Heat Pump Technology
Heat pumps transfer heat rather than generating it, making them significantly more efficient than resistance heating systems. In heating mode, the heat pump extracts heat from the outside air or ground and transfers it indoors. In cooling mode, the cycle reverses to remove heat from the indoor space and reject it outdoors. The coefficient of performance measures heating efficiency, with typical values of 3 to 4 meaning three to four units of heat are transferred for each unit of electricity consumed.
Cold climate heat pumps have extended the operating range of air-source heat pumps to temperatures as low as minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit. These systems use variable-speed compressors, enhanced vapor injection, and optimized coil designs to maintain capacity at low outdoor temperatures. The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor provides a seasonal average efficiency rating, with minimum 8.2 HSPF and premium models exceeding 13 HSPF.