Do air source heat pumps work in the cold?

As more UK households explore ways to reduce energy bills and carbon emissions, air source heat pumps (ASHPs) have become a hot topic—especially with rising support through government grants like the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme. But there's one question we often hear at Wright Renewables:

“Do air source heat pumps work in the cold?”

The short answer? Yes—modern air source heat pumps are designed to work efficiently even in freezing temperatures. But let’s dig deeper and address common concerns, backed by data, real-world UK performance, and our expert insights.

✅ What Is an Air Source Heat Pump?

An air source heat pump extracts heat from the outside air—even when it’s cold—and uses it to heat your home and hot water. Think of it like a fridge in reverse.

They’re powered by electricity but can deliver three to four times more energy in heat than they consume, making them an efficient and low-carbon heating solution.

🧊 But What About Cold Weather?

The UK isn’t exactly known for tropical winters. Temperatures can regularly dip below zero in places like the Peak District, the Scottish Highlands, and rural Nottinghamshire.

So how do heat pumps perform?

According to a detailed study by the Energy Saving Trust, most modern systems used in the UK work effectively in temperatures as low as -15°C. Even when frost bites, these systems continue to extract warmth from the air.


"It’s a myth that heat pumps only work in warm climates. In fact, they’re widely used in Scandinavia, where winters are much harsher than here in the UK." — Adam Roberts, Renewable Strategy Advisor, Wright Renewables

📊 Cold Weather Performance – The Facts

Here’s what the data tells us:

  • Energy Saving Trust: Heat pumps remain operational down to -15°C. In the UK, most winters rarely go below -5°C, making the technology very well-suited.
  • Building Research Establishment (BRE): Reported average Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 2.5–3.0 for UK ASHPs in cold months. That means for every 1kW of electricity used, you get 2.5–3kW of heat.
  • Government Trials (BEIS): In trials by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, heat pumps in colder parts of the UK continued to deliver heat effectively, albeit with slightly reduced efficiency.

“Air source heat pumps work efficiently even in the depths of winter. They’re built to withstand UK weather conditions.”
Lee Rolfe, Director at Wright Renewable Heating

🌍 What About Global Data?

Countries with far colder climates than the UK rely heavily on ASHPs. Norway, Sweden, and Finland lead Europe in heat pump adoption, where temperatures can reach -25°C or lower.

According to the International Energy Agency, Scandinavian countries have shown that well-installed heat pumps are highly reliable even in Arctic winters.

“The idea that heat pumps don’t work in cold climates is outdated. Modern systems are designed for performance in all weather conditions.”
Dr. Jan Rosenow, Director of European Programmes at the Regulatory Assistance Project (via the Guardian)

💡 How Do Heat Pumps Work in Freezing Conditions?

How do air source heat pumps work in cold weather? They use a refrigerant with a very low boiling point, often around -30°C. This allows the system to absorb thermal energy even from very cold air.

They also feature:

  • Defrost Cycles to prevent ice build-up
  • Variable speed compressors that adjust output based on the heating load
  • Advanced sensors that optimise performance in real time

At Wright Renewables, we only install high-performance systems from trusted manufacturers that are proven in UK and European climates.

📌 Learn more about our ASHP installations

🏠 Real-World UK Results

We’ve installed ASHPs in Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, and South Yorkshire—regions known for brisk winters. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with clients reporting warm homes and stable hot water even during snow days.

“We’ve had our heat pump from Wright Renewables for two winters now, and it’s kept us warm even when it dropped below freezing. Would never go back to oil.”
Homeowner in Retford, Nottinghamshire

🔍 Common Misconceptions

Let’s tackle a few common Google queries head-on:

Do heat pumps struggle in winter?

Not if installed correctly. Proper sizing, good insulation, and a high-quality installation are essential for consistent winter performance.

Are heat pumps worth it in the UK?

Absolutely. With energy costs rising and grants of up to £7,500 now available, the return on investment is better than ever. According to Ofgem, switching from oil or LPG can save over £1,000 a year.

Can air source heat pumps replace gas boilers?

Yes. For most well-insulated homes, heat pumps can fully replace traditional heating systems—and without the carbon emissions.

📈 How to Maximise Performance in Winter

To ensure your heat pump works efficiently even on the coldest days:

  1. Install Properly: Work with a qualified heat pump installer near you, like Wright Renewables.
  2. Insulate Your Property: Heat pumps perform best in well-insulated homes.
  3. Use Smart Controls: Modern systems allow smart scheduling and remote optimisation.
  4. Annual Servicing: Just like boilers, heat pumps need maintenance. We offer full heat pump servicing plans to keep things running smoothly.

📌 Book a service with us

🚀 A Step Towards a Greener UK

As the UK moves towards its net zero targets, heat pumps will play a central role. The government has already set a target of 600,000 installations per year by 2028, and new homes are being built with heat pumps as standard.

With support from initiatives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and backing from major energy providers like our partners at OVO Energy, we’re seeing real momentum.

👷 Why Choose Wright Renewables?

  • Experienced Local Team – Trusted heat pump installers in Nottinghamshire
  • Full Support – From grant applications to installation and ongoing maintenance
  • Reassuringly High Standards – We’re not the cheapest, but we’re the best

📝 Final Thoughts

So—do air source heat pumps work in the cold?

Yes. And with UK winters becoming milder on average and support from the government at an all-time high, there’s never been a better time to explore your options.

At Wright Renewables, we’re proud to help homeowners transition to clean, cost-effective heating—whatever the weather.

📞 Ready to make the switch? Contact us today or explore our Air Source Heat Pump services