Climate Connections Podcast Summary
Episode Title: Cold winters are no match for modern cold-climate heat pumps
Host: Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz (Yale Center for Environmental Communication)
Guest: Abby Hawes (Ethos Green Power Cooperative, Wisconsin)
Date: March 18, 2026
Episode Overview
This short episode tackles the rapid adoption of cold-climate heat pumps in northern regions and their significance as an energy-efficient solution for heating in extremely cold weather. Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz and guest Abby Hawes discuss technological advances that make heat pumps effective even in subzero temperatures, while providing practical buying tips for consumers seeking sustainable heating options.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Global Adoption of Heat Pumps in Cold Climates
- Modern electric heat pumps are rapidly being adopted in cold northern countries such as Norway, Finland, and Sweden.
- “A growing number of people in cold northern regions are switching to energy efficient electric heat pumps. In fact, Norway, Finland and Sweden have some of the highest heat pump adoption rates in the world." (Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz, 00:05)
- Significant improvements in heat pump technology mean these systems can now efficiently heat homes even in severe cold, where older models were inadequate.
- “Some models can keep homes warm and cozy, even, even in sub zero temperatures.” (Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz, 00:21)
2. How Heat Pumps Work and Their Climate Benefits
- Heat pumps don’t generate heat; they transfer it, operating much like a reverse air conditioner.
- “Electric heat pumps do not generate heat. Instead, they work like a reverse air conditioner, extracting heat from outside even during frigid weather and transferring it into your home.” (Abby Hawes, 00:36)
- They represent an excellent climate solution due to their high energy efficiency:
- “Heat pumps are a great climate solution because they are extremely energy efficient.” (Abby Hawes, 00:29)
3. Surprising Technology and Performance in Extreme Cold
- Even in extremely low temperatures, such as -22°F, there is still enough outside heat energy for pumps to function:
- “It does feel really crazy that there is still heat energy outside, even, even down -22, it is out there. It feels cold to us. However, this technology is able to capture it and transfer that heat inside.” (Abby Hawes, 00:49)
- This reveals both the surprising resilience of modern heat pump technology and the physics of heat transfer.
4. Practical Tips for Heat Pump Buyers
- When purchasing a cold-climate heat pump, consumers should:
- Check the lowest temperature rating to ensure functionality in their local conditions.
- Verify that the unit uses a base pan heater on the condenser to prevent freezing.
- Examine the "heating seasonal performance factor"—the higher the number, the more efficient the heat pump, resulting in lower utility bills.
- “When buying a cold climate heat pump, Haas says to check the lowest temperature rating, make sure the condenser has a base pan heater so it doesn't freeze up. And look at the heating seasonal performance factor. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit and the lower your utility bills will be.” (Dr. Anthony Leiserowitz, 01:02)
Memorable Quotes
- On heat’s surprising presence in extreme cold:
- Abby Hawes (00:49): “It does feel really crazy that there is still heat energy outside, even, even down -22, it is out there. It feels cold to us. However, this technology is able to capture it and transfer that heat inside.”
- On heat pumps as climate solutions:
- Abby Hawes (00:29): “Heat pumps are a great climate solution because they are extremely energy efficient.”
Notable Timestamps
- 00:05 – Heat pump adoption rates in Nordic countries and modern cold-weather advances
- 00:29 – Climate efficiency of heat pumps (Abby Hawes)
- 00:36 – Explanation of how heat pumps function (reverse air conditioner)
- 00:49 – Surprising ability to capture heat even in -22°F (Abby Hawes)
- 01:02 – Consumer advice on purchasing cold-climate heat pumps
Tone and Language
The episode uses clear, engaging, and practical language, designed to make technical concepts accessible for a general audience. Both Dr. Leiserowitz and Abby Hawes convey a sense of optimism about clean energy technology, focusing on practical realities and hope for climate solutions.
For a deeper dive into sustainable heating solutions and the evolution of clean energy technology, listeners are encouraged to visit climateconnections.org.
