The Ultimate 2024 Heat Pump Buyer's Guide for Your ...

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If you live in Ottawa and are in search of an efficient alternative method to heat and cool your home, it&#;s worthwhile to consider a heat pump install. This eco-friendly source of heating and cooling is clean, quiet, and makes your home energy-efficient.

Sounds great so far! But at this point, you may still not be convinced about heat pumps. How exactly do they work, and would a heat pump make sense for your home? What is the best cold climate heat pump Canada offers?

Read on to find the answers to all your heat pump questions:

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How Do Heat Pumps Work?

Heat pumps work by means of heat transfer with the help of refrigerant and electricity. In the winter, they extract existing heat from the air, soil, or water (the source) and move it into your home.

The fact that a heat pump does not actually create heat offers you a large number of advantages:

• Energy-efficiency, up to 140 percent
• Safety (no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, natural gas leak, or explosion)
• Sustainability (will not be used up like fossil fuels)
• Money-saving due to lower utility bills

In Canada, it is usually necessary to have a  supplemental heat source due to our extremely cold winters. This can be accomplished with a heat pump and furnace/air handler combination in the case of a forced-air system, or a small electric auxiliary heater in the case of a Ductless Mitsubishi heat pump system.

Mitsubishi heat pumps are built with Hyper-Heat Inverter (H2i)&#; technology and can provide heat right down to -30C in most models.

As your cold climate heat pump will provide a large proportion of home heating, you will benefit from substantial energy efficiency and savings on your utility bills.

How Does a Heat Pump Work in the Winter?

Cold climate heat pumps extract heat from the outdoor air or from the ground (if it&#;s a geothermal heat pump) and transfers it indoors to heat your home. To really get the most out of the entire heating season, you&#;ll want to go for a model that has variable speed compressors. For regions that experience extremely low temperatures in the winter and very hot temperatures in the summer (such as Ontario!), most traditional heat pumps will offer the kind of precise temperature control you&#;d require.

Here&#;s a basic explanation of how heat pumps operate when the temperatures plummet:

• Evaporation: The process begins with the outdoor unit, called the evaporator. A refrigerant, a substance with a low boiling point, circulates through a coil in the evaporator. The refrigerant takes in heat from the outside air, causing it to evaporate and turn into a low-pressure gas.
• Compression: The compressor then increases the pressure of the refrigerant gas, which also increases its temperature. This hot, high-pressure gas is then pumped into the indoor coil.
• Condensation: Inside the building, the indoor coil acts as a condenser. The hot refrigerant releases heat into the indoor air, causing it to condense back into a liquid. This process warms the indoor space.
• Expansion Valve: The refrigerant, now in liquid form, passes through an expansion valve, which reduces its pressure and temperature. This prepares it to return to the outdoor coil and repeat the cycle.
• Reversing Valve (for some systems): In some heat pump systems, a reversing valve allows the flow of refrigerant to be reversed. This enables the heat pump to switch between heating and cooling modes. In heating mode, the hot refrigerant flows to the indoor coil, while in cooling mode, it flows to the outdoor coil.

Overall, cold climate heat pumps are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, as they move heat rather than generate it. They can be a cost-effective heating system for Canada&#;s cold climates.

Are There Different Types Of Heat Pumps?

Yes, there are 3 types of heat pumps &#; air source, water source and geothermal. The main difference is not in their method of operation but rather their heat source.

Air-Source Heat Pump

Air-source heat pumps can be ducted or ductless systems. An air-source heat pump moves heat from the outdoor air to the air inside your residence to provide heating and moves the heat outside to provide cooling.

These systems are quiet, affordable and energy-efficient.

Ducted. These systems work very similarly to a central air conditioner and furnace forced-air system. You will have an indoor coil in the furnace area and an outdoor unit.

Ductless. These systems have a heat exchanger and a blower in a contained package. They often have multiple heads mounted on the interior walls of the home, as well as an outdoor unit.

