When it dips below 0°C, some BC homeowners wonder — “Should I shut off my heat pump and switch to something else?”
The short answer: No — but with a few important conditions.
Let’s break down how heat pumps work in the cold, and when (if ever) you should turn them off.
❄️ Heat Pumps Are Designed to Run in Freezing Temperatures
Modern cold-climate systems are engineered to work efficiently down to -15°C or even -25°C. They extract heat from the outdoor air, even when it feels freezing.
If your unit is properly installed and maintained, keep it on.
🧊 When You Might Need to Shut It Off
1. If the Outdoor Unit is Completely Frozen Over
No airflow = no heating. If ice is blocking the fan or coil and the defrost cycle isn’t working — shut it off and call for service.
2. If the Backup Heat is Running Cheaper
In some rare BC Hydro time-of-use cases, electric baseboard may be more cost-effective for a few hours during extreme cold.
3. If You’re Leaving Home for Days
To avoid unnecessary run time, you can lower your thermostat to 16°C or put the system into “eco” mode.
🔥 Why You Shouldn’t Turn It Off Prematurely
- Heat pumps are most efficient when they maintain temperature
- Turning them off can allow moisture to freeze inside
- Reheating from cold uses more energy than running consistently
⚙️ Optimize, Don’t Disable
Instead of turning off your system, make sure it’s:
- Clean and unobstructed
- Running in “heat” or “auto” mode
- Backed up with a reliable secondary source if needed
📍 Serving Victoria and Vancouver Island
- Victoria, Saanich, Duncan, Langford
- Cowichan Valley, Mill Bay, Nanaimo
📞 Need Help With Your Heat Pump in the Cold?
AE Electric Ltd provides heat pump service, diagnostics, and upgrades for freezing BC weather conditions.