Is Your Heat Pump Ready for Winter's Coldest Days?
As temperatures drop across the Finger Lakes and the snow starts piling up, homeowners rely on their heating systems to keep them warm. If you have a heat pump—or are considering one—you might be wondering: Can it handle the coldest days of winter? The short answer is yes, Halco Home Solutions has helped countless homeowners benefit from a cold-climate heat pump upgrade! However, understanding how your heat pump performs in extreme cold and taking steps to optimize efficiency is key to staying comfortable all season long.
How Heat Pumps Perform in Cold Weather
Air source heat pumps work by transferring heat from the outdoor air into your home, rather than generating heat like a traditional furnace. This makes them incredibly energy efficient. However, as temperatures dip below 30°F, a heat pump’s efficiency naturally decreases because there is less heat available in the air to transfer inside.
The good news? Modern cold-climate heat pumps are designed to work even in subzero conditions. Many high-efficiency models can still operate effectively at temperatures as low as -15°F, though they may require supplemental heating in extreme cases. With the right setup and home improvements, your heat pump can keep you warm all winter long.
Boost Heat Pump Performance with Insulation & Air Sealing
Even the best heating system won’t perform well if your home is losing heat. Before winter’s coldest days arrive, it’s essential to ensure your home is properly insulated and sealed against drafts. Here’s why:
Prevent Heat Loss – Insufficient insulation allows warm air to escape, forcing your heat pump to work harder and reducing overall efficiency.
Lower Energy Bills – A well-sealed and insulated home retains heat better, reducing the amount of energy needed to stay warm.
Improve Indoor Comfort – Eliminating drafts and cold spots makes your home consistently warm and cozy.
Key Areas to Insulate & Seal
Attic: Heat rises, and an under-insulated attic is a top culprit for energy loss.
Exterior Walls: Proper wall insulation helps maintain stable indoor temperatures.
Basements & Crawl Spaces: Cold air can seep in from below, making floors chilly and affecting overall warmth.
Doors & Windows: Air leaks around frames can let in cold drafts—sealing them makes a big difference.
Tips to Keep Your Heat Pump Running Efficiently
Once your home is properly insulated and sealed, taking care of your heat pump will help ensure peak performance even on the coldest days. Here’s what you can do:
1. Keep Filters Clean
A dirty air filter restricts airflow, making your heat pump work harder. Check and replace your filter every 1–3 months.
2. Schedule Regular Maintenance
Professional HVAC maintenance ensures your system is operating efficiently. A seasonal tune-up can prevent costly breakdowns and extend the life of your heat pump.
3. Check Your Thermostat Settings
Set your heat pump remote or thermostat to heat mode (avoid auto mode), and choose an efficient temperature—below 70°F is often ideal for winter efficiency, but every home is different. Avoid making frequent drastic temperature changes or turning up the temperature higher and higher in order to heat your home faster.
4. Keep Outdoor Units Clear
Snow, ice, and debris can block airflow to your heat pump’s outdoor unit. Keep the area around it clear to maintain efficiency.
5. Upgrade to Geothermal
Geothermal heat pumps offer a highly efficient solution for heating your home, even on the coldest days in the Finger Lakes. Unlike traditional air-source heat pumps, which extract heat from the outdoor air, geothermal systems utilize the stable temperatures found below the earth’s surface. By circulating a water-based solution through underground loops, geothermal heat pumps absorb and transfer heat into your home with remarkable efficiency.
Since ground temperatures remain relatively constant year-round—typically around 50°F in New York—geothermal systems don’t experience the same efficiency drop as air-source heat pumps in extreme cold. This means your home stays warm and comfortable without relying on backup heating sources, reducing energy costs and minimizing the use of fossil fuels.
Need a Heat Pump Tune-Up or Upgrade? Call Halco!
At Halco Home Solutions, we specialize in installing and maintaining high-efficiency heat pumps designed to handle New York winters. Whether you need a tune-up, insulation upgrades, or a brand-new system, our experts are here to help.