Water-Source Heat Pump

Water source heat pumps draw water through their system to extract heat from the liquid. Either groundwater (well) or a nearby body of water is used to provide the heat supply. Water source heat pumps are not common in the Ottawa area.

Geothermal Heat Pump

Geothermal heat pumps or ground source heat pumps extract energy from the soil. These systems are complex and costly to install and repair. For these reasons, geothermal systems are not common in Ottawa.

Are Heat Pumps Efficient?

So is this heating system efficient for cold climates? Yes, heat pumps are extremely efficient. Although a small amount of electricity is necessary to power the system, a heat pump will produce more energy than it consumes &#; resulting in an impressive energy efficiency rate of up to 140 percent. No other kind of HVAC system can compare. For instance, a heat pump not only warms your home during the winter, but it can also cool your home during the summer. If you&#;re looking at replacing an old AC unit, why not learn more so you can decide whether an air conditioner or a heat pump is right for your Ottawa home?

To maximize efficiency and comfort, it is advised to select a variable-speed heat pump rather than a single-speed heat pump. The former adjusts its speed according to the demand for heating or cooling in your home at that moment.

Cold climate heat pumps are another extremely efficient and quiet option, with some models able to heat down to -30C.

Are There Rebates For Heat Pumps?

Unfortunately, there are no longer any heat pump rebates. The Canada Greener Homes Grant and Canada Greener Homes Loan has been discontinued and is no longer taking new applicants.

Here&#;s how the grant and loan worked:

• An initial EnerGuide evaluation, followed by expert advice (a value of up to $600) as to the best energy efficient retrofits for your home
• A rebate of as much as $10,600, awarded to homeowners once their energy-efficient retrofits and post-retrofit evaluation have been completed
• For the loan, you can receive an interest-free loan that goes up to $40,000

Do I Need To Worry About Sizing A Heat Pump?

Correct sizing is vital, in order to maximize the energy efficiency and comfort that result from using a heat pump.

Installing an undersized heat pump means that you won&#;t enjoy the maximum energy savings. Your system will have to fall back on the supplemental heating method more frequently.

An overly large heat pump will operate inefficiently in warmer weather. It will short-cycle and produce excess heat.

How Often Should I Perform Maintenance On My Heat Pump?

Your heat pump maintenance schedule is similar to what you&#;d do for a forced-air furnace. Here&#;s what will be necessary to keep your system running efficiently:

At least once a month: Check the system filter and clean or change as necessary.

Once a year: Have your heat pump professionally inspected and tuned up. We will ensure your heat pump is operating at the high efficiency it&#;s designed for, and that any minor issues that can arise will be taken care of promptly.

To ensure expert maintenance at an affordable price, consider enrolling in our Ottawa Home Services protection plan. Membership includes an annual HVAC tuneup and priority heat pump repair service at a very affordable price.

We Trust And Recommend These 5 Brands Of Heat Pumps:

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi is the industry leader in Cold Climate pumps, with their Zuba Central and Ductless models.

Known for their Hyper-heat technology, the Cold Climate Mitsubishi heat pumps are capable of heating, down to -30C in some models. All Mitsubishi models are extremely quiet, and have a narrow footprint of around 13 inches for their outdoor units, making them a solid choice when space is at a premium.

Zuba units are available in a central ducted solution, added to an existing forced-air ducting system. These systems are made up of an indoor air handler, and an outdoor unit.

Zuba ductless units are also available. These systems are made up of indoor heads mounted on the wall, and an outdoor unit. You will often see these systems in older neighbourhoods with boilers and radiators, such as the Glebe, Ottawa South and downtown, where ductwork installation is impossible, or cost-prohibitive. They are also a great solution for homes with existing baseboard heaters.

When installed by Ottawa Home Services, a reputable Mitsubishi dealer, Mitsubishi units come with a 10-year manufacturer&#;s warranty.

Carrier

A Carrier heat pump, used in tandem with a Carrier/Comfortmaker furnace as your backup source of heat, will provide a highly efficient, cost-effective and comfortable HVAC solution.

Carrier / Comfortmaker heat pumps offer a range of excellent heating and cooling efficiencies.

