Heat pumps used to struggle in the cold. Not anymore

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Washington Post or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Cold climate heat pumps are overcoming historical limitations in freezing temperatures
• The U.S. Energy Department announced new models capable of efficient operation at temperatures as low as -23°F, signaling a breakthrough in residential heating
• These systems are designed to replace traditional HVAC units, improving energy efficiency and lowering emissions

🔭 The context: Earlier heat pumps struggled to operate below 25°F, requiring backup heating
• Modern models feature variable-speed compressors, enhancing performance at subzero temperatures
• Companies like Carrier are leading innovation, with field tests demonstrating reliability in cold regions such as Syracuse, NY

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Heating accounts for over half of U.S. household energy use, contributing 441 million tons of CO₂ annually
• High-efficiency heat pumps can reduce emissions by up to 8 tons per household each year, supporting global decarbonization goals

⏭️ What's next: Adoption is expected to grow, aided by state incentives in regions like Maine and Vermont
Manufacturers plan to target new residential construction with these systems, emphasizing energy savings and improved comfort

💬 One quote: “Everyone has to get a heat pump at some point in their home for climate change, that’s just the reality of it,” - Lacey Tan, RMI’s carbon-free buildings manager

📈 One stat: Carrier’s cold climate heat pumps operated reliably down to -13°F in field tests and -23°F in labs

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