Why Choose a Heat Pump?
Choosing a new HVAC system is a big decision and one you will rejoice or regret for years to come.
Let us help guide you through the pros and cons.
Looking to explore a Heat Pump install in your home or business? We are here to help. Book a free in home analysis and estimate from our experts.
looking for something specific? jump to a section here:
First the basics – a quick overview
What is a Heat Pump?
Over the past decade, heat pump technology has undergone significant advancements, marked by notable improvements in energy efficiency and enhanced capacity to provide warmth in colder climates. Unlike the conventional electric baseboard heating systems commonly found in older structures, which relies on generating heat through electric current resistance, modern heat pumps present a revolutionary approach.
In heating mode, these innovative systems extract warmth from the external air and efficiently transfer it into the building, even on frigid days when conventional wisdom might doubt the existence of heat outdoors.
The operational brilliance of a heat pump is evident as it seamlessly reverses its process in cooling mode, effectively removing excess heat from your living space. Embrace the future of heating and cooling with state-of-the-art heat pump technology!
A heat pump is your home’s versatile wizard for maintaining optimal comfort all year round. Acting as a smart and energy-efficient heating and cooling system, it harnesses the power of electricity to transfer warmth from the outdoors to your home during winter and vice versa in summer.
How does a Heat Pump work?
In the chilly winter months, the heat pump skillfully extracts heat from the outside air and brings it indoors using a nifty process involving the compression and expansion of a refrigerant. Picture it as a cozy hug for your living space, keeping you warm and snug.
Then in the summer, the heat pump effortlessly flips its role. Now, it acts like a magician whisking away the excess heat from inside your home and releasing it into the outdoors. Think of it as your personalized air conditioner, ensuring a refreshing and cool ambiance when the sun is blazing.
Why choose a Heat Pump?
Efficiency
Heat pumps are energy-efficient, offering a cost-effective solution for both heating and cooling needs.
Year-Round Comfort
With the ability to switch between heating and cooling, a heat pump keeps you comfortable throughout the changing seasons.
Enhanced Indoor Air Quality
Beyond temperature control, many heat pumps actively dehumidify your living space and offer optional filtration to purify indoor air. Say goodbye to indoor pollutants, dust, pollen, and allergens, ensuring a healthier living environment.
Environmentally Friendly
Heat pumps are an eco-conscious alternative, significantly reducing your carbon footprint compared to traditional heating methods like natural gas, oil, electric furnaces, and baseboard heaters. Remarkably you can experience up to 97% reduction in heating emissions!
Say hello to a more comfortable, efficient, and eco-friendly home with the magic of heat pumps!
Lets start to look more indepth
Comparing Heat Pump Efficiency to Different Heating Systems
One of the major benefits of using an air-source heat pump is the high efficiency it can provide in heating compared to typical systems like electric baseboards, furnaces and boilers.
For a comparison, most oil-fired furnaces and boilers range between 65-85% efficient, depending on the age and maintenance of the unit. This means that for every $1 of oil you buy, you get anywhere between $0.65 and $0.85 worth of heat, while the rest is lost during the burning of the oil.
Electric heat from baseboards, boilers or furnaces is considered 100% efficient, meaning there is no loss of energy through a combustion process; however the difference in cost between oil heat and electric is not as much as many expect.
Finally, because of the difference in operation, heat pumps normally range between 200-300% efficient as they can supply the same amount of heat using much less energy.
Heat Pump Efficiency
The chart below shows the difference in percentage of efficiency comparing a Heatpump to an oil furnace and electric baseboard. Based on $1 spent.
Source: https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/energy-star-canada/about/energy-star-announcements/publications/heating-and-cooling-heat-pump/6817#
A recent study based in Kelowna, BC
Found the average savings from switching to a heat pump were 5650 kWh and $810 for the year-long monitoring period.
Source: https://www.rdh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/BC-Cold-Climate-Heat-Pump-Study-Final-Report.pdf
Average Annual savings:
Up to 300% Efficiency?!
How is that possible?
Unlocking Energy Efficiency: Beyond 100% with Air Source Heat Pumps. Discover the game-changing efficiency, exceeding the norm and redefining home comfort and savings!
Breaking Down Efficiency: The Conversion Challenge
Efficiency Unleashed: The Triumph of Air Source Heat Pumps
Beyond 100% Efficiency: A Paradigm Shift in Home Heating
The Basics Unveiled: Evaporation and Condensation
Heat Pumps vs. Traditional Systems: Two-Way Energy Flow
Why Choose a Heat Pump?
Unveiling the Advantages
Efficiency Beyond Expectations
Embrace the future of home comfort with heat pumps – your gateway to efficient heating, cooling, and cost savings.
Cost Savings:
One of the biggest benefits is cost savings. Heat pumps are very efficient in moving heat around instead of creating it, like traditional heating systems. This efficiency means lower energy bills because you’re using less electricity or other energy sources to keep your home comfortable. Estimates range from 40-60% savings versus traditional electric heat!
Year-round Comfort:
Heat pumps can both heat and cool your home. In winter, they extract warmth from the outside air and bring it inside to keep you warm. In summer, they work in reverse, removing heat from inside your home and releasing it outside, keeping you cool. It’s an all-in-one solution for year-round comfort.
Consistent Temperatures:
Unlike some heating systems that can produce uneven warmth, heat pumps provide consistent temperatures throughout your home. This creates a more comfortable living environment without sudden temperature fluctuations.
