Invertercool is a leading HVAC company, and heat pump systems are among the most commonly installed products we offer. Heat pumps operate using electricity to transfer thermal energy. They can both heat and cool indoor spaces, working in a way similar to air conditioners.
Many homeowners often ask, “Are heat pumps effective in the Northeastern U.S.?” Our answer is a resounding yes. Even during the coldest winters in the Northeast, inverter heat pumps can deliver efficient heating at temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F)—far outperforming traditional heat pumps in cold climates.
Over the past few years, heat pump sales in the U.S. have surpassed gas furnaces, and several Northeastern states have pledged to quadruple heat pump installations by 2030. What’s driving this trend? The exceptional efficiency of inverter heat pumps. So why are inverter heat pumps outperforming traditional models in cold weather? In this article, we’ll explore why inverter systems have become the top choice for heating in cold-climate regions.
A heat pump is a dual-function HVAC system that provides both cooling and heating.
In winter, it extracts heat from the outdoor air and “moves” it indoors. In summer, it does the reverse—transferring indoor heat to the outside.
Unlike traditional systems that burn natural gas or rely on electric resistance to generate heat, a heat pump acts as a heat transporter, using significantly less energy to regulate indoor temperatures.
Thanks to this energy-efficient operation, heat pumps are particularly well-suited for year-round climate control—one of the key reasons behind their rapid growth in the U.S. market.
Heat pumps tend to operate most efficiently at temperatures above 30°F. However, as temperatures drop to around 5°F, their efficiency can decline significantly. In the past, heat pumps were rarely used in colder regions like the Northeastern United States. This was mainly due to their limited ability to perform well in cold weather.
Today, this has changed thanks to advancements in cold-climate heat pump technology. Inverter-driven systems, in particular, have made a big difference.
Unlike traditional single-stage heat pumps that simply turn on and off, inverter models continuously adjust their output based on the indoor temperature. This helps maintain steady comfort and reduces energy use, even during extreme cold spells.
Traditional heat pumps operate at a single, fixed speed. Once turned on, they run at full capacity until the desired temperature is reached, then shut off. While these systems are relatively simple and cost-effective, they tend to be less efficient under partial load conditions. Frequent on-off cycling can lead to temperature fluctuations, increased energy consumption, and reduced comfort.
Inverter heat pumps use variable-speed compressor technology, which means they can automatically adjust their output based on real-time heating or cooling needs. Instead of turning on and off like traditional systems, they smoothly shift between power levels. This helps maintain a steady, comfortable temperature and boosts energy efficiency (SEER/HSPF). Compared to conventional models, inverter heat pumps run more quietly, keep temperatures more stable, and work especially well in cold or changing climates.
|
Feature |
Inverter Heat Pump |
Traditional Heat Pump |
|
Operation Mode |
Variable-speed compressor, dynamically adjusts power |
Fixed-speed compressor, full-speed or off |
|
Energy Efficiency |
Higher (SEER2 17-22, HSPF2 8.5-12) |
Lower (SEER2 14.3-15.2, HSPF2 7.5-8.5) |
|
COP at 5°F |
Superior (COP 2.0-2.5 at -15°C) |
Poor (COP 1.0-1.8 at -15°C, requires auxiliary heat) |
|
Temperature Control |
Stable, minimal fluctuations |
Greater fluctuations, frequent on/off cycles |
|
Initial Cost |
Higher ($8000-$20000 depends on region) |
Lower ($3,000-$7,000) |
|
Long-Term Savings |
Significant (saves 30%-50% on electricity) |
Moderate |
|
Energy Star Certification |
Often Cold Climate certified, ideal for Northeast |
Limited, often uncertified for cold climates |
|
Applicable Scenarios |
Cold or four-season climates |
Mild climates or budget-limited areas |
There are many compelling reasons to choose a heat pump for homes in the Northeast:
Year-round comfort: A single system provides both heating and cooling, reducing the need for separate HVAC units.
Lower energy bills: Higher efficiency leads to reduced electricity consumption and lower monthly costs.
Cold-weather performance: Modern cold-climate models maintain reliable heating even in subfreezing temperatures.
