As homeowners look for energy-efficient solutions to keep their homes comfortable year-round, Millian Aire AC & Heating is proud to offer advanced heating and cooling systems. Unlike traditional furnaces or boilers that burn fuel to generate heat, heat pumps transfer heat from one place to another, making them far more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Heat pumps are especially effective in mild climates, where temperatures rarely drop below freezing. However, these systems face challenges in colder regions, where they struggle to perform efficiently in extreme weather.
When outdoor temperatures fall below 36–38°F, traditional heat pumps can no longer extract enough heat from the air. This forces the system to activate emergency heat mode, which relies on electric resistance heating — a far less efficient backup system that can drive up energy bills.
The good news? Trane’s New Hyper Heat technology, available through Millian Aire, solves this issue by allowing heat pumps to operate efficiently even at temperatures as low as -25°F. This innovation is a game-changer, offering consistent comfort, lower energy costs, and greater reliability.
Millian Aire’s professional HVAC team is ready to help homeowners upgrade their systems with this cutting-edge solution for year-round comfort.
How Do Heat Pumps Work and Why Are They Popular?
At their core, heat pumps are two-in-one systems that can both heat and cool your home. Instead of burning fuel to create heat like a furnace, heat pumps transfer existing heat from one place to another.
In the winter months, heat pumps pull heat from the outside air and bring it inside to warm your home. In the summer months, they reverse the process, removing heat from your home and releasing it outdoors to keep your interior cool.
This makes heat pumps a versatile and energy-efficient option for year-round climate control.
Two Main Types of Heat Pumps
- Air Source Heat Pumps
- The most common type of heat pump.
- They extract heat from the outside air and transfer it inside during the winter.
- Ideal for mild climates, but they face challenges when temperatures drop below freezing.
- Ground Source (Geothermal) Heat Pumps
- These systems extract heat from the ground, where temperatures remain more consistent throughout the year.
- They are more expensive to install but offer greater efficiency in extreme climates.
Why Are Heat Pumps Popular?
One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose heat pumps is their energy efficiency. Because heat pumps transfer heat instead of generating it, they use less energy than traditional heating systems.
Some key benefits include:
- Lower Energy Bills: Heat pumps consume less energy than gas furnaces or electric heaters, resulting in significant cost savings over time.
- Reduced Carbon Emissions: Since heat pumps don’t rely on burning fossil fuels, they are a more environmentally friendly option.
- Dual Functionality: Heat pumps can heat and cool your home, eliminating the need for separate systems.
In recent years, electric heat pumps have gained even more popularity as homeowners and governments push for clean energy alternatives.
Many governments and energy companies now offer rebates and incentives for homeowners to switch to heat pumps as part of green energy initiatives.
The Problem with Traditional Heat Pumps in Cold Climates
While heat pumps work efficiently in mild climates, they struggle in colder regions. The issue lies in the way air source heat pumps operate.
These systems depend on the outdoor air temperature to extract heat. As long as outdoor temperatures remain above 36–38°F, traditional heat pumps work perfectly fine.
However, once temperatures drop below this threshold, the amount of heat available in the air decreases dramatically. This makes it difficult for the heat pump to pull in enough heat to keep the home warm.
When this happens, the system switches to emergency heat mode, also known as backup heating.
What Is Emergency Heat on a Heat Pump?
Emergency heat is a secondary heating system that activates when the primary heat pump can no longer extract enough heat from the outside air. Instead of transferring heat, emergency heat relies on electric resistance heating, which works much like a space heater by producing heat through electric coils.
While emergency heat will keep your home warm, it is far less efficient and can significantly increase your energy bills during the coldest months of the year.
The Inefficiency of Emergency Heat
One of the biggest downsides of relying on emergency heat is its high energy consumption. Running on emergency heat for long periods can cause spikes in your electricity bill, making it a costly way to keep your home warm during the winter.
To solve this issue, manufacturers have developed cold climate heat pumps that are designed to perform better in freezing weather. But the latest innovation — Hyper Heat technology — takes things to the next level by making heat pumps effective in sub-zero temperatures.
What Is Hyper Heat Technology?
Hyper Heat technology is a revolutionary advancement in the world of heat pumps. Developed by leading manufacturers like Trane, this new technology allows heat pumps to maintain efficiency and consistent warmth even in extremely cold weather.
How Does Hyper Heat Work?
Hyper Heat systems use advanced compressors and specialized refrigerants to continue extracting heat from the air, even when outdoor temperatures drop as low as -25°F.
Unlike traditional heat pumps, which lose efficiency below 36°F, Hyper Heat systems can operate at much colder temperatures without needing to rely on emergency heat.
These systems are often referred to as gradient heat pumps because they can handle wide temperature ranges and adjust their operation to maintain optimal efficiency.
How to Choose the Right Heat Pump for Your Home
Choosing the right heat pump for your home depends on a few factors, including your climate, home size, and energy needs. Here are some tips to help homeowners make the right choice:
Work with a Professional HVAC Company
Proper installation and maintenance are essential to get the most out of your heat pump system. Working with a professional HVAC company, like Millian Aire, ensures that your system is installed correctly and operates at maximum efficiency.
Understand Heat Pump Installation Costs
While heat pump installation costs can vary depending on the size and type of system, the long-term energy savings often offset the initial investment. Upgrading to a Hyper Heat system can help homeowners reduce energy bills and improve comfort in the long run.
Why Hyper Heat Technology Is the Future of Home Heating
Traditional heat pumps have limitations, often requiring emergency heat to keep homes warm when temperatures drop below freezing. This can lead to higher energy bills and inconsistent indoor temperatures, making it harder for homeowners to stay comfortable during the coldest months of the year.
Upgrading to a Hyper Heat system is a smart investment that ensures comfort and peace of mind all winter long.
At Millian Aire, we’re proud to offer advanced heat pump solutions. Our expert technicians are here to help you choose the right system for your home, ensuring you stay warm, comfortable, and energy-efficient — even in the harshest weather conditions.
Contact Millian Aire today to learn more about our Hyper Heat installations and take the first step toward year-round comfort and savings!
