Q&A with an HVAC Contractor

How do heat pumps work?

• Gas, oil, and propane furnaces or boilers burn fuel to create heat. Heat pumps transfer heat. It's a far different process. In the winter they transfer heat from outside to inside and in the summer they move heat in the opposite direction.

• Heat pumps transfer heat at efficiency levels that are not attainable with a fossil fuel appliance. A cold climate air source heat pump has efficiency levels of 200–300%

Do heat pumps work in our cold Canadian winters?

• Yes — they work in our climate and colder climates than ours.

• There have been astronomical improvements in the heat pumps technology, especially in air source heat pumps, that allows for operational effiencies down to -30°C.

• Efficiency decreases with decreasing temperatures, especially with air source heat pumps. If they are sized properly, they will only start engaging some auxilliary heat as the temperature gets below about -15°C.

How can I confirm that a heat pump will heat my home sufficiently in winter?

• Make sure it's rated as a ‘cold climate’ heat pump.

• Don't be afraid to ask your contractor for performance data.

• Ask them to show you that the performance is sufficient for the heating load of your home.

Will I need a gas backup?

• Unequivocally, no.

• You can accomplish all the comforts you'll ever want with environmentally friendly products.

What are the main causes of poor performance?

• 9/10 it's a function of someone who has not sized their heat pump properly or done a proper assessment of the size and capacity needs of the home.

• If a heat pump is designed and installed properly, it will live up to every promise of the technology.

Are heat pumps suitable for old drafty homes?

• Why not?

• If you get an energy audit done, you will get a good picture about the air leakage in your house. The auditor will suggest things that will improve your building envelope (which will reduce the amount of heat your heat pump needs to generate to maintain a comfortable temperature.) Some things will be cost effective, like adding attic insulation. Other things, like replacing windows, may not be worth the cost, compared to the cost of getting a slifghtly bigger heat pump.

Are there other costs and changes I need to know about?

• Once we assess the heating load and know what size of heat pump we need, we measure the ductwork to make sure it can handle the air flow that the heat pump may require. Sometimes some adjustments to the ductwork need to be made.

• The second key change that may be is an upgrade to your electrical service. Many homes that need a 2 or 2.5 ton system don't need an electrical service upgrade. Larger homes, or old drafty homes, might need to upgrade if they only have a 100 amp service. (Watch the video to learn how to check your service capacity.)

• These are two key factors that get assessed at the very start of the process so you can decide how to proceed and plan for your transition.

How do the operational costs compare to fossil fuels including gas?

• They are remarkably similar.

• When carbon pricing was in place it was cheaper to heat with a cold climate air source heat pump than with a gas furnace.

• If a house is all electric (and can remove the gas meter) they don't have to pay the monthly service fee for gas. In those cases it is definitely cheaper to have a heat pump.

How long does the process take to get a heat pump?

• It depends.

• We've developed a network of support infrastructure that can get involved pretty quickly and respond to urgent situations.

• Rebate applications, optional energy audits and service upgrades sometimes impact the length of time.

• Normally, we do a heat load assessment within a few days, and then give people quotes. If there are no significant service upgrades, the process typically takes a couple of weeks.

How important are heat pumps for the clean energy transition?

• As we look towards electrification and goals of the Canadian government, many have committed to reducing emissions 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.

• The best way to remove carbon emissions from your home is by eliminating the biggest contributors to that which are your space and water heating.

• The average home using gas contributes 4–10 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.

• Electrifying your home is something you have control over.

Why are you a heat pump advocate?

• I'm trying to save the world, one home, one building at a time.

• It's something we can control as an individual… and it's so easy to do.

• Whether your own goals are to increase comfort, address climate change or you have other reasons, it's all doable. You just need to work with the right partner.

• I have grandkids. I hope that some of the things I've done will contribute to a better planet.