Skepticism hangs over the heating sector. Many experts in Europe and North America say things like, “heat pumps don’t work well in the cold” or “air source heat pumps are useless.” But research shows modern air-to-water heat pumps are designed for extreme cold. They provide reliable heat and save money even in temperatures below freezing.
Check out certified models, specs, and buying tips in our air-to-water heat pump guide. It's backed by SolarEast, the leading manufacturer of R290 heat pumps in Europe.
Cold climate heat pumps (CCHPs) take heat from outdoor air, even when it’s below freezing. They move this heat into a building’s hydronic heating system. Key advancements in these systems include:
Inverter Compressors: They adjust their output to match changing heating needs. This helps save energy, especially in cold temperatures.
Intelligent Defrost Cycles: Stop frost from building up on coils. This keeps heat flowing and saves energy.
Eco-Friendly Refrigerants (R290/Propane): Enhance low-temperature operation with reduced environmental impact.
These innovations set the sub-zero heat pump apart from older models. They ensure strong performance, even during the toughest winters.
Certified cold climate heat pumps operate reliably down to –25°C (–13°F), with select models tested to –30°C (–22°F). According to the PNNL Cold Climate Field Study 2023 and the NEEP Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump Specification V4.0:
Minimum Operating Temperature: ≥ –25°C standard, with some models at –30°C.
COP: Certified units deliver a COP ≥ 1.75 at –25°C, typically around 2.0 at –15°C.
Capacity Retention: At –15°C (5°F), heat pumps maintain ≥ 70% of nominal capacity measured at 8.3°C (47°F).
Technology / Specification | Minimum Operating Temperature | Capacity Retention at –15°C | COP at –15°C (5°F) | COP at –25°C (–13°F) | Source |
NEEP Cold Climate Spec V4.0 | ≥ –25°C | ≥ 70% | ≥ 1.75 | ≥ 1.75 | |
DOE Cold Climate Challenge | –25°C to –30°C | 100% at –15°C | 2.1 – 2.4 | ≥ 1.75 | |
Median Field Performance 2023 | –25°C | 70–100% | 2 | 1.8 |
Many rules and voluntary certifications help ensure air-to-water heat pumps work well in cold climates in Europe. These standards set performance tests for low temperatures, usually −7°C or lower. They also require clear info on heating capacity, efficiency (COP, SCOP, ηs,h), and durability in tough conditions. Meeting these standards is crucial. It helps with market acceptance, secures subsidies, and builds consumer trust.
Here’s a summary of important cold climate standards and certifications for air-to-water heat pumps in Europe. It includes links to official regulatory documents and certification rules:
| Certification | Scope | Key Cold Climate Requirements |
| EU Ecodesign Lot 1 (Regulation 813/2013) | Air-to-water and water-to-water heat pumps ≤400 kW | Seasonal efficiency, including SCOP, must be declared for average, colder, and warmer climates; performance at low ambient conditions (−7°C, −10°C) is mandatory with CE compliance required. |
| EU Energy Labelling (Regulation 811/2013) | Space heating heat pumps | Energy label must display colder climate (Stockholm) efficiency class (A+++ to D) and ηs,h; end users should see efficiency level at low ambient conditions. |
| HP KEYMARK Certification | Voluntary third-party certification including air-to-water HPs | Mandatory cold climate testing with COP and heating capacity measured at −7°C and −15°C; based on EN standards; includes annual retesting. |
| EHPA Quality Label | Voluntary European Heat Pump Association label | Requires testing at −7°C ambient with declared COP and capacity retention to ensure reliable performance in colder climates. |
| Eurovent Certita LCP-HP Program | Hydronic heat pumps (air-to-water, water-to-water) | Declaration of heating capacity and COP at −7°C ambient; results publicly listed in Eurovent directory. |
| National Incentive Lists (e.g., BAFA in Germany) | Heat pumps eligible for subsidies | Compliance with minimum ηs,h at −7°C or colder and must deliver ≥55°C water; stricter noise and low-temp requirements apply from 2026. |
Seasonal Efficiency: SCOP > 3.0 and SEER2 > 17, supporting year-round energy savings.
CO₂ Emission Reduction: Groups including the International Energy Agency (IEA) and European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) quantify emissions reductions between 40% and 75% compared to fossil fuel boilers.
Reliable Comfort: Stable space heating and domestic hot water even in severe winter conditions.
Longevity: Typical operational lifespans of 15–20 years with proper maintenance.
Heating System | Annual Energy Cost (€) | CO₂ Emissions | Maintenance Level | Source |
Oil Boiler | € 2,280 | High | Moderate | |
Gas Boiler | € 2,265 | High | Moderate | |
Cold Climate Heat Pump | € 1,200 | 40–75% Less | Low |
Major European countries have launched strong subsidy and incentive programs. These aim to speed up the shift to sustainable heating. They also help lower upfront costs for cold-climate heat pumps.
These initiatives match EU goals like REPowerEU and the Fit for 55package. They offer strong financial support. This help shorten ROI and payback periods for B2B buyers and installers.
