3 ms·
the problem is that as the outside gets colder, heat pumps get less efficient, so places that need the most heating benefit the least from heat pumps, and those
by LegitShady 4y ago
the problem is that as the outside gets colder, heat pumps get less efficient, so places that need the most heating benefit the least from heat pumps, and those are the places that use the most amount of energy for heat.
So yes, I agree, but heat pumps have cold weather limitations that mean they only benefit relatively warm climates.
- ericbarrett 4y agoTrue, but if the heat pump is designed to operate in very cold weather the minimum efficiency is 100% (backup resistance heating), so you will always at least break even versus pure resistance heating. Discounting equipment costs of course :) Also, I've never seen a building (in the U.S.) that relies on electric heating if temps in the area will get much below 10°F (-12°C). At that point, it's always natgas/propane/fuel oil/wood.
- Epa095 4y ago> if the heat pump is designed to operate in very cold weather the minimum efficiency is 100% (backup resistance heating), so you will always at least break even versus pure resistance heating. But the heat pump has a "outside" part, where there is a fan and other electrify using stuff. Can you not risk that more heat is generated outside than is moved inside?
- LegitShady 4y ago>I've never seen a building (in the U.S.) Sadly I've seen many buildings (apartments and homes) that use electric baseboard heaters, and you probably have as well. They just aren't very modern.
- tzs 4y agoThat’s older heat pumps. Modern heat pumps are over 200% efficient at 0℉ and over 100% efficient down to around -15℉ Which makes them suitable for many places that don’t have relatively warm climates.