Heat pumps are widely recommended for use in climates similar to Pensacola, FL. However, many homeowners are reluctant to install a heat pump because they have heard that a heat pump is expensive to run when the weather turns cold. Even if cold snaps are fairly rare, local homeowners rightly want to be prepared for the worst that winter throws their way. This blog will separate the facts from fiction, so you can make an informed decision about whether a heat pump is the right choice for your home.
Moving Heat
The core function of a heat pump is that it moves heat. The process is very similar to the one that moves heat from inside your house to the outside when you turn on air conditioning. In fact, a heat pump can also serve as a cooling system.
The big difference is that a heat pump’s flow is reversible. In other words, it can pull heat from the outdoors and transport it inside.
Efficiency
A common concern about heat pumps is how efficiently they operate in cold weather. Heat pumps are highly efficient in mild conditions, often achieving performance ratings equivalent to 400–500% efficiency.
This may sound surprising, but it is possible because heat pumps do not generate heat from fuel. Instead, they move existing heat from the outside air into your home using electricity and refrigerant. Even in very cold temperatures, this method allows heat pumps to provide effective heating while consuming far less energy than traditional systems.
Declining Efficiency in Cold
One common misconception about heat pumps is that their efficiency drops dramatically in cold weather. While it’s true that performance decreases as temperatures fall, heat pumps still operate well above 100% efficiency even at 5°F. This means they outperform common electric heating options, such as baseboard heaters, space heaters, and electric furnaces. Backup heating typically isn’t required until temperatures reach around -10°F. For context, Pensacola’s record low is -5°F, so most winter days remain well within a heat pump’s efficient range.
There is some truth to concerns about heat pumps in extremely cold conditions. However, the energy savings during typical Florida winters far outweigh the rare occasions when efficiency dips below 100%. Homeowners can enjoy consistent comfort and lower energy costs year-round.
Backup Heating and Hybrid Systems
Folks who want to be absolutely sure can find systems that offer backup heating, with hybrid designs being the most common. These are systems that switch over to a more aggressive form of heating at a specific threshold.
You are far more likely to see these kinds of setups in homes in a place like Colorado, where the weather annually tests the lower part of the heat pump’s efficiency curve. Here in Florida, we don’t recommend a backup heating source to homeowners who intend to install a heat pump. The extra expense of installing and maintaining a backup system does not justify the rare occasions when a heat pump will become inefficient due to extreme lows.
Notably, modern heat pumps include systems that cope well with the worst effects of the cold. For example, they typically include defrosting components that can remove ice. This ensures that ice buildup on coils doesn’t reduce airflow or efficiency, keeping your heat pump working even in bad winter conditions.
Optimal Range
Heat pumps perform most efficiently when the outdoor temperature is 25°F or higher. This means that homes in Florida consistently benefit from the energy savings heat pumps provide.
Heat pumps also handle transitional weather exceptionally well. On a cool 60°F night, for example, a heat pump can provide just the right amount of warmth without overworking. Modern systems often include variable-speed or modulating controls that allow them to adjust output precisely. They can also switch quickly to cooling mode as temperatures rise during the day, providing consistent comfort during the temperature swings common during Pensacola’s spring weather.
Contact Your Local Heating and Cooling Experts
At Bluewater Heating & Air, we have served the residents of Pensacola and the surrounding areas for years. We install, repair, and maintain heating and cooling systems, including heat pumps. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced heating technicians.
