“Heat pumps don’t work in cold climates.” It’s a common misconception—but modern technology is proving otherwise.
In this recorded roundtable hosted by New Buildings Institute in partnership with the California Energy Design Assistance (CEDA) program, experts break down the facts and explore how today’s advanced heat pumps are delivering reliable performance even in freezing temperatures.
While early heat pumps struggled in cold weather, today’s models use variable speed compressors that automatically adjust based on outdoor conditions. This innovation reduces temperature swings, improves efficiency, and dramatically boosts cold climate performance.
Top-tier cold climate heat pumps can maintain output at 5°F and continue heating well into subzero temperatures—making them a viable, low-carbon alternative for colder regions.
Watch the recording to hear from industry experts about the latest in heat pump technology and why it’s time to leave outdated myths behind.
View the presentation slides here: Cold-Climate-Heat-Pumps-Full-Presentation.pdf
Panelists
Samuel Beeson
Senior Business Development Manager, LG Electronics
Samuel is a seasoned professional with over four decades of experience in the commercial refrigeration and air conditioning industry. He joined LG’s Utilities Team as a Senior Business Development Manager in March of 2024 and works on heat pump focused electrification activities and incentive programs at the federal, state and utility level. Sam primarily covers the western states for LG and lives in the Pacific Northwest in an all-electric home that he constructed in 2022 with his wife of 43 years.
Jonathan Moscatello
Business Development Manager, Daikin North America.
Jonathan is a nationally regarded expert in residential contracting and heat pumps and a co-owner of The Heat Pump Store. The store is an Oregon based heat pump only contracting business that has installed heat pumps in over 20,000 homes. Sarah, his wife, runs the contracting business while Jonathan consults with utility programs, contractors, and distributors to help them grow their heat pump business. In 2021, Jonathan joined Daikin to help the company participate more fully in electrification initiatives.
Sam Lamos
Public Policy Manager at Gradient
Sam is deeply passionate about environmental justice and energy equity. This passion has directed her focus toward evaluation research in low-income and disadvantaged communities. While previously working in EM&V, she established herself as a successful project manager and data analyst, delivering actionable insights to utility and regulatory clients. Sam has evaluated and consulted state and utility programs that prioritize end-users experiences, particularly those residing in disadvantaged areas. With a strong focus on decarbonization programs for residential and commercial buildings and extensive expertise in the HVAC and heat pump markets, Sam now assists Gradient in establishing policy goals and expanding into new areas.
James Momperousse
Utility-Energy Sales Manager
James is a seasoned professional with over 7 years with Carrier in various positions focused on energy solutions. He works to educate the market about clean energy opportunities where high-efficient heat pumps can serve as an effective solution to clean energy goals.
Contact CEDA for help exploring new energy-efficient technologies!
