Will a Heat Pump Work in Winter?

Q: Will a heat pump work in winter?

Yes. Cold-climate heat pumps are designed to work in Canadian winters, even in sub-zero temperatures. They can provide efficient heating down to around -25°C to -30°C, though efficiency decreases as outdoor temperatures drop.

Q: How cold is too cold for a heat pump?

Most cold-climate heat pumps can operate between -25°C and -30°C. At these temperatures, the system works harder to heat your home, so you may still need a backup heating source on extremely cold days.

Q: Do I need a backup heating system with a heat pump in Canada?

Yes, it’s recommended to have a backup heating source, such as a furnace, for very cold days when a heat pump’s efficiency drops. This ensures your home stays comfortable no matter the weather.

Welcome to Ask Reliance, where we answer some of the most common home comfort questions. One we hear often is:

“Will a heat pump work in the winter?”

The answer is yes—cold-climate heat pumps are designed to perform in Canadian winters. These systems can extract heat from the air even in freezing conditions, providing reliable and energy-efficient heating for your home.

Depending on the model, a heat pump can operate in temperatures as low as -25°C to -30°C. While they work effectively at these temperatures, it’s important to know that efficiency decreases as outdoor temperatures drop. On extremely cold days, your system may need a backup heating source to help maintain indoor comfort.

If you’re thinking about making the switch, Call on Reliance™ for all your heat pump installation, service, and maintenance needs.