pumps keep you comfortable while you’re working in the yard, but they also help prevent frost damage to plants and trees.
On the other hand, heat pumps aren’t very efficient when it comes to cooling. They don’t produce much cold air, so they can actually make your house hotter than it was before installing them.
What Are Some Types Of Heat Pumps?
There are two main types of heat pumps: electric and gas. Electric heat pumps (see also ‘Heat Pump Vs Air Conditioner: Which Is Better?‘) use electricity to move heat between indoors and out. Gas heat pumps use natural gas to provide heat.
Both types of heat pumps can be split into two subtypes: ground source heat pumps (GSHP) and rooftop heat pumps (RHP).
GSHPs draw their heat from the ground beneath the house, while RHP draws its heat from the roof.
The type of heat pump you choose depends on several factors, including how much space you have available, how many rooms you want to heat/cool, and how much money you’d like to spend.
Electric Heat Pumps
Electric heat pumps are the most common type of heat pump. They consist of an indoor coil and outdoor condenser coil.
Electricity enters the indoor coil, which absorbs the heat from the room and transfers it to the outdoor coil.
When the outdoor coil gets too hot, it releases that heat back into the surrounding environment. This cycle continues until the temperature difference between the indoor and outdoor coils becomes zero.
Gas Heat Pumps
Gas heat pumps operate similarly to electric heat pumps except that instead of electricity, they use natural gas.
While both types of heat pumps (see also ‘What You Should Know About Heat Pumps And Emergency Heat‘) are more expensive than traditional systems, they are also far more efficient.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, gas heat pumps can reduce your annual heating costs by up to 50 percent.
Ground Source Heat Pumps
Ground source heat pumps are designed to pull heat from the earth below your property.
These heat pumps (see also ‘Heat Pump Water Heater vs. Gas‘) are typically used for commercial buildings, such as office complexes, schools, hospitals, and shopping centers.
Because these units extract heat directly from the ground, they require less space than other types of heat pumps.
Rooftop Heat Pumps
Rooftop heat pumps are similar to ground-source heat pumps, except that they are installed on top of your roof rather than underground.
They are also more expensive than other heat pumps, but they are often worth the extra cost because they can deliver higher levels of comfort.
How Do Heat Pumps Work?
Heat pumps work by absorbing heat from one area and transferring it to another. In this case, heat is absorbed from inside the home or building and transferred outside.
There are two ways to transfer heat: conduction and convection. Conduction occurs when heat moves through solid materials, such as metals, wood, concrete, and glass.
Convection occurs when heat moves through a liquid material, such as water. Conduction is the primary way heat pumps transfer heat.
How Have Heat Pumps Improved Over the Years?
The technology behind heat pumps has improved dramatically over the past few decades. For example, today’s heat pumps are able to run at lower temperatures than those of just a few years ago.
As a result, heat pumps now last longer and are more energy efficient. Heat pumps (see also guide on using Nest with a heat pump) also offer greater flexibility, allowing homeowners to control the amount of heat delivered to different areas within the home.
Today’s heat pumps (see also ‘Best Heat Pump Water Heater‘) are significantly more efficient than older models. Older heat pumps were only about 30% efficient, meaning that they wasted 70% of the energy they produced.
Newer heat pumps are 60% efficient, meaning that 40% of the energy they produce goes toward heating and cooling your home. That means you’ll spend less money each month on your utility bills.
Using Electric Boilers Instead Of Heat Pumps
Although heat pumps are on the rise, there are alternatives. One of those alternatives is the electric boiler. An electric boiler works much like a conventional furnace.
It heats air using electricity and then circulates the heated air throughout your home. The main advantage of an electric boiler is that it doesn’t need any ductwork.
You don’t have to worry about running pipes through walls or ceilings. This makes installing an electric boiler easier and cheaper than installing a heat pump (see also ‘ Which Is Better For Your Home: Heat Pump Vs Furnace? ‘).
An electric boiler may be more affordable than a heat pump, but it isn’t always as effective. If you live in a cold climate, an electric boiler won’t help you very much.
On average, an electric boiler will provide 50% to 80% less heat than a heat pump. Also, if you want to use your electric boiler during the winter months, you’ll need to pay for additional electricity costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Heat Pumps Compare With Other Types Of Heating Systems?
A heat pump (see also ‘Things To Check When Your Heat Pump’s Not Working Right‘) is generally more efficient than a forced air system (furnace) and a hydronic radiant floor system. However, these three systems all perform similarly in terms of efficiency.
What Size Heat Pump Should I Buy?
Most manufacturers recommend buying a heat pump based on the square footage of your home. Generally speaking, larger homes require bigger units.
But keep in mind that not every manufacturer offers heat pumps in every size. So make sure you know what type of unit you need before you start shopping.
Do Heat Pumps Work Well In Colder Climates?
Yes! Heat pumps can operate in temperatures down to as low as subzero temperatures. They’re especially useful in places where winters are long and cold, such as Alaska, Canada, and northern Europe.
Can I Install My Own Heat Pump?
Sure! All modern heat pumps come with detailed instructions. And most manufacturers offer installation services. Just call around until you find someone who knows how to install a heat pump.
How Much Does A Heat Pump Cost?
Depending on the model, the price can vary. Heat pumps typically cost between $1,000 and $6,000.
Is A Heat Pump Easy To Maintain?
Heat pumps are relatively maintenance-free. However, they do need occasional cleaning to remove dust particles from their coils.
Should I Get A Heat Pump If I Already Have Central Air Conditioning?
No! Central air conditioning uses a lot of power. Heat pumps are far more efficient. In addition, heat pumps aren’t affected by humidity levels. So even when it’s humid outside, your heat pump will still function properly.
Will My Home Insurance Cover A Heat Pump?
Some homeowners insurance policies include coverage for new appliances. Others don’t. Check with your agent to see if your policy includes this coverage.
Final Thoughts
Heat pumps are one of the best ways to heat your home efficiently. They’re also great because they’re so versatile. With a heat pump (see also ‘Do Heat Pumps Work Below Freezing?), you can be sure that it will be effective all year round.
As long as you choose the right model, you shouldn’t have any problems getting the best value for your money.