Most models are EnergyStar certified.

Quiet operation, ozone-friendly refrigerant, and a 10-year manufacturer warranty on parts are all additional perks from these top brands.

Lennox

Lennox understands our Canadian climate&#; and their heat pumps prove it.

Their heat pumps can handle below zero weather with ease, with their solid construction and rustproof coating.

Lennox heat pumps are available in an assortment of energy efficiencies.

Forlssman Product Page

All models boast eco-friendly refrigerant, quiet performance, and an excellent warranty.

To top it off, most Lennox heat pumps are iComfort Wi-Fi® thermostat compatible.

Comfort-Aire

Comfortmaker, a member of the Carrier family, specializes in heat pumps that excel in efficiency and durability, making them a reliable choice for Ottawa home comfort all year round.

They are committed to ensuring all Ottawa customers are receiving the best heating and cooling services through their comprehensive No Hassle Replacement&#; limited warranty and heat pump performance testing.

Each heat pump exemplifies their dedication to quality and reliability, designed to meet the unique needs of every Ottawa home.

Moovair

Moovair, crafted by The Master Group to address Canada&#;s unique climate needs, offers a line of Moovair heat pumps celebrated for their energy efficiency and standout performance.

Whether you need a wall-mounted unit or a central system, Moovair heat pump designs are tailored to enhance your Ottawa home comfort using the latest in HVAC technology. Behind every product is

The Master Group&#;s promise of quality and innovative design, ensuring that your heating and cooling solutions help pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future.

Comfortmaker

Comfortmaker heat pumps are considered some of the best in Canada due to their exceptional efficiency, reliability, and advanced technology.

These heat pumps are designed to perform well in extreme temperatures, making them ideal for the Canadian climate.

They feature advanced inverter technology, which ensures consistent heating and cooling while maximizing energy savings.

Additionally, Comfortmaker heat pumps are known for their quiet operation and durable construction, backed by comprehensive warranties.

Best Cold-Climate Heat Pump Units

Choosing the best cold climate heat pump units requires careful consideration of key features and specifications to ensure optimal performance in challenging winter conditions.

Look for models with a high Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), indicating heating efficiency even in low temperatures. Advanced defrost mechanisms are crucial to prevent ice buildup on the outdoor coil, maintaining the unit&#;s effectiveness during frosty weather.

Here are some of our recommendations for the best heat pumps you can get for Ontario&#;s cold weather.

Lennox SL25XPV Heat Pumps

This cold weather heat pump is part of the Dave Lennox Signature® Collectionand the Ultimate Comfort System&#;, which combines the best of everything Lennox has to offer to create an unprecedented whole-home comfort system. This is the most precise and efficient heat pump you can buy, featuring Lennox TruHeat Performance.

Features:

• Energy efficiency: 24
• Sound rating: 58
• ENERGY STAR® certified
• iComfort®-enabled technology
• Variable speed compressor

Benefits:

• Tax credit eligible
• Delivers a greater amount of heat compared to traditional heat pumps
• Quantum Coil is designed to weather the most frigid temperatures

Warranty:

• 10-Year Limited Warranty on covered components including compressor.

Carrier Performance&#; 18 38MURAQ Heat Pumps

This compact cold climate heat pump is durable, efficient, and has your budget in mind. With a smaller footprint than most other heat pumps, you can install it as close to six inches from your home, stack it together for multi-family housing, or place it on the roof.

Features:

• Enhanced Energy savings &#; up to 18 SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) and up to 9.8 HSPFs (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor)
• Variable speed compressor
• Sound level as low as 54 decibels
• Select sizes ENERGY STAR® certified

Benefits:

• Extremely quiet operation
• Excellent humidity control for optimal performance
• Small size makes for versatile installation options
• Comfort features for more precise temperature control

Warranty:

• 10-year parts limited on registration

Mitsubishi Zuba Central Heat Pump

Zuba is a family of Cold Climate Heat Pumps featuring Hyper-Heat Technology, and was developed as a home heating and cooling system specifically for Canada. By delivering exceptional heating performance in the winter and effortless cooling in the summer, Zuba delivers year-round comfort with or without a supplemental indoor heating device. Additionally, Zuba&#;s unique hot-start technology provides warmth from the moment it&#;s turned on, helping to reduce drafts.

