Do heat pumps work in cold weather?
Deutsche Welle
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Heat pumps are gaining popularity as an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional heating systems, but many wonder if they work in extreme cold. In Northern Europe, where winter temperatures often drop below -20°C, heat pumps have proven highly effective. Designed with refrigerants that have extremely low boiling points, these systems can operate even in subzero conditions by extracting ambient heat from the air or ground and transferring it indoors.
Though their efficiency slightly decreases in colder weather, modern heat pumps still perform better than gas heating systems. For instance, at -20°C, a heat pump can deliver 2 kWh of warmth per 1 kWh of electricity—a 200% operating efficiency—while older gas systems often fall below 80% efficiency. Ground-source heat pumps, which draw heat from underground where temperatures remain stable (around 10°C), are even more efficient than air-source models.
The adoption of heat pumps is rising globally due to their environmental benefits and energy savings. In Norway, 66% of households now use heat pumps, with similar rates in Finland and Sweden. Even in extreme climates like Alaska, specially designed heat pumps maintain efficiency, delivering up to 2 kWh per 1 kWh of electricity at -35°C. This technology offers a sustainable solution for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and combating climate change, making it a key player in global energy strategies.
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Originally published on Deutsche Welle on 3/3/2026