Heat Pump Winter Performance

Heat Pump Winter Performance

Should I Switch My Heat Pump to Emergency Heat in Extreme Cold?

When winter temperatures drop here in Roanoke, many homeowners wonder whether they should switch their heat pump to Emergency Heat. The short answer is: absolutely not! Let’s break down why.

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Understanding Heat Pump Ratings

Heat pumps are evaluated based on two key factors: capacity and efficiency.

• Capacity: This refers to the heat pump’s ability to produce heat, measured in British Thermal Units (Btu). For example, 12,000 Btu equals 1 ton. A 3-ton heat pump generates 36,000 Btu. Manufacturers rate this capacity at two standard outdoor temperatures: 47°F and 17°F.
  
  
• Efficiency: This is typically rated using SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and COP (Coefficient of Performance). COP is particularly straightforward: a COP of 1 means for every dollar spent on electricity, you get an equivalent dollar’s worth of heat energy in return.
  
  

Example:

• Resistance electric heat (like in toasters or electric heat coils) always has a COP of 1.
• Heat pumps, however, can achieve COPs greater than 1, making them much more efficient.

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Why You Shouldn’t Switch to Emergency Heat

Using a 3-ton heat pump as an example, here’s how capacity and efficiency change with outdoor temperatures:

• At 47°F, the heat pump generates 36,000 Btu with a COP of 3.5.
• At 17°F, the heat pump generates 22,000 Btu with a COP of 2.5.
• Emergency Heat: If you switch to emergency electric heat, the system operates with a COP of just 1. This means that even at 17°F, your heat pump is significantly more efficient and less costly to run than emergency heat.

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How Heat Pumps Handle Extreme Cold

In colder temperatures (usually in the mid-30°F range), your heat pump might struggle to meet your home’s full heating demand. To compensate, the electric strip heat (auxiliary heat) will cycle on and off to assist the heat pump. This hybrid operation is still much more energy-efficient and cost-effective than switching entirely to Emergency Heat.

Key Takeaway:

• Stick with your heat pump, even in extreme cold. Let it work as designed, with the auxiliary heat kicking in only when necessary.

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We are here to help you understand how your heat pump performs in winter. You can maximize efficiency, reduce your energy bills, and keep your home comfortable—no matter how cold it gets! Remember if you ever have any questions please feel free to call us at 540-904-7600 or visit us online at bowerfreshair.com!