Did you know that air-source heat pumps are quickly becoming the HVAC system of choice across North America? Their reliability has made them essential in Europe and Asia for decades, and Canadian households are increasingly making the switch: According to Statistics Canada, the number of heat pumps installed as primary home heating systems in Canada doubled between 2013-2021.
If you’re looking to replace your heating and cooling equipment, heat pumps are a smart choice, as they offer both heating and cooling in one system. They work like an air conditioner in the summer months and are an energy-efficient alternative to burning natural gas* during winter months, helping save energy use.
What Is an Air Source Heat Pump?
When you hear “heat pump”, you might not immediately think of cooling. However, a heat pump is an efficient source of both heating and cooling. Heat pumps operate by transferring, or “pumping”, heat from one location to another using electricity. An air-source heat pump gathers heat from the outside air and transfers it indoors in the winter; in the summer, it moves heat from inside your home to the outdoors.
Heat pump systems look similar to central air conditioning systems: They have a condenser unit on the outside, an air handler or blower unit on the inside and a copper refrigerant line set that connects them. They also work similarly to ACs when in cooling mode by using compressed refrigerant (a chemical fluid) to absorb heat in the air and transfer it outside.
The main difference between heat pumps and air conditioners is that heat pumps contain a reverse valve that allows them to both heat and cool your home throughout the year. You can read more about heat pumps vs. air conditioners here.
As mentioned above, the name “heat pump” can be rather misleading. There are a few other misconceptions around heat pumps that we’d like to clear up to help you make an informed decision around whether a heat pump is the right choice for you. And if you need personalized assistance, our Experts are here for you.
Debunking Myths About Heat Pumps
Myth: Heat pumps don’t work well in cold weather.
Fact: Newer heat pump models made for colder climates can perform in temperatures as low as -30°C. Heat pumps are also often used as part of a dual fuel system — which means they work alongside a backup gas-powered heat source, such as a furnace that kicks in when the temperature drops to a set point. Dual fuel systems can be a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution for your home’s heating needs.
Myth: Heat pumps are too expensive.
Fact: Heat pumps have a significant edge over competing products by offering both heating and cooling in one system. With newer models and manufacturers entering the North American market, heat pumps can now be purchased for around the same price as a 14-15 SEER air conditioner. If the upfront cost of a heat pump feels too high, there are financing and rental options available to accommodate your budget, depending on the provider you work with.
Over time, the cost can be offset by the energy savings, since heat pumps are energy efficient. Using a dual fuel system and/or renting your heat pump instead of buying it can also help offset heat pump premiums.
Myth: Heat pumps are not better for the environment.
Fact: Heat pumps operate solely on electricity, which is better for the environment since you’re burning less fossil fuels — Ontario’s electricity grid uses primarily nuclear and hydroelectric-powered, non-fossil-fuel-burning sources. Widespread use of heat pumps could lead to a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions.
What Type of Homes Are Heat Pumps Suitable For?
According to the Canadian Climate Institute, heat pumps are the most cost-effective solution for heating and cooling in Canada — particularly single-family homes and townhouses across buildings of any age. Whether you’re moving into a new home or considering an upgrade to your current heating and cooling system, heat pumps present a great choice. Ductless heat pump systems also present a great option for making hard to reach spaces like a 3rd story home office or garage workshop more comfortable.
The Case for Choosing a Heat Pump
With so many different options and factors at play when considering a heat pump, it can get overwhelming to figure out which heat pump is ideal for your home. The following factors below can help you determine if it’s time to make the switch.
Why a Heat Pump May Be Right for You
You need to replace your central AC.
Although heat pump units tend to cost more than ACs, their dual functionality makes them a smart choice for homeowners needing to replace their air conditioner. Unlike a traditional AC that sits idle in colder weather, a heat pump operates year-round, efficiently cooling your home in summer and heating it in winter. Plus, the labour cost to install a heat pump is similar since the installation process is pretty much the same as for an AC.
You currently heat with natural gas or propane and are looking for a sustainable alternative.
As a growing number of homeowners are moving away from fossil fuel-based heating and toward greener alternatives, switching to a heat pump can help reduce your carbon footprint.
Your home has ductwork.
Central heat pump systems use ducts to move air through your HVAC system. If your home already has ductwork for central heating, a central heat pump system can be easily connected to the existing ductwork to heat and cool your entire home.
Your home currently uses electric heating.
