When you have a heat pump as the primary HVAC component in your Cherry Hills Village home, you rely on it to keep you cool in the summer and cozy in the winter. How do heat pumps work in winter when the temperature drops near or below freezing? This guide reveals everything you need to know about winter heat pump performance.
Parker Heating & Air specializes in heat pump services in Cherry Hills Village, CO, and the surrounding areas. Our experts are here to explain the basics behind keeping your home comfortable and warm amid chilly winter temperatures.
Understanding a Normal Heat Pump Winter Operation
One of the best things about a heat pump system is that it offers dual heating and cooling capabilities thanks to an energy-efficient and eco-friendly design. These systems work like the average air conditioner when in cooling mode and use refrigerant to trap heat from inside your home and then transfer it outside. For wintertime use, they essentially function in reverse.
Heat pumps will transfer heat from the air or geothermal sources and bring it inside your home rather than producing it. The premise might not seem effective but countless homeowners in Cherry Hills Village and beyond are turning to heat pumps for all their HVAC needs. You’ll enjoy high energy efficiency in winter heating and can have peace of mind knowing that you aren’t relying on fossil fuels to heat your home.
Cherry Hills Village Homeowners Can Receive Reliable Heating When Temperatures Drop
How do heat pumps work in winter? As long as the temperatures stay above freezing, you don’t have to worry about receiving ample heat in your home. The system will work just fine transferring existing heat from the outside through your HVAC system.
However, once temperatures drop below 40 degrees, a backup heat pump heating mechanism will automatically trigger. The equipment won’t be able to provide heat through outside sources and must resort to electric resistance heating. This means that coils will then produce heat to distribute throughout your home.
When the heat pump switches to this mechanism, your thermostat might say “Emergency Heat” or “AUX Heat” to let you know that you’re using the backup heat source.
Keeping Warm in Cold Weather: Heat Pump Efficiency
Letting a heat pump function in low temperatures might mean changes in your energy costs and overall consumption of electricity. Normal heat pump performance can actually lower your energy costs since you don’t have to produce heat. Once the outdoor temperature drops below the threshold, however, you’ll notice that electric resistance heating requires much more energy.
Along with, “How do heat pumps work in winter?” one of the most common questions HVAC technicians receive is, “How much money can you save with a heat pump versus a furnace?” The answer depends on how much you have to use emergency heating. Consistently needing your backup heat source due to long periods of freezing weather can drive up your electric bills whereas occasional use might not make as much of an impact.
For anyone who lives in a bitterly cold climate, heat pumps might not be the most reliable source of heating. Homeowners often use a heat pump whenever possible but usually resort to a furnace or other heating system when temperatures plummet below freezing.
Advanced Technology Continues To Improve Heat Pumps
Since Cherry Hills Village experiences freezing winters, it doesn’t mean a heat pump is out of the question for you. Cold climate heat pumps have innovative designs and features, including:
- Special refrigerant that has a lower boiling point
- Compressors with varying speeds
- Larger compressor capacity
These modern changes allow your heat pump to effectively combat the outdoor temperatures. You’ll have energy-efficient heating more often by opting for a state-of-the-art cold climate heat pump instead of the standard system that caters to temperate climates. Consult an HVAC technician to learn more about these systems and how they’ll benefit you.
Enhance Your Cherry Hills Village Home With HVAC Services From Parker Heating & Air
After reading this guide, you no longer have to wonder, “How do heat pumps work in winter?” For answers to all of your burning HVAC questions, turn to Parker Heating & Air. We offer a wide range of home services in Cherry Hills Village and the surrounding areas that keep you comfortable.
From plumbing and indoor air quality solutions to heating and AC services, we’re the contractor locals depend on. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment and learn more.