For many Ohio homeowners, a heat pump is an excellent option for year-round comfort. However, with the area’s frequent subfreezing temperatures, some may wonder if heat pumps in cold weather can still provide the powerful and reliable heating they need.
While heat pump efficiency decreases as outdoor temperatures decline, it doesn’t always mean they aren’t an excellent choice for home comfort. Read on as the expert team at W.F. Hann & Sons explains how Ohio’s weather challenges heat pumps, the ways in which homeowners can improve efficiency, and when backup heat may be a good option.
How Heat Pumps Handle Cold Weather
Since heat pumps transfer heat from the outside air indoors, some may wonder if Ohio’s extreme cold causes an issue. Likely, modern-source heat pumps are still able to extract heat from the outdoor air even when temperatures are below freezing. While this technology allows for consistent comfort, it may result in a dip in efficiency.
Extracting Heat From Outdoor Air
Heat pump operation is simple: it utilizes thermal energy from the outdoors to heat your home. As refrigerant circulates through the system, it absorbs and releases heat as its pressure changes.
Cold air passes over the outdoor coil which refrigerant flows inside. Since the refrigerant is colder than the outdoor air, heat transfers from the air to the refrigerant.
This occurs even when temperatures are freezing. As long as the temperature of the refrigerant in the outdoor coil is lower than the outdoor air, the system is able to extract heat to warm your home.
Heat Pump Performance During Ohio Winters
Wondering what temperature is best for heat pumps? When temperatures are above 40°F, the system operates at its highest efficiency. As the outdoor temperatures drop closer to freezing, this efficiency can decline. However, homeowners may not notice any significant change in heating capacity until temperatures are in the teens.
Heating Capacity In Freezing Temperatures
To ensure that homeowners have enough heat in the winter, many opt for heat pumps with cold-climate technology. These systems use several technologies to improve refrigerant performance, maintain heating capacity, and reduce the need for backup heat.
Most notably, many cold-climate heat pumps use variable-speed inverter compresses. These help systems maintain more consistent indoor temperatures and preserve their heating capacity for when outdoor temperatures fall.
These systems offer greater efficiency and low-temperature heating performance during Ohio winters.
When Heat Pumps Need Backup Heating
In Ohio, a heat pump may not be enough to provide you with the winter heat you need. Especially for homes without cold-climate systems, it can be difficult to maintain desired indoor temperatures when the area experiences an extreme cold snap.
For those not ready for a heat pump replacement, backup heating may be the right option. We recommend these systems in the follow situations:
- Outdoor temperatures regularly fall below your system’s effective operating range
- Your heat pump is undersized
- Your home has significant air leaks or poor insulation
- Your system often requires defrosting
Auxiliary And Dual-Fuel Heating Systems
When choosing supplemental heating, homeowners have two choices:
- Electric resistance heating: Electric heating elements in indoor air handlers provide additional heat when your heat pump is struggling to maintain your comfort. These systems respond quickly, but will often use large amounts of electricity.
- Dual-fuel systems: A popular choice in Ohio is a dual-fuel heating system. This is when homeowners combine an electric heat pump with a gas or propane furnace. Controls switch between systems depending on the outdoor conditions to ensure you have the necessary heat.
Maintaining Reliable Winter Heat Pump Performance
Preparing Heat Pumps For Winter
To prepare your system for winter, we recommend scheduling your annual tune-up to ensure that your system is operating at peak performance. During this appointment, a technician will check defrost operation, test airflow, and inspect the outdoor unit. They can then perform any necessary heat pump repair before the weather turns.
Explore Heat Pump Options In Ohio with W.F. Hann & Sons
Take on the Ohio cold with quality heat pump options from the team at W.F. Hann & Sons. For more than a century, we’ve been Ohio’s trusted provider of home services, delivering precise installations and unmatched professionalism. Our team is available with 24/7 service and upfront pricing. Plus, we provide free replacement quotes from our licensed and insured technicians to help you make a smart investment in your home and comfort.
Get the powerful heat you need in the Ohio winter with heat pump services from W.F. Hann & Sons. Call our team today to schedule your service.
