Best heat pumps in cold climates are essential when you live somewhere really cold, as finding good heating for your home is super important. Heat pumps are getting more popular because they can both heat and cool your house while using less energy than old heating systems. Let’s look at the best heat pumps for cold places and see how well they work when it’s freezing outside.
Quick Summary
- Cold climate heat pumps work great even when it’s as cold as -13°F (-25°C). They use smart technology to pull heat from cold air outside.
- The top 5 heat pumps for cold weather come from Mitsubishi, Fujitsu, Carrier, Lennox, and Daikin. Each one has special features and saves lots of energy.
- When picking a cold climate heat pump, think about how much heat it makes, how cold it can work in, how much energy it saves, and getting it installed right.
How Do Heat Pumps Work When It’s Really Cold?
Heat pumps take heat from outside air and move it into your house, even when it’s cold out there. Regular heat pumps start having trouble when it gets really cold, usually below 32°F (0°C). That’s where special cold-weather heat pumps come in handy.
Cold climate heat pumps are built to work well in freezing temperatures. Many can keep working when it’s as cold as -13°F (-25°C) or even colder. They use better parts and special liquids that can grab heat from cold air much better than regular heat pumps.
What Makes Heat Pumps for Cold Climates Special:
- Motors that can change speed automatically
- Better ways to inject vapor for more heat
- Bigger coils that transfer more heat
- Smart defrost systems that work better
- Better refrigerants that work in cold weather
These features help cold climate heat pumps stay efficient and keep making lots of heat even when it’s super cold outside.
The Best 5 Heat Pumps for Cold Climates
Let’s check out five of the best heat pumps for cold places. We’ll look at what they can do and why they work so well in freezing weather.
1. Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat H2i
Specifications:
- Makes heat: 13,600 – 30,700 BTU/h
- HSPF rating: Up to 13.5
- Works in temperatures down to: -13°F (-25°C)
- SEER rating: Up to 33.1
Pros:
- Excellent performance in extreme cold
- High energy efficiency ratings
- Quiet operation
- Advanced filtration system
Cons:
- Costs more money upfront
- Needs a professional to install it
The Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat H2i is one of the best performers when it’s cold outside. Its special Hyper-Heating technology lets it make 100% of its heat power when it’s 5°F (-15°C) outside. Plus, it keeps working great even at -13°F (-25°C). This makes it perfect for places with really harsh winters.
This machine is smart enough to change how much power it uses based on exactly how much heat or cooling your room needs. Because of this, it saves lots of energy and keeps you comfortable. The H2i also has Mitsubishi’s advanced air filtering system that removes things like allergens and pollution from the air, making the air in your home cleaner and healthier.
2. Fujitsu Halcyon XLTH Series
Specifications:
- Makes heat: 9,000 – 48,000 BTU/h
- HSPF rating: Up to 14.2
- Works in temperatures down to: -15°F (-26°C)
- SEER rating: Up to 33.1
Pros:
- High heating capacity in cold weather
- Excellent energy efficiency
- Wide range of sizes available
- Built-in humidity control
Cons:
- Bigger units might need extra electrical power
- Can be tricky to install
Fujitsu’s Halcyon XLTH Series is made to work really well in cold climates. These units can keep working great even when it’s as cold as -15°F (-26°C). This makes them good for most cold areas in North America.
The XLTH Series uses a special high-efficiency motor and a smart defrost system to keep making heat in freezing weather. It can also control how much moisture is in the air inside your home. This helps keep your house feeling comfortable whether it’s heating or cooling.
3. Carrier Infinity 24 Heat Pump with Greenspeed Intelligence
Specifications:
- Makes heat: 25,000 – 60,000 BTU/h
- HSPF rating: Up to 13
- Works in temperatures down to: -15°F (-26°C)
- SEER rating: Up to 24
Pros:
- Changes speed automatically for perfect temperature control
- Runs very quietly
- Works with smart home systems
- Excellent dehumidification in cooling mode
Cons:
- Costs more money upfront
- Might need other HVAC parts upgraded to work fully
The Carrier Infinity 24 Heat Pump with Greenspeed Intelligence is a top choice for heating in cold places. Its motor can change speed automatically from 25% to 100% power. This lets it control temperature perfectly and use energy efficiently.
The Greenspeed Intelligence technology makes the heat pump work its best based on how cold it is outside. This means it works well even in very cold weather. This unit can make 100% of its heat power when it’s 0°F (-18°C) outside and keeps working well down to -15°F (-26°C).
4. Lennox Signature Series XP25 Heat Pump
Specifications:
- Makes heat: 23,000 – 60,500 BTU/h
- HSPF rating: Up to 12.5
- Works in temperatures down to: -10°F (-23°C)
- SEER rating: Up to 23.5
Pros:
- Controls temperature perfectly with variable power
- Can work with solar panels to save more energy
- Runs quietly
- ENERGY STAR-certified for efficiency
Cons:
- Expensive
- Needs a special Lennox thermostat to work fully
The Lennox Signature Series XP25 Heat Pump is a high-performance machine made to work well in cold climates. It can change its power in tiny 1% steps. This lets it keep the temperature exactly right and use energy efficiently.
This heat pump can work well down to -10°F (-23°C), making it good for most cold areas. The XP25 can also work with solar panels, which lets homeowners save even more money on energy bills.
