According to the WCAX Weather team, Burlington drops to zero on average about 13 times a year over the last decade. Those who install and service heat pumps agree that homeowners need a backup during those cold snaps, even though the systems can be rated to perform to temperatures as low as -15 degrees.
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Tatro says some customers who switched to heat pumps and cut the cord on fossil fuels, call him to re-install their fossil fuel systems to turn on when temperatures plummet. “They are great for summer and fall, they are great down to about 20 degrees, but then they dip real fast after that,” Tatro said. He says keeping a backup heat source when the temperatures slide is recommended, and that home weatherization is also the key to using them efficiently.
Source: HVAC installers, homeowners say heat pumps no panacea for Vermont’s coldest days
My house has a heat pump system. So far, when we’ve used it, it’s been okay. But issues with heat pumps and extremely cold temperatures is a known issue – and those who live in cold climates may need the newest heat pump technology (works better in extreme cold), but may also need a backup system for when heat pumps are unable to heat the home.
