Sudbury is known for its chilly winters, which is why having an efficient and effective heating system is essential for all homeowners. If you’re considering upgrading your equipment, you may have come across the all-mighty heat pump. So, how does a heat pump work in winter? If this is a question you have, don’t worry, you’re not alone.
To learn more about heat pumps and how they operate in winter, keep reading!
How do heat pumps function when the weather is cold?
Believe it or not, even when the weather is cold outside, heat pumps continue operating by obtaining heat from the outside air. Essentially, they absorb heat from the chilly outdoor air and move it into your home to provide warmth and comfort. The process involves the circulation of a refrigerant fluid that takes in heat from the outside unit, releases it indoors, and then repeats the cycle. Heat pumps may use additional heating elements to supplement their heat output in frigid environments. This backup heat keeps your home warm even if the heat pump’s efficiency drops. While this is an effective solution for many homeowners, it may not be the best idea of all.
As such, if you have specific questions about your heat pump’s operation during cold weather periods, it’s best to seek advice from a professional HVAC technician in your area.
At what temperature is a heat pump ineffective?
While heat pumps provide effective and efficient home heating during the winter, as temperatures decrease, their ability to adequately heat your home can diminish. This is because heat pumps extract heat energy from their outdoor air before moving it into your home. However, as the temperature decreases outdoors, the available heat energy in the air also decreases. As a direct consequence of this, your heat pump will need to work even harder to remove the heat from the air, which in turn uses more energy.
Although the exact temperature at which a heat pump is deemed ineffective is based on several factors, generally speaking, any temperature below -15 degrees Celsius can be hard on your equipment. Therefore, heat pumps are best suited for areas where the climate is mild throughout the year, as compared to areas that experience below-freezing conditions for the majority of the year.
Should heat pumps be left on 24/7 during the wintertime?
A few factors should be considered when deciding whether to keep your heat pump on 24/7 during the winter. First and foremost, consider energy efficiency. While heat pumps are known for being energy-efficient, running the unit frequently can result in more energy use and possibly greater utility costs. If you’re concerned about your energy consumption, you might want to consider changing the way your heat pump works.
Second, your personal comfort preferences are also essential to keep in mind. Some people prefer to have a consistent indoor temperature, and leaving the heat pump on all the time can help them achieve this. Others, on the other hand, may be fine with minor temperature variations and may not mind changing the settings on a regular basis.
With that being said, modern heat pumps frequently include programmable thermostats, which allow you to set various temperatures for different times of the day. This element can help to improve both comfort and energy efficiency. For example, you may want to program the heat pump to lower the temperature a bit when you’re not at home or asleep and then increase it prior to your return or waking up. As such, it really comes down to the preferences of the homeowner and their goals for energy efficiency throughout the winter. However, installing a programmable thermostat can provide you with the best of both worlds when it comes to home comfort throughout the day.
How do I protect my heat pump in the winter?
Wintertime can bring some harsh weather conditions to the area. And because half of your heat pump systems operate on the outside of your home, it can become susceptible to damages if not taken care of correctly beforehand. As such, to ensure that your heat pump equipment is protected during the colder months of the year, take a look through some of these tips and tricks below:
- Give it some breathing room: Remove any debris, leaves, or snow that has been collected throughout the year. You should aim to keep at least 2 – 3 feet of free space around the outdoor compartment to ensure proper air circulation.
- Look for ice buildup: Keep an eye on the outdoor unit during freezing temperatures. If you notice excessive ice accumulation, turn off the heat pump and gently remove the ice. Excessive ice can impair performance and possibly harm the unit.
- Keep an eye on the filters: Clean or replace the air filters in your heat pump every three months. Filters that are clean ensure proper airflow and efficient operation.
- Make an appointment for maintenance: Before temperatures drop, have a professional HVAC technician inspect and service your heat pump. They can identify potential problems and perform necessary maintenance to keep your unit in good working order. You should aim to have your heat pump serviced at least once or twice a year if you use it for both heating and cooling.
Have you decided to make the switch from conventionally heating your home to using a heat pump? If so, 669 Heat is your #1 HVAC company in Sudbury and the surrounding neighbourhoods. Our skilled team is capable of providing high-quality services that are tailored to our customers’ specific requirements for nearly 40 years, and we take pride in delivering high-quality solutions they can count on. Don’t hesitate to set up a consultation with one of our home comfort advisors today. You will receive not only expert advice but also a free quote for buying a new system.
Contact us now to take the first step toward improving your home’s comfort!