Long service life: Most air-source heat pumps last 15 years or longer, with relatively low maintenance requirements.
Environmentally friendly: Powered by electricity, heat pumps help reduce carbon emissions and support sustainable living goals.
InverterCool is a trusted provider of heating and cooling solutions in the U.S., offering reliable heat pump systems that keep your home comfortable all year round. If you live in the Northeastern U.S., we recommend our Ultra Series heat pumps, specially designed to perform reliably in cold winter climates.
|
Features |
Invertercool Ultra Heat Pump Series |
|
SEER2 |
17 |
|
HSPF2 |
8.5 |
|
EER2 |
11.7 |
|
COP at 5°F (-15°C) |
2.0 |
|
HCR (Heating Capacity Ratio) at 5°F/47°F |
Up to 80% |
|
Cold Climate Certification |
Yes |
|
Compressor Type |
Variable-Speed Inverter |
|
Energy Savings on Heating Costs |
Up to 41% |
|
Warranty |
10 years compressor + 10 years parts + 10 years labor (3×10 Warranty) |
|
Application |
Heating & Cooling (Year-Round) |
Better Comfort, Lower Bills
Due to budget constraints, many homeowners opt for standard single-stage heat pumps. These systems operate at a single speed—either full power or completely off. This leads to temperature fluctuations, frequent on-off cycles, and higher electricity bills.
When prices are comparable, Invertercool’s Ultra Series heat pumps feature variable-speed inverter technology, allowing the system to adjust output in real-time based on your home’s needs. This ensures smoother, more precise temperature control and significantly improves energy efficiency.
SEER2 rating of 17 for high cooling efficiency
Operates continuously at variable speeds for enhanced comfort
Reduces electricity costs by up to 41%.
Built for the Northeast Winter
For a long time, heat pumps struggled to gain traction in the U.S. Northeast due to their high energy consumption and poor heating efficiency in winter. Our Ultra Series heat pumps are specially engineered for extreme weather performance. They have earned the ENERGY STAR® Cold Climate Certification, passing the program’s most rigorous tests for efficiency and reliability in low-temperature environments.
Reliable Heat at Extreme Cold: Provides consistent warmth even at -15°C (5°F).
High HCR Performance: Achieves an 80% Heating Capacity Ratio (HCR), retaining 80% of its heating capacity in extreme cold.
Superior Efficiency: COP of 2.0 at 5°F, far outperforming standard heat pumps.
Long-Term Coverage You Can Trust
Our products ensure your long-term user experience. We provide free automatic fault detection and diagnostics, with 24/7 real-time monitoring and diagnosis services at no additional cost. With our FDD technology, we are able to remotely detect heat pump faults and notify our service team, who will contact you and arrange on-site service.
At the same time, we offer every user a “3×10-Year” warranty, covering:
10-year warranty covering all system components with OEM parts, including the compressor.
10-year warranty on installation service, including labor costs.
10-year FDD remote monitoring service.
From intelligent monitoring to proactive response and long-term protection, Invertercool is committed to providing users with a worry-free experience that saves time, effort, and money—ensuring a complete and reliable service cycle.
At InverterCool, we want every household to enjoy reliable, efficient, and year-round comfort with our heat pump solutions. To learn more, call us at 855-394-2121 —we’re here to provide reliable products and professional service in every season.
A heat pump extracts heat from the outside air, even in cold temperatures, and transfers it indoors using a refrigerant cycle.
Modern heat pumps, especially cold-climate models, can be highly efficient in sub-zero temperatures, often outperforming traditional heating systems.
Cold-climate air-source heat pumps with variable-speed compressors and advanced refrigerants perform best in cold weather.
A typical heat pump uses 1,500–3,000 watts per hour, depending on size, efficiency, and climate, with Energy Star-certified models being more energy-efficient.
To install a heat pump correctly and efficiently, it’s important to work with a qualified professional. A certified HVAC team can assess your home's heating and cooling needs, help you choose the right heat pump system, and ensure a safe, code-compliant installation. Professional installation not only maximizes energy efficiency but also extends the lifespan of your system.