5. Daikin Fit Cold Climate Heat Pump
Specifications:
- Makes heat: 9,000 – 60,000 BTU/h
- HSPF rating: Up to 12
- Works in temperatures down to: -13°F (-25°C)
- SEER rating: Up to 18
Pros:
- Small design that doesn’t take up much space
- Works efficiently in cold weather
- Outdoor unit runs quietly
- Bluetooth connectivity for easy monitoring and control
Cons:
- SEER rating isn’t as high as some other brands
- Doesn’t have as many size options for bigger homes
The Daikin Fit Cold Climate Heat Pump is made to heat efficiently in cold areas while having a small outdoor unit. It can change its speed automatically, which helps it use energy efficiently and keep you comfortable.
This heat pump can work well when it’s -13°F (-25°C) outside, making it great for most cold climate situations. Its small design is perfect for homes that don’t have much outdoor space. Plus, it runs quietly so it won’t bother you when you’re outside.
What to Think About When Choosing Heat Pumps for Cold Climates
When picking a heat pump for cold weather, here are the important things to consider:
- Heating Capacity. Make sure the heat pump can make enough heat for your home’s size and how well it’s insulated.
- How Well It Works in Cold Weather: Look for a high COP (Coefficient of Performance) at low temperatures. This shows it works better when it’s cold.
- Coldest Temperature It Can Work: Pick a heat pump that can work well at the coldest temperatures your area gets.
- Defrost System: A good defrost system is really important for keeping it working well in freezing weather.
- Backup Heating: Think about getting a system with built-in electric heating or one that can work with your current heating system for extremely cold days.
- Energy Efficiency: Higher HSPF and SEER ratings mean it uses energy better overall.
- Installation and Care: Think about the costs and requirements for professional installation and regular maintenance.
How Much Money and Energy You Can Save with Heat Pumps for Cold Climates
Cold climate heat pumps can save lots of energy compared to old heating systems like furnaces or boilers. Instead of making heat by burning fuel, they move heat from outside. This means they can be 300% efficient or more. In other words, they can make 3 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity they use.
This high efficiency means lower energy bills and less pollution. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, switching to a heat pump can save homeowners hundreds of dollars every year on heating costs. The savings can be even bigger in colder places. Understanding how to reduce your electricity costs through efficient appliances like heat pumps is key to maximizing these savings.
How Much Different Heating Systems Cost Each Year
| Heating System | Annual Cost (Cold Climate) |
| Heat Pump | $500 – $1,000 |
| Natural Gas | $800 – $1,500 |
| Oil Furnace | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Electric Resistance | $1,500 – $2,500 |
Note: Actual costs may vary based on local energy prices, home size, and insulation levels.
Installation Considerations
Getting your cold climate heat pump installed correctly is super important for how well it works and how long it lasts. Here are some key things to think about:
- Getting the Right Size: A correctly sized system makes sure it works efficiently and keeps you comfortable.
- Where to Put It: The outdoor unit should go somewhere that gets good airflow and is protected from strong wind and snow piling up.
- Insulation: Properly insulating the refrigerant lines stops heat from being lost and makes the system work better.
- Working with Other Systems: If you’re using it with another heating system, make sure they work well together.
- Controls: Install a thermostat that works well with your heat pump and can use all its features.
Always work with a qualified HVAC professional who knows about cold climate heat pump installations. This makes sure your system is set up to work its best.
How to Take Care of Your Cold Climate Heat Pump
Taking good care of your cold climate heat pump is really important to keep it working well. Here are some helpful tips:
- Clean or replace air filters monthly during the heating season.
- Keep the outdoor unit clear of snow, ice, and debris that might block it.
- Schedule annual professional maintenance to check refrigerant levels, clean coils, and inspect electrical connections.
- Monitor your system’s performance and fix any unusual noises or problems with efficiency right away.
- Consider installing a protective cover for the outdoor unit during severe weather, but remove it when the system is in use.
Wrapping Up
Cold climate heat pumps are an excellent way to heat homes in areas with harsh winters. They use less energy and are better for the environment than old heating systems. The five models we talked about – Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat H2i, Fujitsu Halcyon XLTH Series, Carrier Infinity 24, Lennox Signature Series XP25, and Daikin Fit Cold Climate Heat Pump – are some of the best choices for working well in cold weather.
When choosing a heat pump for your cold climate home, think about things like heating power, energy efficiency ratings, and the coldest temperatures it can work in. Getting the right size, proper installation, and regular maintenance are key to getting the best performance and longest life out of your heat pump system. Learning about energy efficiency at home can help you make the most of your investment.
Investing in a high-quality cold climate heat pump helps homeowners enjoy comfortable indoor temperatures, lower energy bills, and less environmental impact, even in the coldest winters. Combined with other energy-efficient appliances, a heat pump can significantly reduce your home’s overall energy consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
How cold can cold climate heat pumps work efficiently?
Cold climate heat pumps can work efficiently even when it’s -13°F to -15°F (-25°C to -26°C), depending on which model you get.
What important features should I look for in a cold climate heat pump?
Look for motors that change speed automatically, better vapor injection, bigger coils for heat exchange, smart defrost systems, and better refrigerants.
How much money can I save on energy costs by switching to a cold climate heat pump?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save hundreds of dollars each year on heating costs—and maybe even more in colder places—by switching to efficient heating systems like cold-climate heat pumps. To better understand your potential savings, consider getting a home energy audit to see how much energy your current system uses.