this post was submitted on 24 Nov 2023
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I've seen a lot of articles claim heat pumps don't work well below -15c, but they never mention there are ways around that. I live in Canada in an area that regularly gets much colder and a lot of people around here have heat pump systems... the only difference is instead of the other side of the heat pump being outside, we bury them underground below the frost line. (Geothermal)
It does drive the cost up somewhat, but they still end up paying for themselves in the long run. Added bonus is in the summer, most system are reversible and will also cool your house much cheaper than traditional ac units.
Aren't there other supplemental heat options, too? So if it's "too cold" they can put a gas or electric warmer on the system to bring the temp up. With their 200%+ efficiency it would be like running a space heater.
Yes, I have an air source heat pump (basically a reversible air conditioner) with typical coils in an air handler with electric resistive heating coils as backup. Essentially, they can work with any backup system, whether it's an electric or gas furnace, or other space heating units elsewhere.
Ya you could... you'd be better off though just getting a system that suits your location though, but the initial cost is usually the biggest issue. I live where it commonly gets in the -30 to -40c temps, and I know of 25,000 square foot shops with geothermal pumps that stay nice and warm all winter.