If your home’s heating is already powered by electricity, such as with an electric furnace, heat pumps can be a cost-effective switch because they use the same energy source while being far more energy efficient than other forms of electric heating: For instance, heat pumps use up to 65% less energy when heating your home compared to standard electric baseboards. Keep in mind that if your home currently uses electric baseboard heating, you’ll need to have ductwork installed when switching to a central heat pump.
You can read more about different types of heat pumps here.
Benefits
Year-round comfort
The benefits of a heat pump don’t end at just heating and cooling your home: When in cooling mode, a heat pump also dehumidifies your home to keep you comfortable during the scorching dog days of summer.
Energy efficiency
A huge reason why heat pumps are energy efficient is because the volume of warm and cool air produced is generally higher than the amount of energy they consume while doing so. Heat pumps use less energy than other forms of electric heating and even less compared to fossil fuel-based heating systems.
Environmental impact
Since heat pumps rely on electricity and don’t burn fossil fuels, they’re a big step forward in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improving air quality. The widespread adoption of heat pumps can go a long way toward helping Canada’s commitment to reaching net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
Considerations
Size
Making sure your heat pump is the right size for your home is essential so it can work at peak efficiency. A heat pump system that’s either too small or too large will end up underperforming and needing repairs often — costing you money, time and comfort. It’s also important to have adequate airflow and appropriately sized ducts that match your system.
An Enercare Energy Management Consultant has the expertise to help determine the right size heat pump for your home. Some of the measurements that go into sizing a heat pump include:
- Square footage of the area to be heated and cooled
- Ceiling height in different rooms
- Window number, size, location and type (e.g., single- or double-pane, standard, low-E)
- Home location, including climate and sun orientation
- Insulation type, R-value and installation quality
Cost
The total cost of a heat pump will depend on a number of factors:
- The type and size of the heat pump
- The technical details of your home (e.g., size, room layout, number of storeys, location of the outdoor unit to the indoor unit)
- Add-on features for enhanced efficiency and filtration (possibly an important consideration for those with allergies or related health sensitivities)
- The choice to add extended warranties, maintenance plans and service guarantees
- Building code and electrical requirements
Installation
Central heat pumps require ductwork and should always be installed by a qualified HVAC professional. While having existing ductwork puts you on the right track infrastructure-wise to install a heat pump, in certain cases some modifications might be needed to accommodate a new heat pump system. Your Enercare Expert will be able to assess your current ducts and heating system and advise on your specific case.
System compatibility
If you’re considering getting a heat pump to reinforce your central furnace system, keep in mind that heat pumps typically operate at higher airflows than furnaces. You could end up dealing with noise problems or increased fan energy use if your heat pump’s airflow is higher than your ducts’ airflow capacity.
Ongoing maintenance
Maintaining your heat pump consistently is the best way to avoid expensive and inconvenient re pairs. Just like it’s important to have your car serviced, you should likewise have a professional perform regular maintenance checks on your heat pump to identify potential issues before they get worse. Heat pumps should ideally be serviced on a seasonal basis, but at least once a year. The Enercare Advantage™ rental program includes an annual heat pump inspection at no cost to you.
Regular maintenance of your heat pump can help optimize its performance and energy efficiency, maximize its life span, prevent costly emergency repairs and improve your indoor comfort.
Buying vs. Renting
While some homeowners prefer owning their own heat pump, the upfront costs are substantially higher than renting. Owning your unit also means shouldering the cost of regular maintenance checks, as well as parts and labour for any necessary repairs.
On the other hand, renting your heat pump can be a more budget-friendly option if the upfront costs of ownership are limiting. When you rent with Enercare, you enjoy perks such as free installation and repairs for the lifetime of your equipment†, an annual preventative maintenance check and 24/7 customer support with a team of over 700 licensed and trained technicians.
| Heat Pump Type | Starting Rental Rate (incl. maintenance) | Starting Price (incl. installation) |
|---|---|---|
| Central | $109/month | $8,000 |
| Ductless Mini-Split | $80/month | $4,000 |
When you’re ready to discuss a heat pump system for your home, an Enercare Energy Management Consultant can perform a free assessment of your home to help you select the right option for your needs and budget.
* In 2017, space heating took up 62% of total residential energy use in Canada. Nearly half (48%) of that total energy used for space heating was powered by natural gas.
† Terms and conditions and certain exceptions apply, see rental agreement for details.
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