Are Heat Pumps Worth It In Canada
As seasoned HVAC professionals with years of experience partnering with homeowners throughout the GTA, including Rockland, Ottawa, Gloucester, Clarence, Cumberland, and more, we're regularly approached by homeowners wanting to upgrade their interior comfort with a new heating system. And more often than not, a question we receive from homeowners is whether heat pumps are actually worth it in Canada. Therefore, we've put together this post, so you can get a better idea about whether a heat pump would be a worthwhile investment for you and your family!
Keep reading to learn more about heat pumps and how they can help you enhance your indoor thermal comfort all year long!
Is it smart to install a heat pump in Canada?
Canada is a massive country. Therefore, it goes without saying that it can be a wise decision to install a heat pump in some parts of Canada compared to others. Heat pumps work by extracting heat energy from the environment before transporting it indoors to heat the interior of a home. However, as you can probably guess, in areas where the winter temperatures drop well below -15 degrees Celsius, such as Saskatchewan, Nunavut, or even Manitoba, the available heat energy in the air will be minimal.
Therefore, a heat pump will naturally be unable to extract enough heat to adequately heat a home efficiently. And as a consequence of this, not only will it cause premature wear and tear on the equipment, but it will also cost homeowners more to heat their homes than it would if they were using a conventional heating system such as a furnace or boiler.
Luckily, because areas throughout the GTA rarely experience below-freezing temperatures in the winter, homeowners won't have to worry about this. It should be noted, however, that every homeowner is different. Therefore, if you're stuck on whether installing a heat pump is worth it for you and your home and you live in the following areas, we suggest reaching out to the team at Anchor Home Comfort to schedule a consultation appointment with one of our certified HVAC technicians who will be able to help you narrow down how to optimize your home comfort:
· Arnprior
· Clarence
· Bishop Mills
· Ottawa
· Casselman
· Gloucester
· Embrun
· Cumberland
· Manotick
· Orleans
· Rockland
What are the potential problems with heat pumps?
Are you considering a new heating system for your home and are leaning towards a heat pump? Congratulations, that's awesome! At Anchor Home Comfort, we want homeowners to be well-informed on the pros and cons of the heating system they're considering for their property. Therefore, we've put together a list of potential problems you may want to keep in mind before having one installed:
· Due to the need for two separate units, heat pump systems can be far more costly to install than conventional heating and cooling systems.
· The outdoor component of a heat pump can occasionally produce noise, so consider where you intend to install it with respect to quiet areas of your home.
· Heat pumps might not be the best choice for every home, especially older homes with inadequate insulation or ductwork.
· If you live in a condo or a neighbourhood with strict noise regulations, your options for installing the outdoor unit may be limited.
· Heat pumps work best in temperate climates and may not be able to provide adequate warmth in frigid conditions without the assistance of a backup heating system. The same can be said for regions with hot temperatures.
One thing we should note is that while heat pumps are generally more expensive to install than traditional heating and cooling systems, there are several grants available for homeowners that can help reduce some costs. For example, the Government of Canada is offering homeowners up to $5,000 with the Canada Greener Homes Grant! Additionally, homeowners throughout the GTA can also receive additional money through their municipalities for making the switch to a more energy-efficient home heating solution! Further, by partnering with Anchor Home Comfort, you can save even more with our own discounts and financing options!
Do heat pumps work under the cold in Canada?
You bet they can! Well, mostly. While heat pumps can operate in cold climates such as Canada, their efficiency can be impacted by extreme cold temperatures. Heat pumps, in general, work by obtaining heat from the outside air and sending it into your home. The heat pump's ability to extract warmth from the air outside becomes more difficult as the outside temperature decreases.
Modern heat pumps, on the other hand, have been developed for use in colder climates and include sophisticated technologies that include variable speed compressors and defrost controls which enable them to keep running even in temperatures that are frigid. With that being said, if you live in areas like Saskatchewan, Alberta, or the Northwest territories, to name a few, you're likely not going to benefit from a heat pump in your home compared to homeowners living in milder climates such as Ontario and British Columbia.
What steps are involved in installing a heat pump in Canada?
Are you considering installing a heat pump in your home? Here is what to expect when partnering with Anchor Home Comfort:
1. Consider your requirements and the best location for the outdoor unit with a certified technician.
2. Choose the best heat pump system for your home and your individual needs.
3. Install the outdoor compressor, coolant lines, and power cables.
4. A dedicated circuit for the heat pump will then be installed by an electrician.
5. If necessary, changes to your ductwork will be made to ensure proper airflow throughout your home.
6. A final check of your new system will occur, and again, any necessary changes will be made to ensure safety and efficiency!
7. You can then get back to your normal routine and enjoy the comfort of your newly heated home!
Are you thinking about installing a heat pump in your home? If so, Anchor Home Comfort is your choice HVAC company! Book a consultation with our technicians to get a free service quote today.
