Heat Pump for Cold Climate
The cold-climate heat pump (CCHP) is the latest development in the
design of high-efficiency air-source heat pumps. Thanks to the inverter or
variable speed drive compressor design, these heat pumps can achieve high
efficiency even in winter.
CCHP operates at close to 400% efficiency at 47°F or higher. When the
temperature drops to zero, CCHP will maintain an efficiency of about 200%. This
means that CCHP can provide 2 to 4 units of heating energy for every unit of
energy consumed. CCHPs are very efficient, they can provide up to 90% of space
heating needs, with an overall seasonal efficiency of 250%.
Just like other heat pumps, CCHP doubles as a cooling system in summer.
Classification of cold climate air source heat pumps:
1. Centrally ducted heat pump
The central pipe heat pump looks like a central air conditioner. It has
an outdoor unit and a coil located in the domestic plumbing system.
In summer, the heat pump operates like a central air conditioner. The
circulating fan passes air through the indoor coil. The refrigerant in the coil
absorbs heat from the indoor air and then pumps the refrigerant to the outdoor
coil (condenser unit). The outdoor unit discharges any heat in the home into
the outdoor air and at the same time cools the home.
In winter, the heat pump reverses the direction of refrigerant flow, and
the outdoor unit absorbs heat from the outdoor air and transfers it to the
indoor coil in the piping system. The air passing through the coil absorbs heat
and distributes it to the home.
2. Mini-split (ductless) heat pump
The working principle of the mini split heat pump is similar to the
central pipe heat pump, but it does not use a pipe system. Most mini split or
ductless systems have an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units (machine
head). The indoor unit has a built-in fan that can move air to the coil to
absorb or release heat from the coil.
A system with multiple indoor units is usually required to heat and cool
the entire home. The mini split heat pump system is most suitable for homes
without piping systems, such as homes with hot water boilers, steam boilers or
electric skirting heaters. The mini split system is also very suitable for
homes with open concept floor plans, as these homes require fewer indoor units.
The difference between CCHP and standard air source heat pump is:
1. The rated heating seasonal energy factor (HSPF) is higher.
2. Equipped with variable capacity compressors, making them incredibly
efficient.
3. Install with a cross set point of approximately 0°F to ensure operation
during the heating season.
4. Available rebates
Cold weather heat pump maintenance:
1. Check the air filter every 3 months to see if it needs to be replaced
2. Routine inspections to ensure that the supply air outlet and return
air outlet are unobstructed
3. Regularly check and clean the outdoor coil to ensure that it is free
of leaves, seeds, dust and lint
4. Annual system inspection conducted by qualified service
professionals.
5. A licensed refrigeration technician can inform you of other operation
and maintenance details of the system.
Please email us or call us directly to find out if CCHP is right for you.
