Heat pump efficiency and maintenance risks in cold weather

Experts are addressing common misconceptions regarding the suitability and safety of heat pumps. To determine if an existing building can efficiently use a heat pump without extensive renovation, energy consultants recommend checking the flow temperature. Lower flow temperatures lead to higher energy efficiency; while older, poorly insulated homes might require temperatures up to 90 degrees Celsius, modern systems with underfloor heating operate much more efficiently.

Regarding winter reliability, technical experts note that while heat pumps generally withstand short power outages, prolonged outages during freezing temperatures pose specific risks. If heating water freezes within the system during a long blackout, it can damage components. Consequently, experts advise against restarting a heat pump after a long frost-related power failure without a professional inspection to ensure no internal damage has occurred.