Yes. Modern cold-climate heat pumps keep heating well below freezing, and ENERGY STAR's cold-climate rating requires tested performance down to 5°F. For the coldest Chicago nights, most homes pair the heat pump with backup heat, often a gas furnace in a dual fuel setup, so you stay warm without relying on the heat pump alone.
How a heat pump heats when it is cold outside
A heat pump is an air conditioner that can run in reverse. In winter it pulls heat from the outdoor air and moves it inside. Even at 10°F, outdoor air still holds heat a heat pump can use. As it gets colder, though, a heat pump makes less heat and uses more power to do it.
Older heat pumps struggled in northern winters. The U.S. Department of Energy says the technology has improved and is now a real heating option in colder regions.
A heat pump also replaces your central AC. In summer it cools just like an air conditioner. So when an older AC needs replacing, adding heating ability is often a small step up rather than a whole new project. The furnace you already have can stay in place as backup, and you can choose which one leads on any given day through the thermostat settings your installer sets up.
What makes a heat pump "cold-climate"
- ENERGY STAR Cold Climate label. These units must have third-party verified performance at low temperatures, with testing down to 5°F. They keep running below that.
- Variable-speed (inverter) compressor. It ramps up on cold days and slows down on mild days, which keeps temperatures steady.
- Strong heating ratings. The Department of Energy advises that in cold climates you should focus on the heating rating (HSPF2) more than the cooling rating (SEER2).
Ask your installer to show the unit's heating output at 5°F and compare it to your home's heat loss on a design-cold day.
Backup heat: electric strips or dual fuel
ENERGY STAR notes that pairing a cold-climate heat pump with a backup heat source is most efficient when temperatures get very low. There are two common setups:
- Electric heat strips in the air handler. Simple, but expensive to run for long stretches.
- Dual fuel. The heat pump handles most of the season, and a gas furnace takes over below a set outdoor temperature. Many Chicago-area homes already have a furnace and ducts, so this is a common upgrade when the AC needs replacing.
The switch-over temperature depends on your equipment and your electric and gas rates. Your installer should set it on purpose, not leave it at a factory default. You can adjust it later if your utility rates change.
Sizing and ductwork matter more for heat pumps
Winter comfort also feels different. A heat pump delivers air that is warm but not as hot as a gas furnace, and it runs longer, steadier cycles. Most people find that comfortable once they are used to it. Outdoor units also run short defrost cycles in winter, so a little steam from the unit is normal.
A heat pump has to be sized for both summer cooling and winter heating. That takes a room-by-room load calculation, not a guess based on square feet. Ducts also need to move enough air, or the system will feel weak in winter. Read what size system your house needs for more. Homes without ducts can use ductless mini-splits.
Rebates and tax credits in 2026
- Federal tax credit: The IRS says the 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit only applies to equipment placed in service through December 31, 2025. A heat pump installed in 2026 does not qualify.
- ComEd: ComEd offers rebates and discounts for electric heating customers and keeps a network of heat pump-trained contractors. Amounts and rules change, so check ComEd's current heat pump offers before you sign a contract.
Yogi gives you a written quote before any work starts, and financing is available.
When to call a pro
If your AC is nearing replacement and you have a gas furnace, a dual fuel heat pump is worth pricing. Yogi Heating & Cooling installs heat pumps, including cold-climate models and ductless systems, across Schaumburg and nearby suburbs. Call (814) 431-1709 or book an estimate.
More questions
At what temperature does a heat pump stop working?
Cold-climate models keep heating below 5°F, but output drops as it gets colder. That is why most Chicago-area systems include a gas furnace or electric backup for the coldest nights.
Do I have to remove my gas furnace to get a heat pump?
No. In a dual fuel setup the heat pump replaces your AC and your furnace stays as backup heat.
Will a heat pump lower my heating bill?
It depends on your local electric and gas prices, your equipment, and your home. A good installer will set the dual fuel switch-over point to favor the cheaper heat source.
Is there a federal tax credit for heat pumps in 2026?
No. The IRS says the 25C credit covers only equipment placed in service by December 31, 2025.
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