Heat pump vs non heat pump. What is the difference in efficiency

[ChehRob]

When I bought a condo, I read all of the documentation from the time the land was being purchased, permitting, etc. Then ALL of the minutes from the first HOA meeting to the last. Yet there still were some bad bomb shells (grossly dysfunctional but brilliant board president)

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[Fixbear]

You would be wrong. They work very well these days. Down to -20F or lower.

It's all in who spec'd it for the location. Often they just use what the closest NWS data is. But there are many micro-climate conditions in different areas and terrains. To be effective and reliable, the spec has to e very close.

 

[devmach-e]

It's all in who spec'd it for the location. Often they just use what the closest NWS data is. But there are many micro-climate conditions in different areas and terrains. To be effective and reliable, the spec has to e very close.

When spec'ing the system, a lot of factors go into it, including the number of heating days, heat-loss/load of the building, and average overnight temps for 99% of the time. The system isn't going to be completely thrown off kilter if there are a few nights where it gets down to -25F instead of the design temp of -20F. I live in an area with a lot of microclimates and we have NWS stations all over the area to accommodate the diversity of the area.

 

[Fixbear]

When spec'ing the system, a lot of factors go into it, including the number of heating days, heat-loss/load of the building, and average overnight temps for 99% of the time. The system isn't going to be completely thrown off kilter if there are a few nights where it gets down to -25F instead of the design temp of -20F. I live in an area with a lot of microclimates and we have NWS stations all over the area to accommodate the diversity of the area.

What you have sited is correct, but one should also do a complete heat study and consider prevailing winds and moisture. High ambient humidity at low temps will make a lot of Rhine ice. Thus making a excessive ice load on the evaporator. Mitigating it requires a lot of specific changes to take-down and air flow. As well as higher back-up heat for the defrost period. I haven't done one in 10 years, Results have never been sufficient in my area. Only the geo-thermal have been somewhat decent, but the cost is high. Unless you have a moving water source that has adequate flow.

 

[Mache_Nor]

Let's add some fuel to the fire (discussion): Cold-weather range hits aren’t as bad for EVs with heat pumps - Ars Technica

 

[tuminatr]

Let's add some fuel to the fire (discussion): Cold-weather range hits aren’t as bad for EVs with heat pumps - Ars Technica

Ford published some 2025 window stickers the car is rated identically to 2024s without a heat pump. I am not saying that there won't be a difference but I don't think it will be that dramatic

 

[Mach-Lee]

Let's add some fuel to the fire (discussion): Cold-weather range hits aren’t as bad for EVs with heat pumps - Ars Technica

Same flawed Recurrent data being used again. Since it's based on remote vehicle telemetry rather than actual measurements like a real scientific study would be, view it with skepticism. We all know how much the Mach-E range meter varies with cold (which is the data Recurrent used), so the Mach-E range loss effect is likely exaggerated here.

Really the only decent comparisons you can make are within the same brand and model. The Tesla Model 3 saw an 8% improvement and the Model S 11% improvement in range loss with the heat pump.

So roughly a 10% range improvement in below freezing conditions is expected, however this depends a lot on the speed you're driving and the outdoor temperature. The improvement will be less pronounced at high speeds and low temperatures.

 

[YeOldeTraveller]

Same flawed Recurrent data being used again. Since it's based on remote vehicle telemetry rather than actual measurements like a real scientific study would be, view it with skepticism. We all know how much the Mach-E range meter varies with cold (which is the data Recurrent used), so the range loss effect is likely exaggerated here.

Really the only decent comparisons you can make are within the same brand and model. The Tesla Model 3 saw an 8% improvement and the Model S 11% improvement with the heat pump.

So roughly a 10% range improvement in below freezing conditions is expected, however this depends a lot on the speed you're driving and the outdoor temperature.

I have not been impressed with their methods or explanations.

Also, I'm seeing much closer to 20% loss at lower temperatures, so I'm not sure how they are getting that value.

 

[Mosworthy]

I drive a Mach-E in the Yukon. A heat pump would definitely be great to have but it's not a dealbreaker.

My guess is you wouldn't notice...
Too cold

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