There’s a common misconception that heat pumps don’t work when the temperature drops below freezing outside. While it is true that older-model heat pumps aren’t made for cold climates and lose efficiency when temperatures fall below 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, models such as the Fujitsu’s XLTH Low Temp Heating mini-split heat pumps, can operate efficiently at -15 F (although that performance isn’t the norm).
However, even older units can be useful as supplemental heat in some scenarios, especially if you have specific rooms or areas in your home where you can put a mini-split heat pump system. This makes it possible to use heat pumps to take the load off other heating methods and reduce your energy costs.
Can You Rely Solely on a Heat Pump To Heat Your Home During Winter Nights in Maine?
That depends on the size of your home and family’s heat preferences. Many people use mini-split heat pumps to provide additional heating or cooling in specific rooms so they can save money on their whole-home heating or cooling.
Still, they can also be used as a sole source of temperature control if they’re put in multiple areas of your home.
Age Matters for Heat Pumps and Heating Performance
The performance and efficiency of heat pumps have improved over time, just like every other type of furnace or air conditioner. These more efficient heat pumps utilize variable speeds, superior compressors, and better compressor control strategies.
The model or series of heat pump is important in this regard. Not every heat pump is designed to operate in low-temperature environments, but an expert at Valley Home Services can discuss the models that will work for you.
At Valley Home Services, we install industry-leading Fujitsu heat pumps. We know Maine winters can be brutal and being comfortable in your home is important, so we offer several models specifically designed to operate efficiently in low-temp climates, including wall-mounted mini-split, multi-zone and floor-mounted variations.
Why Are Fujitsu Heat Pumps So Great?
Fujitsu offers several cold-climate heat pump options.
For example, the Halcyon XLTH series has a few extra features that help it run better in cold temperatures:
- The outdoor unit has its own little heater that kicks on when the temperature reaches 36 F. This ensures that condensation in the unit doesn’t freeze.
- The model also has base drainage holes that allow the condensation and melted water to drain harmlessly out of the outside portion of the unit.
- There are other little differences, too, like a metal fan guard instead of a more brittle plastic fan guard that is more susceptible to damage in low temperatures.
Should You Call Valley Home Services for Heating and Cooling?
If you’re looking for a heat pump that’s appropriate for the Maine climate, ask the professionals at Valley Home Services. We’re committed to installing the highest-quality heat pumps that work for our local Brunswick and Hermon-area customers. We’re always honest about what you can expect from your heat pump’s performance — even when the temperature drops.
You can also trust our heat pump technicians for the most dependable heat pump maintenance and repair services in the Brunswick and Hermon areas.
Call us at (207) 945-9008 to schedule an appointment.
