Is a Heat Pump a Good Option for Colder Climates?

Missouri’s climate is quite cold. It often experiences rough winter weather. When purchasing a new heating system for your home, you have a few different options to choose from. Heat pumps are one of the most energy-efficient options on the market today. They are an alternative to a furnace, even in a cold climate.

Cold-Climate vs. Standard Heat Pumps

There are two different types of heat pumps that you can buy for your home. There are two types of heat pumps: standard and cold-climate. Cold-climate heat pumps are more popular in places like Missouri. Standard heat pumps are the most affordable choice. They work well until temperatures drop to freezing.

Unfortunately, standard heat pumps don’t operate very efficiently below freezing. In fact, many of them switch over to their auxiliary heating mode. This may be a gas or electric furnace, heat pump, or boiler. Auxiliary heating is much less efficient than a standard heat pump.

Cold-climate heat pumps cost more, but they work well in colder temperatures. Most cold-weather heat pumps work well even at -20 degrees Fahrenheit. In Missouri, the average winter low is in the teens to low 20s. This makes cold-climate heat pumps very effective here.

Energy Efficiency

A heat pump’s biggest advantage is its great energy efficiency. Most cold-climate heat pumps can achieve efficiency levels of 200% to 400%. Electric furnaces can run at nearly 100% efficiency. In contrast, high-efficiency condensing natural gas furnaces reach up to 98% efficiency. A cold-climate heat pump is clearly the most energy-efficient heating system available today.

Quieter Operation

A key benefit of using a heat pump in cold climates is its quiet operation. This feature often goes unnoticed compared to other heating systems. All cold-climate heat pumps have variable-speed compressors. These compressors let the pumps run at lower capacity levels. This results in your home only needing to go up in temperature a couple of degrees. Its blower fan runs slower for better comfort. This also cuts energy use and reduces noise.

Safer Operation

A heating system that uses natural gas, heating oil, or propane produces exhaust fumes. These fumes can be dangerous if they aren’t vented out of your home properly. Fumes, such as carbon monoxide, need to be vented outside your home for safety. If your heating system fails, it might let toxic fumes back up into your home. This can be very dangerous. One key advantage of a heat pump is that it doesn’t produce any toxic fumes. This can give you peace of mind about your family’s safety while at home.

All-in-One Unit

The beauty of a heat pump is that it offers both heating and cooling for year-round comfort. You don’t need to buy a furnace or boiler with a central air conditioning system. You only need one heat pump. This can simplify your comfort needs throughout the year. You need maintenance every six months because it’s a dual-function system.

Expert Heat Pump Installation Services

A cold-climate heat pump is a smart choice for Missouri homeowners. We’ve talked about why it works well in this region. It works well in the cold. It saves you money on energy. Plus, it keeps your home comfortable without needing backup heat all the time. You get steady warmth, quieter operation, and safer heating in one system.

Swiss Air Heating & Cooling, LLC offers expert heat pump installation services for the O’Fallon, MO area. We can also assist with all your heat pump repair, replacement, and maintenance needs. Just call our office staff today to arrange your next service consultation.