Heat pumps are showing up in more York County neighborhoods every year, but a lot of homeowners in Yoe still ask the same question:
“Will a heat pump actually keep my house warm when it’s freezing outside?”
Yes—today’s heat pumps can absolutely handle Pennsylvania winters, including below-freezing days. The real answer depends on which heat pump you install, how your home is set up, and whether you have a backup heat source for the coldest stretches.
Let’s break it down in plain English so you can make a smart decision for your home.
How a Heat Pump Heats Your Home (Without “Creating” Heat)
A furnace makes heat by burning gas (or using electric resistance). A heat pump works differently:
- In winter, a heat pump pulls heat from the outdoor air and moves it inside.
- In summer, it reverses and moves heat out of your home like an AC.
“But there’s no heat outside when it’s cold…”
There’s still heat energy in outdoor air—even below freezing. Cold-climate heat pumps are designed to extract that heat efficiently.
Learn more about heat pumps here.
Do Heat Pumps Work in Freezing Temperatures in Yoe?
Yes—with the right system.
What changed in modern heat pumps
Older heat pumps used to struggle once temps dropped near the 30s. Newer cold-climate models use:
- variable-speed compressors (they ramp up/down instead of blasting full speed)
- improved refrigerants and controls
- better defrost systems (so they don’t ice up and lose performance)
Many modern cold-climate heat pumps can continue heating well into the teens and even single digits.
The Big Thing Homeowners Need to Know: Capacity Drops as Temps Drop
Heat pumps don’t “fail” in freezing weather—they just may produce less heat output as outdoor temperatures get extremely low.
What that means for your comfort
- In typical winter temps, a properly sized heat pump can heat the home well.
- During the coldest snaps, your home may need supplemental heat to stay comfortable.
This is why many homeowners in the Yoe area choose either:
- a cold-climate heat pump, or
- a dual-fuel system (heat pump + furnace backup)
Cold-Climate Heat Pump vs. Standard Heat Pump
Standard heat pump
- Best for milder climates
- May rely on backup heat more often during PA winters
Cold-climate heat pump
- Designed to hold performance in colder temps
- Better for Pennsylvania winter comfort
- Often reduces how much backup heat you need
If your goal is comfort in freezing temps, you want a system that’s designed for it.
Heat Pump Options for Yoe Homes
Ducted heat pump
Best if your home already has ductwork and you want whole-home heating and cooling.
Ductless mini-split heat pump
Great if you:
- don’t have ducts
- have rooms that stay colder (bonus room, additions, finished basements)
- want zoned comfort (different temps in different areas)
Dual-fuel heat pump
This is popular in PA.
A dual-fuel setup runs the heat pump most of the time (efficient), then automatically switches to the furnace when temperatures drop low enough that it makes more sense.
Signs a Heat Pump Is a Good Fit for Your Home
You may be a great candidate if:
- you want lower heating bills compared to older electric heat or propane/oil
- your furnace is aging and you’re also due for AC replacement
- your home is reasonably insulated and sealed
- you want one system that handles heating and cooling
You may need extra planning if:
- you have an older home with major drafts or poor insulation
- you want very warm supply air like a traditional furnace provides
- your ductwork has airflow issues
A heat pump can still work—you just want the home and system matched correctly.
Learn more about whether a heat pump or a furnace is the right fit for your York County home here.
Common Winter Concerns Homeowners Have
“The air coming from the vents doesn’t feel super hot”
Heat pumps often deliver air that feels “warm” instead of “hot.” That’s normal because they heat more steadily instead of blasting intense heat like a furnace.
When it’s a problem
If the air feels cool and the home can’t reach the set temperature, it could be:
- low refrigerant
- dirty coils
- airflow restriction
- incorrect sizing
- thermostat settings / wiring issue
“My heat pump goes into defrost mode”
Also normal. In freezing weather, the outdoor unit can collect frost. Defrost clears it so the system stays efficient.
When to call a pro
If defrost seems constant, loud, or you’re getting weak heat afterward—something may need adjustment.
Learn about heat pump repair here.
How to Get the Best Winter Performance from a Heat Pump
Replace filters regularly
Dirty filters restrict airflow, which kills heating performance.
Don’t crank the thermostat wildly
Heat pumps work best with steady settings. Large jumps can trigger backup heat more often.
Keep outdoor unit clear
Snow drift, leaves, and ice around the unit can reduce performance.
Get seasonal maintenance
A winter tune-up helps prevent the classic “it worked fine until it got really cold” breakdown.
Click here to learn some tips for heat pump maintenance in your home.
When to Call Strive Heating & Cooling for a Heat Pump Evaluation
If you’re in Yoe and you’re thinking about switching to a heat pump (or your current one isn’t keeping up), it’s worth getting a real assessment—not guesses from the internet or a neighbor’s “my cousin said…”
Strive can help you answer:
- Can a heat pump handle your home’s heat demand?
- Do you need cold-climate equipment?
- Would dual-fuel make more sense for comfort and cost?
- Is your ductwork helping or hurting performance?
Why Yoe Homeowners Trust Strive Heating & Cooling
Heating upgrades aren’t small purchases—and in PA winters, the wrong system choice gets painful fast.
Homeowners trust Strive because you get:
- clear explanations without HVAC “word salad”
- recommendations based on your home and comfort goals
- real options (not a one-size-fits-all pitch)
- experienced technicians who understand local winter demands
Ready to Find Out If a Heat Pump Will Work for Your Yoe Home?
If you’re tired of guessing, Strive Heating & Cooling can help you compare options, understand what’s realistic for your home, and choose a setup that keeps you comfortable when temperatures drop.
Reach out to schedule an evaluation and get straightforward guidance on heat pump performance, sizing, and the best configuration for winter comfort in Yoe.