They are, but in some places peak winter load is worse than peak summer load and with ACs running in reverse replacing oil furnaces things can get worse than expected
If the grid can run the AC it should be able to handle the heat pumps, arent they basically the same machine?
rain_enjoyer@sopuli.xyz 4 weeks ago
GreenBeard@lemmy.ca 4 weeks ago
Functionally, yes. I mean, it needs to be the kind that have the reverse switch so you can switch it to heating in the winter, but it’s effectively the same power use.
bluGill@fedia.io 4 weeks ago
Almost, but the temperature difference is generally much greater in winter than summer meaning there is more demand for energy in winter. Also solar (and sometimes hydro) power is less effective in winter. Both factors mean that a grid that can handle summer might not be able to handle winter heat.
Remember, the above are factors. Your local grid's exact energy mix matters here, some will have no problems.