Environmentally Friendly:
Heat pumps are considered more environmentally friendly because they don’t burn fossil fuels to create heat. Instead, they move existing heat, which reduces carbon emissions and your overall carbon footprint.
Long-Term Investment:
While the initial cost of installing a heat pump might be higher than some traditional systems, the energy savings over time can make it a cost-effective and wise investment. Additionally, many modern heat pumps have a long lifespan with proper maintenance.
Quiet Operation:
Heat pumps operate quietly compared to some traditional HVAC systems. This is especially beneficial for maintaining a peaceful and quiet living environment in your home.
Why choose a Heat Pump?
The Environmental Impact
Across BC, in urban centres, the use of fossil fuels in buildings accounts for 54 percent of all the carbon pollution generated. Almost all of these emissions are produced from heating spaces and water. This is an enormous source of all the carbon pollution in BC.
Heat pumps don’t generate heat; they just move it around. That makes them super efficient. Heat pumps can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 per cent with clean electricity!
Say goodbye to high utility bills and hello to eco-friendly, year-round comfort.
Source(s): A Report on Greenhouse Gas Emissions in BC: https://www.env.gov.bc.ca/soe/indicators/sustainability/ghg-emissions.html https://davidsuzuki.org/story/heat-pumps-save-money-reduce-pollution-and-help-the-climate/
Ready to Elevate Your Comfort?
Contact Us Today!
Get a free, no obligation estimate
A Heat Pump is an important investment in your home, so trust our experts to help guide you every step of the way. A lot of contextual factors will go into the model specifications you should look for, and we’re here to help. If you’re going to spend a lot on a heat pump, why not make sure it’s an informed choice first?
Whether it's servicing your existing heat pump or exploring a new installation, our team is here for you. Elevate your comfort with Pacific Heat Pumps – where excellence meets innovation!
Heat Pump Tips
Already have a Heat Pump and want tips on using and maintaining it - so it will give you optimal performance, energy savings and longest trouble free lifespan? Below are some tips from BC Hydro to help you use your heat pump year-round.
1. Get regular maintenance and inspections
Like all other heating systems, regular maintenance will ensure your heat pump remains in peak working order and will provide you with efficient, cost-effective heating. Your heat pump user guide will provide guidance on the optimal setup for your system and recommended maintenance schedule. Consider scheduling regular maintenance every one to two years. Schedule a follow-up with your installer or maintenance visit in the season opposite to when you first installed your system. For example, if your system was installed in the winter, have the system checked in the summer. The installer will check the system to ensure it's set for optimal efficiency and comfort for the season, and in good working condition.
Schedule a Maintenance Appointment2. Set it and forget it
Heat pumps work best when holding a steady temperature. Find a temperature setting you're most comfortable with and try to minimize changes. Frequent setting changes can impact its efficiency, and your energy costs.
3. Avoid "auto" mode
Your heat pump may have an "auto" feature that determines if the space needs to heat or cool. In the winter, ensure the unit is set to "heat" and in the summer, set to "cool", not "auto". The auto mode allows the heat pump to decide whether to heat or cool the space, but it doesn't always know best.
4. Change your filters
Dust, dirt, pollen, and pet hair can accumulate in your heat pump's filters over time and reduce airflow. Regularly changing filters provides better indoor air quality for occupants.
Clean filters in between replacements
Generally, filters on indoor units should be cleaned several times a year and replaced once a year. Cleaning a filter can improve the airflow in your home by as much as 30%. Cleaning frequency will depend on your system type (for example, central system ingest more dirt from returns on the floor), whether or not you own pets, the number of occupants in your home, and more. Check your manual for recommended filter change and cleaning intervals and instructions.
5. Clear away clutter
Regularly check on your indoor and outdoor unit to ensure they're set up for adequate air circulation. Make sure the area around the indoor unit isn't cluttered by furniture or curtains, and that the outdoor unit isn't blocked by snow, foliage or outdoor equipment. Check out our tips for window coverings, fans and insulation for smart ways to minimize the amount of heating and cooling your home needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Heat Pumps are a technology that has been around for many years. But the rate of research and improvements in the last 20 years is incredible. You can't even compare a Heat Pump from 10 years ago to one built today. And this has lead to many questions regarding them. So as a quick way to answer some of these questions, we have added this FAQ.
Can a Heat Pump replace a furnace?
Coming Soon – We are still in the process of updating our website. Please check back soon.
Does a Heat Pump work in the winter?
Coming Soon – We are still in the process of updating our website. Please check back soon.
What type of Heat Pump do I need?
Coming Soon – We are still in the process of updating our website. Please check back soon.
Can a Heat Pump replace AC?
Coming Soon – We are still in the process of updating our website. Please check back soon.
Can a Heat Pump heat/cool an entire house?
Coming Soon – We are still in the process of updating our website. Please check back soon.
Are Heat Pumps noisy?
Coming Soon – We are still in the process of updating our website. Please check back soon.
When is a Heat Pump most efficient?
Coming Soon – We are still in the process of updating our website. Please check back soon.
Will a Heat Pump save me money?
Coming Soon – We are still in the process of updating our website. Please check back soon.
How long would it take to pay off a Heat Pump?
Coming Soon – We are still in the process of updating our website. Please check back soon.