Hey everyone, it's Adam from Greenfoot Energy Solutions. Today we are looking at three misconceptions about heat pumps. I want to clear them up so you can decide if a cold-climate heat pump is right for your home.
Do Heat Pumps Work Well Below the Freezing Point?
The short answer is yes. Heat pump technology has improved drastically over the last 10–15 years, and modern cold-climate units work efficiently in our very cold Canadian climate. Most units we install today still deliver 100% of their rated heating output at -15°C, which means a 12,000 BTU/hr heat pump still gives you at least 12,000 BTU/hr at -15°C.
Will a Heat Pump Actually Save You Money on Heating?
Heat pumps are the most efficient heat source on the market. Unlike oil, electric resistance, gas, or wood, heat pumps have efficiency ratings in the 300% range, meaning for every kilowatt of electricity used, you get about three kilowatts of heat. No traditional heating method can touch that. Yes, there is always Uncle Jerry who cuts his own wood at the farm and "doesn't pay anything for his heat." But for the rest of us, this is the way to go.
Are Heat Pumps Environmentally Friendly?
Let's unpack this myth in three parts: the grid, the equipment, and the future.
The Grid
If your utility company feeds the grid with electricity generated from coal or oil, then yes, anything connected to the grid is not very environmentally friendly. We do not have much control over that. But we do have control over what heating system we choose. Utility companies are slowly transitioning to renewable energy, and when they do, you will be very happy to have the most environmentally friendly heating source on the planet: the heat pump.
The Equipment
Heat pumps are the only heating technology that produces more heat than the electricity it consumes. A baseboard electric heater gives one kilowatt of heat for every kilowatt of electricity (a COP of 1). Heat pumps average a COP of around 3, which is by far the most efficient (and therefore the most environmentally friendly) heating choice on the market.
The Future
As solar PV technology becomes more efficient, we will be able to offset more of our energy consumption directly at home. When that transition happens, you will be very happy you chose a heat pump.
What Does This Mean for Net Zero?
If our goal as a society is to reach net zero, the clear choice is heat pumps. They can eventually be offset by renewable energy, either from a cleaner grid or generated right at your home through solar. Plus, you get air conditioning included, which is a nice bonus during our hotter summers. 😎
What If You Heat With Wood or Pellets?
No offence to anyone heating with wood or pellets. Pellet heat is actually very good in terms of carbon footprint when the pellets are made from waste byproducts. Homeowners who cut their own wood rarely factor in their time when they brag about how low their energy bills are, so it is hard to compare those fuels apples-to-apples with a heat pump.
Have More Heat Pump Questions?
If you have a question or a misconception you would like more information about, you can reach us anytime at greenfootenergy.ca or call us to speak with a Greenfoot energy team member. Remember: start small, think big, and keep living the Greenfoot lifestyle.