Operating a heat pump in extreme cold

Photo of a PEI house featuring the outdoor unit of a heat pump with snow on the ground

Strong winds and extreme cold weather conditions are expected overnight and into the weekend.

Heat pumps are very efficient at heating and cooling most of the time. Many of today’s heat pumps will operate in temperatures as low as -30°C, however some heat pumps may have trouble producing enough heat to maintain room temperature when outside temperatures drop below -30°C.

If Island residents have trouble keeping their home warm this weekend using a heat pump alone, they should use their supplemental heating system (such as electric resistance or oil/propane heating systems), along with their heat pump to help stay warm. People do not need to turn their heat pumps off.

Residents should make sure their supplemental home heating systems are on and operating. Set the thermostats to a degree or two lower than heat pumps. This will ensure that if heat pumps cannot keep up in the extreme cold, the supplemental heating systems will kick in and make up the difference to keep their home warm.

If it’s safe to do so, remove any snow and ice build-up from the outdoor unit. For advice on your specific heat pump model, contact the installer or manufacturer.

For regular updates throughout the upcoming weather event, follow reliable information sources such as local media, Environment Canada and PEI Public Safety.

Media contact:
Katie MacDonald
Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action
902-314-3996
katiemacdonald@gov.pe.ca

General Inquiries

Office of Net Zero – Environment, Energy and Climate Action
4th Floor, Jones Building
11 Kent Street
PO Box 2000
Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8

Phone: 902-368-5044
Toll-free: 1-866-368-5044

sustainable@gov.pe.ca