Shop by
Can a heat pump actually survive a "real" winter?
If you live where winter means sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow, you’ve likely heard the skepticism. For years, the common wisdom was that heat pumps were fine for the South, but couldn't handle the deep freezes of Minnesota or Maine.
But HVAC technology has made a massive leap forward. Homeowners are increasingly ditching fossil fuels for electric options, leaving one big question: Will a heat pump actually keep you warm when it’s 10 degrees below zero?
The short answer is yes. But the right equipment is critical. This guide breaks down how cold-climate heat pumps defy physics to keep you cozy and the maintenance secrets that keep them running efficiently all winter long.
Yes—modern cold-climate heat pumps work efficiently down to -15°F or lower. Advances in inverter compressor technology mean heat pumps are no longer just for mild climates.
Quick facts:
Bottom line: Choose a cold-climate-rated model, size it correctly, and you'll get efficient year-round heating and cooling—plus better air quality when you keep your system's filter fresh.
Let’s address the elephant in the room immediately. The idea that heat pumps stop working when temperatures hit freezing is a myth based on outdated technology. Older models (think 15 or 20 years ago) did struggle to pull heat from the air once the temperature dropped below 30°F or 40°F, often switching to expensive "emergency" electric resistance heat to compensate.
However, modern cold climate heat pumps are engineered differently. Thanks to advancements in compressor technology and refrigerants, today's systems can provide reliable, efficient heating even when outdoor temperatures plunge well below freezing. In fact, many high-performance models can deliver 100% of their heating capacity at 5°F and continue operating effectively down to -13°F or even lower.
To understand how a heat pump can warm your home without a fire (like a furnace), you have to understand the difference between generating heat and moving heat.
A furnace burns natural gas, propane, or oil to create heat. A heat pump, on the other hand, acts like a heat transporter. It uses electricity and refrigerant to absorb heat from the outdoor air and move it inside your home.
You might be wondering, "How can it find heat in the air when it's 0°F outside?"
Thermodynamically, there is thermal energy in the air all the way down to absolute zero (-460°F). Even in freezing air, there is heat energy to be harvested. A heat pump uses a refrigerant loop to absorb that scattered heat energy, compress it to make it hot, and release it into your living room. Because moving heat requires less energy than creating it, heat pumps can be 200% to 300% efficient, compared to a brand-new high-efficiency gas furnace which tops out around 98%.
Not all heat pumps are created equal. If you live in the Northeast or Midwest, a standard heat pump designed for Florida won't cut it. You specifically need a cold climate heat pump.
What makes these units different? It largely comes down to the compressor.
Standard heat pumps usually have single-stage or two-stage compressors. They operate much like a light switch—they are either fully on or fully off. When it gets really cold, they struggle to keep up.
Cold climate models utilize variable-speed inverters. Think of this like the accelerator in a car. The system can ramp up or down precisely to match the heating demand. When it’s freezing outside, the inverter can "rev up" the compressor to extract more heat from the thin cold air. Many also use a technology called "enhanced vapor injection," which essentially boosts the refrigerant cycle to maintain high performance in extreme conditions.
So, how cold is too cold? This is the most common concern for homeowners.
While standard models might see a significant drop in efficiency around 32°F, a designated cold climate heat pump temperature range is impressive.
This doesn't mean the unit shuts off below these temperatures. It just means the efficiency drops, and the system might need supplemental heat (like electric heat strips or a dual-fuel gas furnace backup) to maintain your thermostat setting on the absolutely coldest nights of the year. However, for 95% of the winter in most populated cold regions, the heat pump handles the load entirely on its own.
When shopping for the best cold climate heat pumps, avoid getting hung up on brand names alone. Instead, look for specific performance ratings and certifications.
Proper sizing and installation are just as important as the equipment itself. A top-of-the-line unit installed poorly will not keep you warm.
Investing in this technology is a significant financial decision. When looking at cold weather heat pump cost, there are a few factors to consider.
If you decide to install a heat pump, or if you already have one, there is one maintenance task you cannot ignore: changing your air filter.
Heat pumps are unique because they run for longer cycles than gas furnaces. A furnace blasts hot air for 10 minutes and shuts off. A heat pump provides a lower, gentler stream of warm air for 40 or 50 minutes to maintain a constant temperature.
Because the system runs longer, it cycles more air through the filter. This means your filter catches more dust, pet dander, and debris in a shorter amount of time. A clogged filter restricts airflow. In a cold climate, restricted airflow can be disastrous. It forces the compressor to work harder to extract heat, driving up your electric bill and potentially causing the system to freeze up or enter "emergency heat" mode unnecessarily.
There is a misconception that you should use cheap fiberglass filters for heat pumps to maximize airflow. This is risky advice. Fiberglass filters allow too much debris to pass through, which can coat your indoor coil. If that coil gets dirty, it can't transfer heat effectively, and your house stays cold.
For the vast majority of heat pump systems, pleated filters with a MERV 8 to MERV 13 rating are the sweet spot.
Pleated filters provide a larger surface area (thanks to the pleats) to trap debris without suffocating the system, provided they are changed regularly.
Your heat pump is a sophisticated piece of technology designed to keep you comfortable in freezing weather. It deserves better than a flimsy filter picked up as an afterthought.
Homeowners trust Filterbuy because we understand the science of airflow. Our American-made pleated filters are constructed to protect high-efficiency systems like cold climate heat pumps. We offer the widest range of sizes—even hard-to-find custom dimensions—ensuring a perfect fit so that air doesn't bypass the filter. By subscribing to regular deliveries, you ensure you never forget to swap out that filter, keeping your heat pump running smoothly through the deepest freeze.
Yes. Modern cold climate heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently in temperatures well below freezing, often down to -13°F or lower.
It is a heat pump system featuring a variable-speed inverter compressor and advanced refrigerants, allowing it to extract heat from very cold air more effectively than standard models.
Most standard units work well down to 25-30°F. Cold climate models can maintain 100% capacity at 5°F and continue heating down to -22°F.
The operational range usually spans from -20°F (heating) up to 115°F (cooling), making them a year-round solution.
Yes. Even at 0°F, a cold climate heat pump can be up to 200% efficient, whereas a gas furnace is never more than 98% efficient.
Costs vary widely but typically range between $12,000 and $20,000 for a full-home system, before factoring in tax credits and rebates.
In extremely cold regions, it is common to have backup electric heat strips or a hybrid system with a gas furnace to assist during the few days a year temperatures drop below the unit's rating.
No, as long as they are changed regularly. Pleated filters protect the sensitive coils inside the heat pump better than fiberglass.
MERV 8 to MERV 13 is generally recommended. This range offers excellent protection for air quality and equipment without restricting airflow too much.
Because heat pumps run continuously to maintain temperature, you should check your filter every 30 days and replace it at least every 90 days—sooner if you have pets.
