Do Heat Pumps Work In Cold Weather in the UK?

It’s no secret that heat pump efficiency is affected by the weather when it comes to air source heat pumps. So, before looking to install a heat pump in the UK, you will want to answer the question: “Do heat pumps work in cold weather?” The short answer is yes. The longer one is that while they can function, you may notice decreased efficiency and energy output in lower temperatures. 

In this guide, we’ll describe how heat pumps work in winter, how their performance may be affected, and whether it’s worth getting a heat pump in the UK knowing that you’ll want to use it during the colder months. If, by the end, you still have questions about using heat pumps in winter, you should consult a heat pump specialist for more clarity and peace of mind. 

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In winter, a heat pump works by extracting heat either from the air (in the case of an air source heat pump) or from the ground (if you have a ground source heat pump) and transferring it into your home.  

When it comes to air source heat pumps, they work by extracting heat from the outside air and using it to warm up a refrigerant that turns into vapour that is then transferred into your home to release heat. If you have an air to air heat pump, the heat will be distributed via a fan ventilation system, whereas with an air to water heat pump, warm air is used to heat up water that is then transported to your radiators and taps. 

If you’re wondering: “Do air source heat pumps work in winter?” you’ll be glad to know that the answer is yes. Air source heat pumps can operate efficiently in temperatures as low as -25°C. This is because they work by absorbing the heat created by the movement of atoms and molecules through air, which occurs even at low temperatures.

Ground source heat pumps, on the other hand, are hardly affected by cold temperatures. They can work efficiently at temperatures down to -40°C. This is because they extract heat from the ground and use it to warm up water that can supply your radiators, taps, and underfloor heating. 

Since ground temperatures remain fairly consistent year-round (between 5 to 15°C), ground source heat pumps can keep working efficiently even in extremely cold winters. 

Yes, an air source heat pump works during the colder months in the UK. In recent years, winter temperatures in the UK have ranged from 0 to 7°C. Below freezing temperatures have been a rare occurrence, so you shouldn’t typically notice a huge impact of the colder weather on your air source heat pump.

Under the right conditions, an air source heat pump can reach efficiency levels of up to 300%. This means that for each unit of electricity the heat pump consumes, it generates 3 units of energy. However, once temperatures reach -25°C, air source heat pump efficiency levels can drop to 100%, meaning that they only generate 1 unit of energy per unit of electricity used. 

While this may seem like quite the drop, it’s worth considering that an air pump’s efficiency level in cold weather is comparable to the efficiency of a gas boiler, which is typically about 95%. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that you may notice that your electricity bill is higher in winter than during warmer months, as your heat pump may become overworked to meet your heating needs. 

While UK winters have been mild for the past few years, it’s important to be aware of the potential issues an air source heat pump can face during below freezing temperatures. These include:

Need more advice about whether a heat pump would be suitable for your UK home? Then you should consult a professional who can offer you tailored advice. By clicking below and filling in our 30-second form, you can get in touch with up to 4 local heat pump installers in no time. It’s quick, easy, and completely free! 

Yes, ground source heat pumps work well even during the colder months. This is because, unlike air source heat pumps, which are affected by the temperatures of the outside air, ground source heat pumps operate by extracting heat from the ground, which has a stable temperature ranging from 5 to 15°C year-round. 

You’ll only notice the impact cold temperatures have on your heat pump if they reach -40°C, which is highly unlikely in the UK. So this means that if you’re ready to invest in a ground source heat pump, you’ll be able to enjoy consistent heating and hot water regardless of the season.

Yes, even in cold climates such as in Northern Europe, heat pumps are a popular choice among homeowners! It might seem surprising to you, but cold weather doesn’t stop them from installing heat pumps for their homes. 

According to the European Heat Pump Association, countries such as Finland, Norway, and Sweden are actually at the forefront of the domestic renewable energy movement, despite the frequent below freezing temperatures that occur there in winter. 

As we’ve mentioned in this guide, even though air source heat pumps lose some of their efficiency during the winter months, investing in one is still worth it. This is because even at their lowest efficiency levels in cold temperatures, they perform as well as - if not better than - a traditional gas boiler. 

This means that your air source heat pump will still be able to attend to your home’s energy needs even during the coldest part of the year, but it might use up more electricity than you’re used to in the process. A ground source heat pump, on the other hand, will be largely unaffected by colder outside temperatures, so you can count on it to provide consistent heating in winter. 

Since the UK generally has mild winters that barely reach freezing temperatures, installing a heat pump is a good idea, as you will not notice too much loss of efficiency in colder weather. So, if you’re looking to reduce your yearly heating bills and carbon footprint, it’s worth seriously considering investing in a heat pump.

Ready to join the thousands of homeowners in the UK who have reaped these benefits? Then you’re probably itching to know more about how much a ground or air source heat pump costs or whether you can apply for a heat pump grant to avoid breaking the bank with your investment in renewable energy. Instead of wasting hours looking for answers to all your heat pump questions on your own, why not consult a professional? 

With our quick and free service, you can get in touch with up to 4 local heat pump installers in no time. Just fill in our 30-second form, and we’ll connect you with reputable professionals from our network in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Start  your renewable energy journey today by clicking below!