In: Physics
Why don't heat pumps work well in colder climates? Is the same true of refrigerators? Explain.
An air source heat pump is like a heat sponge : it absorbs heat from the outdoor air and transfers it inside your home.
Because they use outside air,air source heat pumps work especially well in moderate temperatures. But when the temperature drop below 32°F, they lose efficiency, meaning they have to rely on a secondary source of heat like a gas furnace or electrical resistance coil to properly heat the home.
Yes, it is true for refrigerators. Refrigeration systems, commercial, industrial and domestic, are designed for certain temperatures. The interior of the space, product load, container construction and other heat sources basically determines the mass flow of refrigerant required to satisfy to the cooling needs.
Design temperature system efficiency is the normal efficiency ruler. Rising temperatures cause more power per btu so the efficiency drops. As the ambient temperature drops, the possibility of increase efficiency is there. But capturing the increased efficiency requires forethought in design and installation.