Cold Climate Heat Pumps (-25 °C)

Key Takeaways

Certified Cold Climate Heat Pumps (ccASHP) retain heating performance down to -25 °C using Inverter EVI compressor technology. Use our [LogisVert rebate calculator](/en/thermopompe/calculateur).

The Coefficient of Performance (COP) remains above 1.8 during deep freezes, consuming up to 45% less electricity than conventional baseboards. Request a [free match](/en/quiz).

The 2026 Hydro-Québec LogisVert program offers a top rate of $120 per 1,000 BTU/h at -8 °C for qualifying Cold Climate models. Read our [installation price guide](/en/thermopompe/guides/prix-thermopompe-installation-quebec).

Comparative efficiency by outdoor temperature
Outdoor Temperature	Estimated COP	Energy Output	Auxiliary Heat Needed
+7 °C	3.8 to 4.2	380% to 420%	No
-8 °C (LogisVert standard)	2.5 to 2.8	250% to 280%	No
-15 °C	2.0 to 2.3	200% to 230%	No (when properly sized)
-25 °C (Deep Cold)	1.7 to 1.9	170% to 190%	Occasional backup during extreme peaks

Comparative efficiency by outdoor temperature

Outdoor Temperature

Estimated COP

Energy Output

Auxiliary Heat Needed

+7 °C

3.8 to 4.2

380% to 420%

-8 °C (LogisVert standard)

2.5 to 2.8

250% to 280%

-15 °C

2.0 to 2.3

200% to 230%

No (when properly sized)

-25 °C (Deep Cold)

1.7 to 1.9

170% to 190%

Occasional backup during extreme peaks

How does a heat pump extract heat at -25 °C?

A cold-climate air-source heat pump (ccASHP) extracts heat from outdoor air by evaporating refrigerant at extremely low temperatures, even during harsh winters. Check the best heat pumps guide. Request a free match.

Equipped with variable-speed Inverter compressors and Enhanced Vapor Injection (EVI), modern units maintain up to 80% of rated capacity at -25 °C without relying heavily on resistive electric heat. Use our LogisVert rebate calculator. Read our installation price guide.

Understanding HSPF2 ratings and winter COP performance

The Coefficient of Performance (COP) measures thermal output relative to electricity input. At mild temperatures (+7 °C), cold-climate units achieve a COP between 3.5 and 4.2. Request a free match. See the LogisVert eligibility guide.

Even at -25 °C, the COP ranges from 1.7 to 1.9, which delivers nearly double the efficiency of standard electric resistance baseboards (COP 1.0). Read our installation price guide. Check the best heat pumps guide.

The role of auxiliary heating systems

During extreme cold snaps below -25 °C, existing baseboard heaters or central furnaces serve as auxiliary heat to maintain indoor setpoints. See the LogisVert eligibility guide. Use our LogisVert rebate calculator.

Setting a proper balance point via a smart thermostat optimizes energy costs while extending equipment lifespan. Check the best heat pumps guide. Request a free match.

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes a standard heat pump from a Cold Climate unit?

Cold Climate units feature Inverter compressors with EVI injection and pan heaters, preserving heating capacity down to -25 °C or -30 °C. See the [LogisVert eligibility guide](/en/thermopompe/guides/admissibilite-subventions-logisvert-2026).

How much is the LogisVert rebate for a Cold Climate heat pump?

LogisVert 2026 provides $120 per 1,000 BTU/h capacity at -8 °C for high-efficiency Cold Climate models (versus $50/kBTU for ENERGY STAR baseline), calculated based on certified capacity. Check the [best heat pumps guide](/en/thermopompe/guides/meilleure-thermopompe-quebec).

Should baseboard heaters be removed after installing a heat pump?

No, baseboard heaters should be kept as secondary backup during extreme winter temperature drops.

Heat Pumps in Deep Cold (-25 °C): Quebec Winter Efficiency Guide