Features:

• Central Ducted System
• Hyper Heat-Inverter
• VCSi Technology
• Zuba Central+
• Variable speed compressor

Benefits:

• Powerful savings
• Space savings
• Super-quiet Technology
• Efficiently Green

Warranty:

• 10-year parts, 10-year labor and 10-year compressor warranty.

Talk With Ottawa&#;s Heat Pump Experts

We know heat pumps &#; and we know Ottawa&#;s climate. We professionally install, repair, and maintain heat pumps for many homes in the Barrhaven, Kanata, Nepean, Stittsville and Ottawa area, like yours.

Talk to us about the best, most energy-efficient heat pump options for your home today!

Request a FREE Quote To Install Your Heat Pump

Investing in a heat pump is a significant decision that can impact your home's comfort and energy efficiency. With various types and models available, choosing the right heat pump requires careful consideration of factors like efficiency, climate, and your specific heating and cooling needs. In this comprehensive buying guide, we'll walk you through the essential elements to ensure you make an informed decision for a heat pump that aligns perfectly with your home.

Understanding Heat Pumps

What is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a versatile HVAC system that can both heat and cool your home. It operates by transferring heat rather than generating it, making it an energy-efficient option for year-round comfort. They are relatively easy to install and can potentially save you money compared to other HVAC systems, depending on where you live and other factors. Any time you need to replace or update part of your HVAC system, heat pumps are worth considering.

Types of Heat Pumps

Air-Source Heat Pumps

• Operation: Extracting heat from the outdoor air during the heating season and expelling it outside during the cooling season, air-source heat pumps operate by transferring heat.
• Suitability: Ideal for moderate climates, air-source heat pumps are proficient in regions with mild winters and warm summers. However, they may experience reduced efficiency in extremely cold temperatures.
• Easy Install: These are one of the easiest and cheapest heat pumps to install and take up little space.

Ground-Source (Geothermal) Heat Pumps

• Operation: Utilizing the consistent temperature of the earth for heat exchange, geothermal heat pumps are heat-exchanging pipes that are buried underground.
• Efficiency: Geothermal systems are more reliable and quieter than an air source system. They excel in extreme climates, delivering higher efficiency even during the coldest winter months due to the stable temperature of the earth.
• Installation: The specialized installation process involves burying ground loops, contributing to a higher upfront cost compared to air-source counterparts and can make repairs difficult. This is more impractical for small lots or those with certain types of landscapes and soils.

Water-Source Heat Pumps

• Operation: These heat pumps transfer heat to or from a water source, such as a well, pond, or lake, through a water loop system. They utilize the consistent temperature of the water source for efficient heat exchange.
• Efficiency: Water-source heat pumps can offer high efficiency and a more constant input temperature, similar to geothermal systems, benefiting from the stable temperature of water.
• Installation: While installation complexities depend on the chosen water source, these systems may provide an alternative for efficient, inexpensive and eco-friendly heating and cooling.

Choosing the Right System

Climate Considerations

Tailor your choice to the local climate; air-source heat pumps suit moderate climates, while geothermal and water-source systems excel in more extreme conditions.

Budgetary Factors

Evaluate upfront costs, long-term savings, and installation complexities when selecting the most suitable heat pump for your home.

Contact Beantown Home Services

Whether you're navigating the nuances of different heat pumps, need heating system installations, or need other HVAC assistance, our team is dedicated to offering expert advice and reliable service. Your home's comfort is our priority!

Need Help?

Choosing the right heat pump is a significant decision, and at Beantown Home Services, we're here to assist you every step of the way. Our experienced HVAC professionals can provide personalized advice on selecting the ideal type of heat pump, evaluating your home's specific needs, and ensuring seamless installation for optimal efficiency.

For more Multifunctional Heat Pumpinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.