As winter approaches, homeowners often have concerns about the performance of their heat pumps in cold weather. Heat pumps are efficient heating and cooling systems, but their effectiveness may be impacted by low temperatures. EZ Air Conditioning and Heating, the leading residential and commercial HVAC contractor in the area, addresses some of the common questions and worries homeowners might have as winter approaches.
How Does a Heat Pump Work in Cold Weather?
Heat pumps are a popular choice for homeowners and serve as a resourceful alternative to baseboard heaters and furnaces. Capable of both cooling and heating your home, they transfer heat instead of generating it, making them more energy-efficient. In cold weather, they extract heat from the outdoor air and move it inside to warm your home. However, as temperatures drop, there is less heat available in the outdoor air, which can reduce the heat pump’s efficiency.
Will My Heat Pump Keep Me Warm in Extremely Low Temperatures?
Contrary to popular belief, heat pumps do not suddenly stop working in the face of cold weather. In fact, quality pumps continue to run efficiently, even in low temperatures. Most standard heat pumps, much like other HVAC equipment like VRF systems found in commercial facilities, are designed to work efficiently in temperatures as low as 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit. What might change, though, is the source of heat. Instead of extracting heat from the outside air, heat pumps bring in heat from a backup source.
What Should I Do to Prepare for Cold Weather?
To ensure your heat pump functions well in cold weather, consider the following:
Regular Maintenance
Schedule routine maintenance for your heat pump. Ensure clean filters, check refrigerant levels and inspect components to maintain the system’s optimal performance.
Proper Sizing
If you have plans to invest in a new heat pump to replace your current system, make sure it is appropriately sized for your home. An undersized unit may struggle to provide sufficient heat in extremely cold weather.
Backup Heating
Many heat pump systems have built-in backup heating elements, such as electric resistance heaters. These elements provide additional warmth when the heat pump’s efficiency drops significantly. Here are a few options you can discuss with a professional HVAC service provider.
- Electric Resistance Heater: It generates heat by passing an electric current through resistance coils, providing additional warmth when the heat pump’s efficiency drops in extremely cold conditions.
- Hydronic Heating Coil: This is a backup option that uses hot water or a glycol mixture circulated through coils to provide additional heating when needed.
- Dual-Fuel Heat Pump: This type of HVAC system combines a heat pump with a gas or oil furnace. The system switches to the backup furnace when outdoor temperatures become too low for efficient heat pump operation.
For high-quality heating and cooling services in San Antonio, TX, turn to EZ Air Conditioning Inc. We can ensure your heat pump and your whole HVAC system continue to keep your home comfortable, no matter the weather. Apart from providing repair, replacement and maintenance services, we also specialize in installing attic insulation. Call (210) 429-9186 or send us a message online to book a consultation.
