Not all heat pumps are created equal. Some brands and models are far less efficient than others, especially in cold weather. Even if your heat pump was classified as “COLD CLIMATE” doesn’t mean that it was specifically designed for Nova Scotia’s harsh winters, it could struggle to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, leading to excessive energy consumption.

Solution: If you suspect your heat pump is underperforming, check its efficiency ratings.

Although models with high HSPF2 (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor2) and COP (Coefficient of Performance) ratings indicate better operating efficiency in cold climates they do not guarantee that the heat pump you have is providing enough heating when outdoor temps drop below negative double digits. Purchasing a heat pump system with a high Capacity Maintenance % at -15C is the best way to ensure you are getting the most out of your heat pump system.

Capacity Maintenance % at -15°C for heat pump systems refers to the percentage of the system’s rated heating capacity that is maintained when the outdoor temperature drops to -15°C. This metric is crucial for cold-climate performance evaluation, as it indicates how well a heat pump can sustain its heating output in extreme cold.

Key Points About Capacity Maintenance:

• Expressed as a percentage of the heat pump’s rated heating capacity at a standard reference temperature (e.g., 8°C or 0°C).

• A higher percentage means better performance in cold climates, reducing reliance on backup heating.

• In order for a heat pump system to have a “COLD CLIMATE” designation (CCHPs) it must maintain a mimimum of 70% capacity at -15°C.  Some premium heat pump models, like the Carrier Infinity Series maintains over 130% of its rated capacity at -15C. Compare this to some of the Gridless or Daikin brand heat pump products that have ratings as low as 71%. 

  Examples:

• A heat pump rated for 24,000BTU (2TON) at 8°C and maintaining 24,000BTU at -15°C has a capacity maintenance of 100%.

• A heat pump rated for 24,000BTU (2TON) at 8°C and maintaining 16,000BTU at -15°C has a capacity maintenance of 66%.

A high Capacity Maintenance % at -15C is critical for selecting a heat pump in regions with harsh winters like Nova Scotia, ensuring efficiency and reliability in cold temperatures.

Many homeowners have retrofitted a heat pump into an existing home’s ductwork from an originally installed gas or oil furnace. The problem? That ducting may not have been designed for the higher airflow of a heat pump system. Leaky, undersized, oversized or poorly designed ductwork can force your heat pump to work much harder to distribute warm air, increasing your electricity usage.  

Solution: If your home was originally heated with a furnace, your ducts might not be optimized for a heat pump. If you have concerns about your ductwork, Atmosphere can provide a professional inspection of your ductwork for leaks or airflow restrictions.  We can also ensure the duct sizing and distribution is sufficient for your heat pump system. If problems are discovered, proper duct modifications can improve efficiency and reduce your energy bills.

Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to heat pumps. If your unit is too small, it will run constantly, struggling to keep up with demand. If it’s too large, it may short-cycle (turn on and off frequently), leading to inefficient operation. Either way, improper sizing can drive up energy costs.

Solution: A heat pump should be sized based on your home’s square footage, insulation levels, and climate conditions. If you have a ductless heat pump system the indoor wall unit(s) should be sized to handle the heating demands of the spaces they service. If your unit is too small or too large, you may need to consider a properly sized replacement or supplementary heating solutions.

A clogged air filter restricts airflow, forcing your heat pump to work harder to circulate warm air. The harder it works, the more electricity it consumes.

Solution: Air filters should be checked, cleaned or replaced every 1-3 months, especially during peak heating and cooling seasons. If you haven’t checked yours recently, now’s the time!

Many Nova Scotia homes have ductless heat pump systems installed that augment their pre-existing heating sources like electric baseboards or oil hot water heating. If your heat pump wasn’t sized or set up correctly to work alongside these systems, it may be using your inefficient pre-existing heating too often or not using it when its needed, causing the heat pump system to run continously without ever shutting off-leading to skyrocketing energy bills.

Solution: Heat pumps should be set up with an appropriate thermostat or control system that prioritizes the heat pump over auxiliary heating when conditions permit but still utilizing these systems at the appropriate times when needed. An Atmosphere techncian can check your settings and make sure your system is optimized for efficiency as well as giving you tips and ideas on how to best set and use your heat pump system.

This past winter saw some particularly frigid temperatures across Nova Scotia. While high-quality cold-climate heat pumps can still perform well in these conditions, lower-end models may have struggled, switching to costly electric resistance backup heat more often than expected.

Solution: If you noticed high energy use during extreme cold, your heat pump may not be rated for low temperatures. Consider upgrading to a cold-climate model or addiding additional ductless heat pumps to colder areas of your home to improve performance and reduce energy costs.

If your electricity bills were higher than expected, here are a few steps you can take:

✅ Schedule a professional heat pump tune-up – An Atmosphere Advantage maintenance check can identify efficiency issues and ensure your system is running at peak performance.

✅ Check and replace air filters regularly – Don’t let a clogged filter make your system work harder than necessary.

✅ Upgrade to a higher-efficiency heat pump if necessary – If your model isn’t designed for cold climates, consider investing in a better system.

✅ Ensure your thermostat settings are optimized – Make sure your heat pump is the primary heating source and that backup heating only kicks in when absolutely necessary.

✅ Have your ductwork inspected – Sealing leaks and improving airflow can significantly reduce energy waste.

If your heat pump drove up your electricity costs this winter, Atmosphere Climate Control can help. We offer comprehensive service & maintenance packages starting at only $19/Month.  A visit from one of our Red Seal Technicians can offer efficiency insights, and recommendations on system upgrades to ensure you get the savings you expect. Contact us today to book an inspection and take control of your energy costs!