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Can Heat Pumps Keep Up in Cold Weather? What Lexington Homeowners Need to Know in January
Heat Pump Repair Lexington KY
Introduction
January is when Central Kentucky heat pumps are tested the hardest. Overnight lows dip into the teens, wind chills make homes feel colder, and homeowners start asking the same question:
“Is my heat pump supposed to run this much?”
Searches for Heat Pump Repair Lexington KY spike every January because cold weather exposes how heat pumps really perform—and whether something is wrong. While modern heat pumps can keep up in cold temperatures, understanding emergency heat, heat strips, and electric bills is critical to knowing when your system is working normally and when it’s time to call a professional.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- How heat pumps heat your home in winter
- When emergency heat and heat strips kick on
- What a sudden spike in your electric bill really means
- Signs your heat pump is struggling
- When to call Lexington Electrical & HVAC for service
How Heat Pumps Work in Cold Weather
A heat pump doesn’t create heat the same way a furnace does. Instead, it moves heat from outside air into your home—even when it’s cold.
Here’s the key point many homeowners don’t realize:
There is still heat energy in cold air.
As outdoor temperatures drop, your heat pump has to work harder to extract that heat. The colder it gets, the less efficient the process becomes—especially in older or poorly maintained systems.
According to Energy.gov, modern heat pumps can operate efficiently in cold climates, but performance depends heavily on system condition, sizing, and backup heat operation.
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/heat-pump-systems
Can Heat Pumps Keep Up When Temperatures Drop Below Freezing?
Yes — when everything is working correctly.
A properly sized, well-maintained heat pump in Lexington should:
- Maintain indoor comfort down into the low 30s and 20s
- Cycle normally (not run nonstop)
- Gradually raise indoor temperature
- Use backup heat only when needed
However, problems arise when:
- The system is undersized
- Maintenance has been skipped
- Heat strips are stuck on
- Emergency heat is running constantly
That’s when homeowners notice comfort issues and high electric bills.
What Is Emergency Heat on a Heat Pump?
Emergency heat (often labeled “EM Heat” on your thermostat) is backup electric heat, not your primary heating source.
Emergency heat:
- Uses electric heat strips only
- Bypasses the outdoor heat pump
- Is designed for temporary use
- Costs significantly more to operate
It should NOT be left on continuously unless directed by a technician.
When Do Heat Strips Kick On Automatically?
Heat strips are designed to assist your heat pump when it can’t keep up on its own.
They typically turn on when:
- Outdoor temperatures drop very low
- The thermostat is raised several degrees at once
- The system can’t reach set temperature fast enough
- Defrost cycles are running
This is normal in short bursts.
What’s NOT Normal
- Heat strips running constantly
- Indoor temperature barely rising
- System stuck in auxiliary or emergency heat
These are strong indicators you may need Heat Pump Repair Lexington KY.
Why Your Electric Bill Jumps in January
One of the biggest January complaints we hear is:
“My heat pump works, but my electric bill doubled.”
Here’s what that usually means:
Your System Is Running on Electric Heat Only
If the heat pump isn’t producing enough heat, the system relies heavily—or entirely—on electric heat strips.
Electric heat:
- Uses significantly more power
- Operates like a giant space heater
- Can double or triple energy usage
Common Causes
- Failed outdoor unit
- Refrigerant issues
- Defrost system problems
- Thermostat misconfiguration
- Heat pump locked out
- Dirty coils or airflow issues
If your bill spikes suddenly, it’s a warning sign—not just “winter usage.”
Signs Your Heat Pump Is Struggling in Cold Weather
Call for Heat Pump Repair Lexington KY if you notice:
- System running nonstop
- Cool or lukewarm air from vents
- Emergency or auxiliary heat always on
- Large jump in electric bills
- Ice buildup on outdoor unit
- Uneven heating throughout the home
- Thermostat not reaching set temperature
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to:
- Higher monthly costs
- Increased wear on components
- Complete system failure
What Ice on the Outdoor Unit Means (And What It Doesn’t)
Some frost on a heat pump is normal in winter.
Normal
- Light frost that clears during defrost cycles
- Occasional steam during defrost
Not Normal
- Solid ice buildup
- Ice that never clears
- System running constantly
Persistent ice usually indicates airflow problems, refrigerant issues, or defrost system failure.
When to Call for Heat Pump Repair in Lexington, KY
You should call Lexington Electrical & HVAC when:
- Emergency heat won’t turn off
- Electric bills spike suddenly
- Indoor temperatures drop despite long run times
- Outdoor unit isn’t running
- Ice buildup persists
- Heat strips appear to be running nonstop
Early service can prevent:
- Major component failure
- Excessive electric costs
- January no-heat emergencies
Why January Is a Critical Time for Heat Pump Maintenance
January reveals problems that mild weather hides.
Professional maintenance ensures:
- Proper refrigerant levels
- Functional defrost cycles
- Correct heat strip operation
- Accurate thermostat settings
- Safe electrical connections
- Efficient airflow
Systems that receive maintenance perform significantly better during prolonged cold spells.
Why Lexington Homeowners Trust Lexington Electrical & HVAC
When heat pumps struggle in January, homeowners need fast, honest answers—not guesswork.
Lexington homeowners trust us because we provide:
- Locally owned, veteran-owned service
- 5-star Google rating with 100+ reviews
- Experienced heat pump specialists
- American Standard system expertise
- Transparent diagnostics and pricing
We understand how Kentucky winters impact heat pumps—and how to fix issues correctly.
https://www.energystar.gov/products/air_source_heat_pumps
The Best Way to Avoid High Bills and Breakdowns: Cool & Cozy Club
The Cool & Cozy Club is the easiest way to protect your heat pump year-round.
Membership includes:
- Seasonal heat pump tune-ups
- Priority scheduling in winter
- Discounts on repairs
- Reduced emergency calls
- Improved efficiency
- Lower long-term operating costs
Learn more here:
https://lexelectricalandhvac.com/cool-cozy-club/
FAQs – Heat Pump Repair Lexington KY
Do heat pumps work in freezing temperatures?
Yes, modern heat pumps can operate in freezing temperatures, but efficiency drops as temperatures fall.
Is emergency heat supposed to run all the time?
No. Emergency heat should only run when necessary or when manually selected.
Why is my heat pump running constantly in January?
Extended run times often indicate the system is relying on backup heat or struggling to keep up.
Does auxiliary heat always mean something is wrong?
No. Short auxiliary heat use is normal, but constant use signals a problem.
Why did my electric bill spike suddenly?
This usually means electric heat strips are running excessively or the heat pump isn’t operating properly.
When should I call for heat pump repair?
If comfort drops, bills spike, or emergency heat stays on, call immediately.
Can maintenance really improve winter performance?
Yes. Maintenance dramatically improves efficiency and reliability in cold weather.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
Heat pumps can absolutely keep up in Central Kentucky winters—but only when they’re operating correctly. Understanding emergency heat, heat strips, and rising electric bills helps homeowners recognize when something isn’t right.
If your system is struggling this January, Lexington Electrical & HVAC is here to help with professional Heat Pump Repair Lexington KY. And for year-round peace of mind, the Cool & Cozy Club is the smartest investment you can make.
👉 Contact Lexington Electrical & HVAC today to schedule service or join the Cool & Cozy Club before winter takes its toll on your heat pump.