Warming Trend

Heat pumps are not new technology – they were created by an Austrian scientist in the 1850s – but there is currently a lot of buzz about their advantages over fossil fuel-based or electric heating and cooling systems. Heat pumps can have a lower environmental impact, lower cost – and homeowners can be eligible for government rebates.

Heat pumps consume less electricity and deliver more energy than a traditional furnace, explains Graham Bryan, who along with his sister, Laura, and father, Roy, is co-owner of Bryan’s Fuel in Orangeville. “These systems are fit for almost any home as they come in different varieties that can work with, or without, ductwork. A heat pump system can even be integrated into older homes with hot water heating systems.”

How heat pumps work 

The most common type of heat pump has a split-unit system, with an outdoor and indoor component connected by two refrigerant lines. The heat pump uses a compressor to move a refrigerant through the refrigeration cycle in one of two directions. 

This means heat pumps are dual-purpose. In the cooler months, they extract heat from outdoor air (even if temperatures are cool) and transfer it indoors to warm your home. In the summer that process is reversed: heat is extracted from indoor air and transferred outdoors, resulting in a cool and comfortable home. “The key thing to understand is they work by transferring energy to where it is needed,” says Bryan.

The system can operate independently in all conditions until it gets too cold – typically between -3C and -15C. “You still need a backup heat source with almost all heat pumps,” Bryan explains, adding that electric resistance heat, propane, natural gas or furnace oil are common. 

Why they’re eco-conscious

Because heat pumps transfer heat instead of generating it, they are incredibly energy efficient – more than 100 per cent efficient. In other words, they deliver more energy for heating than the electricity they consume. For example, while electric baseboards are 100 per cent efficient (using 1 kW of electricity to produce 1 kW of heat), a heat pump using the same 1 kW of electricity can produce upwards of 3.8 kW of heat.

According to Bryan, by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and using electricity (which can come from renewable resources), heat pumps help lower the environmental impact of heating buildings. “Depending on the system and the fuel it’s replacing, energy savings can range from around 9 per cent if you are adding an air-source heat pump to a natural gas furnace, to as much as 76 per cent if you are switching from furnace oil to a geothermal heat pump.”

Is it right for your home? 

The main difference between an outdoor heat pump unit and air conditioner unit is the heat pump condensing unit must be positioned at least 18 inches off the ground. If you are considering a geothermal heat pump – which works by transferring heat to or from under the ground – expect a more involved and pricey installation. These systems require drilling a well or laying a geothermal loop in your yard. 

And there may be other barriers to switching to a heat pump system, explains Bryan. “You need a significant amount of electrical service, and your home may not be equipped for this. Or say you’re in a rural house and your driveway is a kilometre from the road – you’d have to replace the wiring and the electric panels to accommodate additional electrical equipment.” This is why it’s important to work with a qualified contractor to determine if a heat pump is compatible with your home. 

The cost 

In the end, a heat pump should ease your annual energy budget – after installation costs. Expect a basic, air-source heat pump to start at $5,500 for installation while a geothermal system can cost upwards of $30,000. There are big savings available via government rebates at both the provincial and federal level. Rebates are certainly a key driver of heat pump demand, Bryan reports. “In Ontario, the current rebate programs for heat pumps vary. For instance, for homeowners switching from furnace oil, the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program offers up to $10,000 up front to help with the installation costs.” There are several different rebate programs. “My best advice is to lean on a qualified HVAC contractor to guide you through the application steps and help determine which programs apply to your situation.”