How a cold-climate heat pump works
A heat pump is an air conditioner that can run in reverse. In summer it moves heat out of the house. In winter it pulls heat from the outdoor air, and there is usable heat in the air even at minus 20, and moves it inside. Because it moves heat rather than creating it, a good unit delivers two to three units of heat for every unit of electricity it uses. Older heat pumps gave up around freezing. Cold-climate models use variable-speed compressors and better refrigerants to keep working efficiently deep into an Ontario winter.
Hybrid or all-electric?
If you have gas, a hybrid system is usually the sweet spot: the heat pump handles the heating most of the year at a lower cost than gas, and the furnace only runs on the coldest days. It's also the easiest upgrade when your AC dies, since the heat pump replaces it. If you're on propane, oil or electric baseboards, an all-electric heat pump usually cuts your heating bill dramatically and removes a fuel delivery entirely. We run the numbers for your home using local utility rates and show you the annual cost of each option.
Rebates in Ontario
Heat pump rebates change often, and the programs available to you depend on your utility, your current fuel and whether you have an energy audit. We keep on top of the current provincial and federal programs, tell you which ones your system qualifies for, and handle the applications and paperwork ourselves so you're not chasing forms. See the rebates and financing page for what's available right now.
