Do Heat Pumps Work in Ohio Winters?

With temperatures often dropping into the teens and occasional sub-zero cold snaps across Ohio, you know winter heating isn’t optional—it’s essential. Which means if you wake up one morning to a furnace beyond repair, you’ll be shopping around for a new system quickly. 

As you browse online to learn about replacement heating options, you may notice heat pump HVAC systems and think, “Aren’t heat pumps meant for the South? Can a heat pump truly keep up with an Ohio winter?”

The short answer is yes, modern Carrier heat pumps can work very well in Ohio winters, but only if the right system is chosen and installed correctly.

Today’s cold-climate heat pumps are far more advanced than earlier generations, making them a realistic alternative to furnaces for many Ohio homes. Below, Carrier Ohio explains how they perform in freezing temperatures, how they compare to traditional furnaces, and what homeowners should know about costs, rebates, and system options before switching.

How Heat Pumps Work in Cold Weather

Unlike furnaces that generate heat by burning fuel or using electric resistance, heat pumps move heat from one place to another. In winter, they extract heat from the outdoor air and transfer it indoors using a refrigerant cycle.

While that may sound impossible in freezing weather, even cold air contains thermal energy. Modern cold-climate heat pumps are designed with:

• Variable-speed, high-capacity compressors
• Advanced refrigerants that operate efficiently at low temperatures
• Smarter defrost cycles to maintain performance

These improvements allow many Carrier heat pumps to deliver reliable heat at outdoor temperatures as low as 5°F, with some models continuing to operate well below zero.

Can Heat Pumps Handle Ohio Winters?

Yes, heat pumps can handle Ohio winters, especially when a model specifically designed for cold climates is installed.

Typical Ohio Winter Conditions

Most winter days in Ohio fall between the 20s and 40s, with colder temperatures during overnight hours or polar vortex events. These conditions are well within the operating range of modern cold-climate heat pumps.

While performance does gradually decline as temperatures drop, a properly sized system can handle the majority of Ohio’s winter heating needs without issue.

Cold-Climate Heat Pumps vs. Standard Models

Standard heat pumps may struggle in prolonged freezing conditions. Cold-climate models, however, are engineered to maintain higher heating output in colder air, making them far more suitable for Ohio homes.

Heat Pump vs. Furnace: Which Is Better for Ohio?

The right choice depends on your home, fuel availability, and comfort preferences.

• Efficiency: Heat pumps are among the most efficient heating systems available. In moderate cold, they can deliver two to four units of heat for every unit of electricity used. High-efficiency gas furnaces can reach 90%–98% efficiency, but they still convert fuel directly into heat rather than transferring it, which limits overall efficiency.
• Performance in Extreme Cold: Furnaces maintain consistent output regardless of outdoor temperature, making them strong performers during extreme cold snaps. Heat pumps can still heat your home during these conditions, as long as it is a model designed to do so efficiently.
• Operating Costs: Operating costs depend heavily on electricity vs. natural gas prices. In Ohio, natural gas is often cheaper during prolonged cold weather, which can give furnaces an edge on the coldest days. However, during mild winter weather and shoulder seasons, heat pumps are typically less expensive to run, and they also provide efficient summer cooling.

Dual-Fuel Systems: A Popular Ohio Solution

Many Ohio homeowners choose a dual-fuel (hybrid) system, which combines a heat pump with a gas furnace.

• The heat pump handles most heating needs during mild and moderately cold weather.
• The furnace automatically takes over during extreme cold.

This setup maximizes efficiency, comfort, and cost savings while ensuring reliable heat no matter how cold it gets.

What Homeowners Should Know Before Switching

Before replacing your furnace with a heat pump, keep these factors in mind:

• Home Insulation Matters: A well-insulated, properly sealed home allows a heat pump to perform more efficiently and comfortably during winter.
• Proper Sizing Is Critical: An undersized system may struggle in cold weather. A professional load calculation ensures your heat pump is matched correctly to your home.
• Backup Heat Is Normal: Whether through a dual-fuel system or electric backup heat, supplemental heating ensures comfort during Ohio’s coldest days.
• Rebates and Incentives: Heat pumps may qualify for state, utility, and federal incentive programs, which can significantly reduce upfront costs. An experienced CarrierOhio HVAC contractor can help identify which rebates apply to your home and assist with the application process.

Heat Pump Quote: Contact a Carrier Dealer Near You

Heat pumps do work in Ohio winters, and today’s cold-climate models are more capable than ever. For many homeowners, they offer:

• Reliable winter comfort
• Exceptional energy efficiency
• Lower emissions
• Year-round heating and cooling in one system

While furnaces still have advantages during extreme cold, heat pumps—especially when paired with backup heat—are a smart, future-ready option for Ohio homes. With proper system selection, professional installation, and available rebates, switching to a heat pump can be both comfortable and cost-effective.

Discuss your heating system options with a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer within the Carrier Ohio network and see if a cold-climate heat pump is the right HVAC upgrade for you. Find a Dealer near you today!