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submitted 1 year ago by L4s@lemmy.world to c/technology@lemmy.world

Oxford study proves heat pumps triumph over fossil fuels in the cold::Published Monday in the scientific journal Joule, the research found that heat pumps are two to three times more efficient than their oil and gas counterparts, specifically in temperatures ranging from 10 C to -20 C.

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[-] DarthBueller@lemmy.world 13 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

They're only two to three times more efficient if they aren't frozen solid. Don't know how it works in Canada, but my mini-split heat pump can't handle a week of 10F let alone -20 C - sure it will put out some heat, but it absolutely needs to be supplemented with my wood stove. And I live in the South. Maybe there's some new high tech heat pumps that cost a fortune and don't freeze over in the insane temps of the great white north? EDIT: hey, folks, how about actually responding instead of downvoting me? If I don't have a clue, please enlighten me. Fuckers.

[-] alvvayson@lemmy.world 50 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Your mini-split isn't designed to function as a heat pump at low temperature.

In places like Sweden, they also use heatpumps that are designed for those conditions.

In other news, don't drive in a Swedish winter with summer tires.

[-] DarthBueller@lemmy.world 36 points 1 year ago

Excellent. Now I know that there are different classes of heat pump. Mine is not for prolonged crazy-low temps, others are. Thank you.

[-] alvvayson@lemmy.world 24 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Indeed, but yours is probably cheaper and more effective at cooling when it's hot and humid out.

For people up north, they will buy a "cold climate air source heat pump". In temperate regions, an "air source heat pump" will suffice, while down south you will buy an "A/C with a heating mode" (also called reversible A/C).

And it's not just about whether the coils can defrost. The whole machinery and refrigerant are different to optimize under those conditions. A cold climate heat pump has a setup that is more similar to a freezer than it is to an A/C.

Sorry about the downvotes. People need to re-learn internet etiquette.

[-] DarthBueller@lemmy.world 10 points 1 year ago

This is the most informative answer yet. Thanks.

[-] gears@sh.itjust.works 9 points 1 year ago

Thanks for spreading correct knowledge, as someone who works for a manufacturer of heat pumps it's refreshing

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this post was submitted on 12 Sep 2023
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