Here in Pensacola, FL, we don’t get very many frigid winters. That’s one of the reasons that heat pumps are now a go-to heating and cooling solution for homes here. However, plenty of homeowners worry that their heat pumps won’t remain efficient in the winter. Are their concerns valid, though? Here’s everything you need to know about heat pump efficiency in the winter.
How Heat Pumps Make Heat
Technically speaking, heat pumps don’t make heat at all. They capture it from the outside air and carry it indoors. That’s one of the reasons that people worry about heat pump efficiency in the winter. After all, where can a heat pump get heat from when it’s cold outside?
The truth is that even cold air contains sufficient heat energy to heat the average home. Even in the middle of winter, a heat pump can leverage the properties of the refrigeration cycle to amplify even the tiniest amount of heat energy found in the outside air. It is true, however, that heat pump efficiency declines in the cold, though. It’s just nowhere near as sharp a decline as people think.
Heat Pump Efficiency in the Cold
In reality, the average heat pump begins to lose efficiency at around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it’s important to remember that a heat pump can be up to 400% efficient to start with. That means even an average heat pump will remain more efficient than a best-in-class gas furnace down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
Plus, there are heat pumps that remain efficient well into negative temperatures. They do come at a premium, though. The good news is that even an average heat pump should remain perfectly efficient in the Pensacola, FL, winter.
Trust the Heat Pump Professionals
Now that you know that a heat pump is efficient in the winter, you may want to explore installing one in your Pensacola, FL, home. If so, you should make Bluewater Heating & Air your first stop. We install, service, and repair heat pumps of all types. And, we offer ductwork insulation services to make your home even more energy efficient. So, if you’re ready to find out if a heat pump is right for your home, contact Bluewater Heating & Air today!