Germany’s BAFA Program offers grants covering up to 40% of the purchase cost, with ceilings up to €9,000. Eligible systems typically must meet or exceed A+++ energy efficiency ratings.This program promotes pairing heat pumps with renewable energy systems for added benefits.For full program details, see the BAFA Förderprogramm Overview.
France’s MaPrimeRénov’ provides household grants up to €5,000, with higher amounts for low-income brackets. The subsidy requires installation by RGE-certified professionals to ensure quality and safety. The detailed provisions are accessible at the MaPrimeRénov’ Official Guide.
Italy’s Superbonus 110% tax credit covers 110% of investment costs. This means you can spend nothing over five years.This incentive must be combined with broader building renovations. The official program document can be found in the Superbonus Official PDF.
Country-specific subsidies are key parts of the EU's plan to boost heat pump use. This is backed by laws like the Renewable Energy Directive and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
| Country | Subsidy / Incentive | Impact on Air-to-Water Heat Pump Cost and ROI |
| Germany | BAFA subsidy | Cost €10,000 → Net cost €6,000; approx. 5 years ROI |
| Italy | Superbonus | Nearly eliminates upfront costs; ROI reduced to 2-3 years |
| France | Grants | Considerably reduces net costs; improves feasibility for mid-size projects |
Data sources: Based on EU directives and subsidy programs from BAFA Germany, Italy’s Superbonus, and French grants.
When selecting a winter-ready air source heat pump. For commercial or residential projects, consider:
Certifications: Check for Energy Star Cold Climate, EU ErP, AHRI listings, or similar.
Long-Term ROI: The starting costs might be high. However, energy savings and incentives can cut payback time to 5–8 years.
Customization & Procurement: SolarEast provides OEM/ODM options for custom solutions. You can get bulk discounts and after-sales service agreements in Europe.
Professional Installation: Select manufacturer-trained installers for optimal commissioning and warranty protection.
Hybrid heating systems combine heat pumps with traditional methods, such as gas or oil boilers. This combination boosts efficiency and reliability.
*Operating Principle: The system smartly switches between the heat pump and traditional boiler. It does this by considering outdoor temperature, cost, and efficiency.
SolarEast partners with certified installers and authorized distributors in Europe and North America. These heat pump partners get thorough technical training. This includes system design, commissioning, and troubleshooting. It helps them ensure the system works at its best. SolarEast offers ongoing support after installation. They offer tips for heat pump maintenance and upgrades. This helps your heat pump systems last longer and work well.
Real-World Validation: A Winter Project in Northern Europe
In a recent large-scale commercial heating deployment by SolarEast in Northern Europe, where temperatures plunged below –20 °C, our R290 heat pumps operated flawlessly with automatic defrost, delivering uninterrupted warmth throughout the season. The customer was so satisfied with the product performance and our prompt global after-sales support that they sent us a heartfelt thank-you email, acknowledging how we helped them navigate the harsh winter seamlessly.
This real-world case, combined with rigorous certifications and test data, illustrates why SolarEast is trusted for cold climate solutions.
Do air-to-water heat pumps perform reliably below −20°C?
Yes. Modern certified systems maintain significant heating capacity and achieve a Coefficient of Performance (COP) ≥ 1.75 even at −25°C. This is supported by extensive real-world data, such as the PNNL Cold Climate Field Study, demonstrating their effectiveness in extreme cold conditions. Learn more about the Heat pump technology.
Why do some people say “air source heat pumps are rubbish”?
Many past issues stem from outdated models or poor installation practices that compromised performance. SolarEast’s certified portfolio uses the latest cold climate technologies, including variable speed compressors and advanced defrost cycles, ensuring stable and efficient operation even in sub-freezing temperatures. For background, see Air source heat pump.
What is the typical lifespan of air-to-water heat pumps in cold climates?
With professional installation and regular maintenance, you can expect a lifespan of 15–20 years. Routine checks and timely servicing help prevent degradation and maintain optimal efficiency over time. More on this topic: Lifespan of heat pumps.
Does the defrost cycle significantly reduce efficiency?
The defrost cycle causes a minor efficiency drop, usually around 5–10% per cycle. However, modern heat pumps optimize defrost timing and methods, ensuring the overall seasonal efficiency remains high and energy waste is minimized. You can read about Defrosting mechanics here.
Are subsidies or incentives available for air-to-water heat pumps?
Yes. Various strong national and EU incentive programs exist to encourage adoption. These include direct subsidies, tax credits, and financing schemes designed to reduce upfront costs and improve investment return. Refer to country-specific programs such as Germany’s BAFA subsidy, Italy’s Superbonus, and France’s MaPrimeRénov’ for detailed information. You can also explore Energy policy of the European Union for broader context.
Modern cold climate air-to-water heat pumps—especially SolarEast’s certified R290 solutions—deliver reliable, efficient heating through Europe and North America's toughest winters. For B2B buyers and partners, SolarEast combines technical innovation, flexible procurement, and full lifecycle support.
Visit our complete heat pump buying guide for certified model catalogues, ROI tools, subsidy details, and expert OEM/ODM procurement.
