Heat Pumps in a High-Desert Winter
Reno winters bring many freezing nights but also plenty of sunny afternoons. Heat pumps work well here with the right backup.
Request an HVAC technicianCold mornings
Below-freezing mornings are common. Heat pumps keep working, with backup heat helping when needed.
Sunny afternoons
On sunny afternoons a heat pump heats very efficiently.
Backup heat
Electric strips or a gas furnace cover the coldest nights.
Dual fuel
The thermostat can switch between heat pump and furnace at a set outdoor temperature.
Defrost
Steam from the outdoor unit and a short pause in heat are normal during defrost.
Snow
Keep the outdoor unit clear of snow and drifts.
Thermostat setbacks
Small setbacks avoid triggering backup heat in the morning.
Altitude
Equipment ratings should account for Reno's elevation.
Fall check
Test defrost and backup heat before winter.
More
See heat pumps.
Ice that stays
Light frost that clears during defrost is fine. Thick ice that stays needs a technician.
Power outages
After an outage, the system may run backup heat for a while as the house recovers.
Picking a model
Cold-climate heat pumps keep more heating output at low temperatures. In Reno, that's worth asking about if you want the heat pump to carry most of the winter.
Noise and placement
Place outdoor units away from bedroom windows and where snow sliding off the roof won't land on them.
Running costs
Heating costs depend on electricity and gas rates and how you use the system. Ask your contractor to explain the likely difference for your house.
Emergency heat
Use the emergency heat setting only when the heat pump itself has failed. It runs backup heat alone, costs more and should prompt a service visit soon.
More air conditioning and heating guides
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