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How well does a heat pump work in Winter?

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A heat pump can save homeowners significant money on their winter heating costs. Unlike using natural gas to produce heat, heat pumps will move heat from the air outside into your house. For most homes, a heat pump is a complete replacement for your HVAC system as it can cool, heat, dehumidify, and filter your air using less energy than traditional heating systems or AC. Heat pumps work by moving heat energy from one place to another. During winter, the heat pump will take heat from outside the home and transfer it inside your house. A heat pump is a perfect alternative to an oil or gas boiler. However, most people may be worried that this system will not heat the home efficiently, especially for those who live in extremely cold climates. But this is not the case.


How Do Heat Pumps Works

A heat pump uses natural heat in the air, ground, or groundwater surrounding your home. Unlike other heating appliances, heat pumps do not use fossil fuels to warm the home and may lower CO2 emissions that harm the environment. Because of their environmentally friendly nature, heat pumps are increasingly popular among homeowners who want to protect their environment and use more renewable energy sources. A good HVAC contractor will help you choose the right heat pump for your home.
 

How Effective Are Heat Pumps In Cold Weather?

Now that you understand how heat pumps work, you may still wonder how this system can take heat from the air or ground when the temperatures are below zero degrees. During summer, your heat pump is usually in cooling mode and uses refrigerant to absorb the heat inside your home and release it into the outside air. The working mechanism is relatively easy because the home absorbs heat during the hot summer. During winter, heat pumps will operate like air conditioners in reverse. The refrigerant will absorb heat from the outside air and utilize it to warm the house.
 

Even when temperatures are low, there is still enough that your heat pump will take to warm up your house. Remember that zero degrees do not mean the air completely lacks heat. If the heat were zero, the earth would have reached a -273 temperature on the Celsius scale. Most heat pumps will effectively absorb heat from the air outside even when temperatures are 20 degrees or lower.
Heat pumps utilize a small amount of electricity and will significantly reduce the higher utility bills you usually pay when operating a natural gas furnace or boiler. Today, we have modern cold-climate heat pumps that will heat your home effectively even when the temperatures are below -10 degrees. The best cold-climate heat pumps will still be more efficient than boilers or furnaces. Ensure that you work with the best HVAC contractor in Kitchener, to purchase and install the right heat pump for your home.
 

In Conclusion, your heat pump will continue working in the cold weather if you buy the right one. Every heat pump is different and will require the right equipment to ensure your home is heated effectively throughout winter. More electricity may also be needed to remove heat from the ground or air, resulting in lower efficiency, especially in extremely cold climates. Ensure that you take good care of the heat pump and get it serviced as often as prescribed for it to last longer. Routine maintenance from a good HVAC contractor will ensure everything runs smoothly and safely, and your house will be warm throughout winter. 

 

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