At what temperature do a heat pump stop working?
One of the most common questions people ask about heat pumps is, "What temperature is a heat pump not effective?"In the southern states, heat pumps only work within a certain temperature range, which is why they are so popular.I will not make you wait if you are impatient.The heat pump temperature range is larger than most people think, and with supplemental heating it can work even in the cold.We started as a small U.S.We built our reputation on giving honest, straight answers and this will be no different.There's no need to worry about your heat pump operation in cold weather, as we will discuss everything you have to know about heat pumps in this article.
We need to bring you up to speed on what a heat pump is and how it works.Even if you know what a heat pump is, you still need to know how it works.You won't understand anything we say about heat pump temperature ranges.
The simplest explanation is that a heat pump is an air conditioner that can work in reverse.If you don't know what these terms mean, it's not important, an air conditioner works by trapping the heat inside of your home, and expelling it outside using a condensing unit.If you want to know what the difference is between split and packaged air conditioners, try this.).
A heat pump works the same way, only it has a trick up its sleeve.When it's hot outside, a reversing valve allows your heat pump to work.When it's cold out, it can reverse the flow of its refrigerant and heat your home.Sounds great, right?There's a catch...your heat pump temperature range.
In the south, heat pumps are more popular because they are not effective below a certain temperature range.You wouldn't have asked the question at what temperature is a heat pump not effective if you'd known that.
At what temperature is a heat pump not effective?If you were that impatient, you would have done what my wife does and scrolled down to the good stuff.
If you're confused, I'll tell you what I told my flight students...go back, and do it right!Unlike a furnace, heat pumps work by removing heat from the air.If it's negative 22 degrees out in Montana, there isn't much heat to take out of the air to heat your home, right?That's the reason heat pumps don't work well.
If you've paid attention, you will know that I told you what the minimum heat pump temperature range is.For those still wondering what the temperature of a heat pump is.
If you think about it, heat pump operation in cold weather is not the best, which is why they are only used in warm climates.One huge benefit that furnaces don't have is heat pumps.
It's important to know what a fair price is for your heat pump.An online calculator can help you get a fair price.
If you're a nerd, here's a good graph from our friends over at Penn State.I'll break it down for those that are on the more leisurely side of things.
The graph above shows the heat pump efficiency outside.The demand for heat increases as the temperature goes down from about 70 degrees to less than 70.The heat pump is becoming less and less efficient as the temperature continues to go down.So, in other words.
Don't lose your faith!No need to retire into an endless pit of scotch drinking, unless you want to, of course...don't mind if I do, sip.As I write this, I might have a glass of 12-year Glenmorangie Lasanta in front of me.Even people in Montana have heat pumps.
Even though heat pumps don't work well at low temperatures, there's another option...supplemental electric strip heat!
If you live in an area that frequently drops below freezing, supplemental electric strip heat can be added to your heat pump to keep your home warm.
If you live in a cold climate, you should.Sometimes people don't have access to natural gas or propane in their area.A heat pump only needs electricity to operate.People who live in the cold climates often have a heat pump with supplemental heat.
What temperature is a heat pump not effective?Hopefully this article has helped answer that question, as well as any others about heat pump temperature ranges, and what you can do to improve performance when it gets below 30 degrees.You can find more on heat pumps and other questions on our website."If you have any questions about heat pumps, feel free to contact us, but I'd really rather you didn't."
The Wharton School of Finance is located in the U.S.The Naval Aviator from 2005 to 2015.At All Systems, we believe that the experience our clients have is more important than the products they receive.Our results speak for themselves, so we'd be happy to help.Make sure you get a fair price for a new AC or furnace.Click the tab on the top of the page for more information if you want to try our online calculator.
We recommend that you both participate in your estimate/service appointment if you have a spouse or partner.