As the colder months are fast-approaching, you may already be preparing for the holidays and prioritizing cozy evenings indoors with your loved ones. However, this is also the time to take extra care of your heating system, so that you and your family can stay warm all winter long. 

This is especially important if you rely on a heat pump for your household’s heating demands. Because they function using warmth from the air outside, your heat pump may face some challenges during the colder months. So, what can you do to ensure that your appliance runs smoothly even in low temperatures? Keep reading to find out!

Do heat pumps work in winter?

Let’s start by making one thing clear – air source heat pumps do work in winter. They can operate at temperatures as low as -25°C (13°F). This is because even under such circumstances, there’s still heat that can be extracted from the air. 

The air source heat pump extracts this heat, amplifies it, and transfers it into your home. Because it primarily uses air to generate energy, air source heat pumps are a great sustainable energy source. 

That said, they do also require some electricity to function. To reduce your carbon footprint even further, you may want to consider pairing your heat pump with solar panels. Like heat pumps, solar panels also operate well during the winter, albeit with somewhat lower efficiency rates than in summer, as they get less sunlight exposure during the day. 

How efficient is an air source heat pump?

Under optimal conditions, air source heat pumps reach efficiency levels of up to 300%. This means that for each unit of electricity that the heat pump consumes, it generates up to 3 units of energy. However, during the winter months, efficiency levels can drop to 100%. 

While this is a significant difference, your air source heat pump will still be more efficient during the winter than most high-end gas boilers, which are typically around 95% efficient. This means that even during the coldest parts of the year, your air source heat pump can help you minimize your household’s carbon footprint. 

How to maintain heat pump efficiency during the winter? 

The most important thing is to keep an eye out for signs of reduced energy efficiency. If you notice that your heat pump is inconsistent with warming up your home or that it uses more electricity than usual, you’ll want to take some steps to make sure that your system can withstand the cold. 

Here are some key tips for keeping your air source heat pump running optimally during the winter: 

  • Conduct regular checks and maintenance: Take a look at your heat pump frequently to ensure that there’s no snow or frost buildup. It’s normal for these to accumulate on top of your heat pump. However, if you notice any ice on the inside of the heat pump, you should make an appointment with a professional who can assess and repair any potential damage.
  • Avoid extreme temperature settings: Try to keep your thermostat at an average temperature and avoid alternating between turning it too high and then lowering the temperature. By keeping your thermostat on a consistent temperature, you can avoid overworking your heat pump, which, in turn, allows it to maintain its efficiency. 
  • Make sure your home is well-insulated: If your home is insulated properly, you shouldn’t notice a huge impact of a heat pump’s typical lower efficiency during the winter. The right kind of insulation for your home ensures that the heat your system generates won’t escape, keeping your family comfortable and your heat pump working efficiently. 

As you can see, there really isn’t all that much to maintaining heat pump efficiency. However, the importance of taking these steps seriously cannot be overstated. With just a little extra care and attention, you can enjoy all the benefits of a heat pump even during the coldest parts of the year. 

Conclusion

Keeping your family warm and comfortable during the winter doesn’t have to mean compromising on your household’s environmental impact. With an air source heat pump, you get the best of both worlds. Just be sure to follow the few simple steps we’ve discussed to make sure that your heat pump can run smoothly all winter long!