Cold Climate Heat Pump
By Travis Baugh
Our world is constantly evolving, and now, more than ever, there is growing concern over greenhouse gas emissions in our rapidly changing climate. Global leaders are working together to combat this crisis by pushing for optimized energy efficiencies, electrification, and new refrigerants – all part of decarbonization.
Reducing reliance on fossil fuels, including natural gas, and increasing reliance on “clean” sources of energy are all parts of the decarbonization equation. For homeowners in cold climates where gas or fuel oil heating dominate the indoor comfort market, going all-electric can be a cause for concern. We get it.
The good news is Carrier has been preparing for these changes for years, and today we are helping clear the air with an innovative solution for keeping people comfortable in rapidly decarbonizing world – Carrier cold climate heat pumps.
What Are Heat Pumps?
A versatile year-round comfort system, a heat pump can both heat and cool your home by extracting heat energy from the surrounding environment and moving it to another location. Learn more about what is a heat pump.
However, traditional heat pumps are designed for more mild climates and are not very efficient during extremely cold winter temperatures (below 5° F) and rely upon an auxiliary heating source during those times. Carrier cold climate heat pumps are an option you can warm up to, even in areas with more severe climates historically served by fossil fuel heating systems.
Advantages Of Cold Climate Heat Pumps
In addition to offering efficient performance in cold climates, heat pump technology has evolved over the last 20 years to provide comfort improvements and overall benefits:
- Higher energy efficiency – up to 22.0 SEER2 during cooling and up to 10.5 HSPF2 during heating with properly matched equipment
- Help reduce a home’s carbon footprint compared to a gas furnace/air conditioner system
- Consistent temperature in the home for greater comfort with fewer up and down swings during use
- Potentially eligible for local utility rebates and federal tax credits based on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
- Enhanced humidity control throughout the year – during both heating and cooling operation
- Cold climate heat pump technology that allows for installation in all regions and provides warm, energy-efficient heating even when it’s below freezing outside with some Carrier models operating down to -22° F
What is an ENERGY STAR® Cold Climate Heat Pump?
To be considered an ENERGY STAR® Cold Climate heat pump, the equipment must meet the criteria as outlined below.
* Control Verification Procedure – This procedure is now required for all HVAC manufacturers. We must verify that the reported performance of our heat pumps at 5° F is how the unit will perform in the home with a native control (either a standard thermostat or an Infinity® System Control).
What Is A CEE Cold Climate Heat Pump?
CEE, or the Consortium for Energy Efficiency, is the U.S. and Canadian consortium of gas and electric efficiency program administrators. CEE works to accelerate the development and availability of energy-efficient products and services for lasting public benefit. CEE uses tiers with established performance measures to set a nationally recognized definition of highly efficient products or services. Below are the CEE tiers for highly efficient heat pumps that perform well in cold climates.
Additional Path To Decarbonization
In addition to cold climate heat pumps, Carrier offers additional paths toward decarbonization with our Hybrid Heat® dual-fuel system and our Crossover Solution. With these options, homeowners have the power to choose the most efficient heat source for their home at any one time.
Dual-Fuel
Match an existing or new gas furnace with a high-efficiency heat pump. An Infinity® Variable-Speed Heat Pump With Greenspeed® Intelligence delivers up to 23 SEER2 cooling and up to 10.5 HSPF2 heating efficiencies with efficient performance down to -15° F exterior temperature.
Ductless Crossover Solutions
Carrier Ductless Crossover Solutions combine the best of both ductless and traditional HVAC technology. This means you get the quiet operation and small footprint of ductless products, with the performance and dual-fuel capability of traditional units at temperatures from -22° F to 122° F. Learn more about ductless crossover solutions.
DOE: Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge
Carrier recently participated in the Department of Energy’s Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge to accelerate the development of cold climate heat pump technologies. To meet the DOE CCHP requirements, a heat pump must have maintained 100% capacity at 5° F as it does at 47° F. In addition, qualifying equipment must also be grid interactive and use a refrigerant with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of no more than 750. Learn more about Carrier's completion of the Department of Energy’s Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge.
Stay Comfortable With A Heat Pump In Cold Weather
In cold weather, reliable heating is about more than just comfort – it’s a necessity. While gas furnaces have traditionally been the best option for low outdoor temperatures, innovations in gas-free heating have created new ways to deliver premium performance.
Carrier cold climate heat pumps are a great alternative to traditional gas HVAC systems for cold climates, delivering efficiency and energy savings without compromising comfort. Connect with your local Carrier dealer on the best HVAC solution for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Climate Heat Pumps
- Find a heat pump near me
- Get information about the Cost of a Heat Pump
- Find out “How Does a Heat Pump Work?”
- Learn the difference between Heat Pumps vs Air Conditioning
- Let's start with the basics - What is a Heat Pump?
- Learn about Heat Pump Efficiency and SEER Ratings
- 3 Reasons To Consider A Heat Pump
- Heat Pumps: A Sustainable Comfort Solution
- Discover heat pump tax credits
- Learn about heat pump installation
- How much will a heat pump increase my electric bill?
- Learn if you need a 3 ton heat pump