While heat pumps have surged in popularity over the last few years, some misinformation about them has also increased. Perhaps it’s because the name “heat pump” is a bit of a misnomer.
Some people think they “pump heat” and that’s all they do when in fact they supply both heating and cooling. And the heat being pumped isn’t the heat it’s delivering to a home. Heat pumps tap into ambient air, extract heat from that air, and move it into the home.
That leads us to one of the biggest misconceptions about heat pumps: that they don’t work well in cold-weather climates. Many people wonder, how can a heat pump extract heat from the air when it’s below freezing?
Even on a day with below-freezing temperatures, there’s still enough heat in the air for a heat pump to work effectively. According to the city of Bozeman’s website, “Even in cold air, there is still heat available. Heat pump technology has significantly advanced in recent years. Some cold climate heat pumps can operate at temperatures down to -15° F. When selecting a heat pump, it’s important to ensure you’re selecting a cold climate heat pump.”
Other Factors That Affect Heat Pump Performance
There are other factors that must be met in order for a heat pump to work well in cold-weather climates. The first is that it has to be professionally installed by an HVAC contractor (such as ours). Without a proper installation, there’s a lot that can go wrong with a heat pump, not to mention the fact that the warranty will be voided right from the start.
Another factor is a home’s insulation. Although a well-insulated home is important no matter what heating system you have, it’s especially important for heat pumps. A well-insulated house will improve the heat pump’s energy efficiency because heat pumps work best in spaces that don’t have any airflow leaks. Consider weatherization when deciding on a heat pump.
You’ll also need to be on top of scheduling heat pump maintenance twice a year. Heat pumps require bi-annual tune-ups because they work year-round. If you’re lax about keeping up with maintenance, a heat pump might not be your best option. Luckily, we make heat pump service in Bozeman, MT easy for you to schedule.
Does Your Home Have a Back-Up Heating Source
If you’re still worried about a heat pump’s potential performance, consider if your home has an alternate heating system. Do you have a pellet stove or a wood-burning or gas fireplace? If so, you’ll be able to rely on the additional heat these sources provide on days when it gets down to the negative double digits.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to making sure your Montana home has a heating system that can handle our winters, we understand your concerns. You can rely on our expert opinions so feel free to contact us with your questions. We’re a full-service HVAC company that offers the best brands for heat pumps and service on all makes and models.
Contact Ambient Air Solutions today for professional heat pump installation in Belgrade, MT and the surrounding areas. Simplifying Heating & Cooling!
