The most efficient heat pumps for extremely cold climates are geothermal (ground-source) heat pumps. For most homeowners, however, modern cold-climate air-source heat pumps offer the best balance of efficiency and affordability, performing dependably well below freezing.
The best cold climate heat pumps include elite, inverter-driven systems that provide reliable heating down to −22∘F. Top models include Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat, Carrier Infinity Series, Daikin Aurora, and Fujitsu XLTH. The right choice depends on your specific home size and local dealer availability.
Installing a geothermal heat pump for a 2,000 sq ft house typically costs $20,000 to $40,000 completely installed. The exact price depends heavily on your local ground conditions and whether you need horizontal trenching or vertical drilling.
Energy efficiency that pays off: Viessmann heat pumps are built for high efficiency, which means lower heating bills in the long run. They are often described as high-end or “Rolls Royce” of heat pumps.
Outdoor Heat Pump Unit Freezing
One common problem is the outdoor unit freezing when temperatures drop too low. Ice buildup can obstruct airflow, reducing the unit's ability to capture heat. Most heat pumps have a defrost cycle to handle this, which usually solves the problem.
The top five heat pump brands widely recognized by HVAC experts and homeowners for their efficiency, reliability, and technology are Carrier, Mitsubishi Electric, Daikin, Bosch, and Lennox.
If your heat pump is unexpectedly expensive to run, the most common culprits are inefficient auxiliary/backup heat, high local electricity rates, or a system that isn't sized properly.
Most heat pumps should complete about two to three cycles per hour, with ten to twenty minutes of downtime between each cycle. If you notice your system cycling too frequently or not enough, it could indicate an underlying issue that needs attention.
It takes time for your home to warm up and cool down. If you're not sure how long it takes, try turning the heating on about 30 minutes before you need it. You should turn it off 30 minutes before you'll stop needing it.
There are two entirely different HVAC concepts known as the "20-degree rule" for heat pumps. The first is a user guideline that suggests setting your thermostat no more than 20∘F above or below the outdoor temperature. The second is an equipment metric referring to the system's "temperature split" or output efficiency.
The 25D geothermal tax credit will cover up to 30% of your geothermal project's eligible costs. There's no cap, or maximum dollar amount, for projects that qualify under this tax credit. However, all purchases and installations must be completed by Dec. 31, 2025.
Geothermal energy is a highly reliable renewable resource, but its expansion is heavily restricted by its geographic dependency, severe environmental risks like induced seismicity, and massive upfront capital requirements.
In Iceland, nearly 90% of homes are heated with geothermal water, directly using the Earth's natural energy. This renewable and clean system has reduced the need for fossil fuels and cut emissions significantly. It is one of the main reasons Iceland is considered a global leader in sustainable living.
No, You Should Not Turn off Your Heat Pump when It Gets Cold
Even on a cold day, the heat pump can draw some warmth out of the air, enabling it to generate three to four times the amount of heat as what would have been produced by the same amount of fuel consumed.
A "good" heat pump efficiency (SEER/SEER2) rating generally falls between 16 and 18. This range offers the best balance of upfront affordability and long-term energy savings.
Heat pumps work best in mild to moderate climates where temperatures rarely drop below freezing. In these environments—like the US South, Southwest, and coastal regions—they operate at peak efficiency.
The reality is that it's usually not a good idea to simply keep a heat pump operating all through the night while you're asleep. Instead, you should make sure that you have a programmable thermostat and set it to have it lower the indoor temperatures by 8° to 10°F when people are asleep.
Is 72 a good temperature for heat in the winter? While slightly higher than the typical energy-saving range of 68°F–70°F, 72°F still offers a reasonable balance between comfort and efficiency.
The $5,000 rule is a guideline to help homeowners decide whether to repair or replace their HVAC system. You multiply the age of your unit by the cost of the needed repair. If that number exceeds $5,000, replacing your HVAC system is often more cost-effective.
In most homes, Heating and Cooling (HVAC) systems drive the highest energy costs, accounting for nearly 40% to 50% of your total electricity bill. Following these, the appliances that run up your bill the most include water heaters, refrigerators, and laundry machines.
Heating and energy expert Stephen Hankinson said that one "big energy cost saver" is to make sure you have your heating off when you're not at home. For instance, if you typically arrive home from work at around 6pm on weekdays, you could set your heating to activate just as you walk through the door.
For most customers, we recommend turning on your furnace when the weather is consistently below 18° Celsius, which usually happens to be around the end of September, or early October. Some homeowners try to put off turning on their furnace as long as they can to save money, which is okay if you're healthy adults.
The top heat pump brands vary based on your specific climate, budget, and system needs. Industry experts consistently rank Carrier, Bosch, Mitsubishi, Lennox, and Trane as the best overall choices for efficiency, reliability, and smart-home integration.
If your heat pump is unexpectedly expensive to run, the most common culprits are inefficient auxiliary/backup heat, high local electricity rates, or a system that isn't sized properly.
To use a heat pump efficiently in the winter, set your thermostat to a comfortable, constant temperature and leave it alone. Heat pumps work by extracting warmth from the outside air, so avoiding drastic temperature adjustments prevents the system from overworking or turning to costly auxiliary heat.