Heat Pump FAQ

Is There Still Heat to be Extracted from the Outside Air to Heat My House When it is Zero Degrees Outside?

The short answer is yes! A heat pump is basically an air conditioner that works backward. In the summertime, we absorb heat inside and move it outside, and in the wintertime, we absorb heat outside, and we move it inside. 

Even when it is so cold outside, there is still heat that can be extracted and brought into your home through your heat pump.

Absolute zero, or -460 Fahrenheit, is the temperature when all molecular action stops and there is no heat at all. So, there will always be heat to extract, no matter how cold it is outside. 

However, the heat pump will be less efficient the colder it gets. If you have a heat pump in Northeast Ohio, you will likely need a second source of heat in your home – i.e., electric furnace, gas burner, oil furnace. This is because once it is less than 30 degrees outside, the heat pump won't be able to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. 

Heat pumps can be a very cost-effective source for heat in certain climates or in conjunction with other heat sources for those colder months.

Learn More About Heat Pumps 

If you are interested in learning more about heat pumps or other HVAC equipment, contact us today!