Will a Low-Ambient Heat Pump Work in my Michigan Home?
Have you ever wondered if a heat pump is right for your home? Are you curious about the benefits of installing one?
A lot of people think heat pumps won’t work in Michigan because of the cold winters. That was true for older models, but today’s low-ambient heat pumps are built to work well in cold weather. They can also work with your furnace to keep your home comfortable all winter.
In this article, we’ll explain how low-ambient heat pumps work, what their benefits are, and help you decide if a heat pump, furnace, or dual-fuel system is best for your home.
What is a Low-Ambient Heat Pump?
Heat pumps can heat your home in winter and cool it in summer, so you get year-round comfort from one system. Low-ambient, or cold-climate, heat pumps are made to work well even when it’s cold outside. For example, modern models like the Lennox Merit Series ML15KSPV can bring heat into your home even when it’s 0°F outside. Instead of burning fuel like a furnace, heat pumps move heat from one place to another using a refrigerant cycle. This makes them an energy-efficient choice for many homes.
Can a Low-Ambient Heat Pump Work During Michigan Winters?
The short answer is yes. Today’s low-ambient heat pumps can handle the heating needs of many Michigan homes for most of the year, taking over on days when you would usually use a furnace. Here’s a closer look at how this works.
Heat pumps can cool your home in summer and handle most of your heating in spring and fall. While low-ambient heat pumps can still heat your home when it’s as cold as zero degrees outside, we suggest using a furnace as backup when it gets below 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Here’s why.
Heat pumps use electricity to move heat into your home. When it’s warmer than 38 degrees outside, a heat pump is the most efficient way to heat your home. When it’s colder than 38 degrees, a gas furnace is more efficient. In the 2025 – 2026 winter, metro Detroit had 145 days when the low was below 38 degrees (source: weather.gov). On those days, a smart thermostat can check the outside temperature and switch between the heat pump and furnace as needed.
You might think 145 days is a lot, and it is. But here are a few things to keep in mind:
- On those days, 71 of them had highs above 38 degrees, so your home would have been heated by both units, depending on the current temperature.
- In spring and fall, there are plenty of days when it doesn’t get below 38 degrees, but it’s still cool enough that most Michiganders want to heat their homes. On those days, the energy-efficient heat pump is the best solution.
Most Michigan Homes will Benefit from Having a Heat Pump and Furnace.
For additional heating capacity during extreme cold, many homeowners choose a dual-fuel system that pairs a cold-climate heat pump with a furnace. The heat pump handles most heating and all cooling needs year-round, while the furnace serves as a backup when temperatures drop significantly.
This setup gives you:
- Energy-efficient heating and cooling
- Year-round comfort
- More consistent indoor temperatures
- Potential energy savings
- Reduced reliance on fossil fuels
- Reliable heating during extreme cold weather
Is a Low-Ambient Heat Pump Right for My Home?
If you want an energy-efficient way to heat and cool your home, a low-ambient heat pump could be a good choice. The best option depends on your home, your comfort needs, and your current HVAC system.
A professional HVAC evaluation can help you figure out which system is best for your home.
Explore Your Heat Pump Options.
Still not sure if a low-ambient heat pump can meet your heating needs? Thornton & Grooms can help you evaluate your options and find the best heating and cooling solution for your home.
Schedule a heat pump consultation today to learn which system is right for your home.
Key Takeaways:
- Low-ambient heat pumps provide energy-efficient heating and cooling in a single system.
- Modern heat pumps are designed to perform in cold climates and can meet the heating needs of many Michigan homes.
- A dual-fuel system combines the efficiency of a heat pump with the cold-weather reliability of a furnace.
- Professional sizing and installation help ensure optimal comfort, efficiency, and system performance.