Benefits of a Heat Pump

If you are exploring options to heat and cool your home or reduce your energy bills, you might want to consider a heat pump system. They are a proven and reliable technology in Canada, capable of providing year-round comfort control for your home by supplying heat in the winter and cooling in the summer.

Heat pumps can be an excellent choice for both new homes and retrofits of existing systems.

With a heat pump, you can enjoy the following benefits:

• Efficiency – When properly installed, a heat pump uses half to a third as much energy as electric baseboards or a gas furnace.
• Energy Savings – The higher efficiency of the heat pump can translate into significant energy use reductions.
• Comfort – A heat pump takes the place of both an air conditioner and a heating system, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
• Climate-friendly – For an average home heated by natural gas, switching to a heat pump reduces your carbon footprint by about the same amount as not driving your car for 9 months of the year*.

*Sources: BetterHomesBC and Central Saanich website

How much you can get back from rebates?

Rebates from BC Hydro, and CleanBC can help you switch to a heat pump and save. Rebate amounts vary depending on whether your home is currently heated by electricity or another type of fuel and depending on the type of heat pump installed.

Switching from natural gas, oil or propane

If your home’s current main heating source is natural gas, oil or propane, you could get up to $16,000 in rebates for making the switch to an electric heat pump.

Rebates for homes heated by electricity

You could be eligible for up to $5,000 in rebates for installing a heat pump.

Ready to upgrade?

1. Schedule your pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation

Book an energy audit today with our Enhanced Package to take the first step in determining if a heat pump is right for you and to prioritize other upgrades, as our experts provide a comprehensive analysis of energy improvements and utility cost savings tailored to your home.

2. Read the fine prints

• Make sure you hire a licensed and trained professional. Your heat pump installation needs to be completed by a Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN) member. Learn more and find a contractor.

We recommend you get three quotes from contractors and ask them about their qualifications.

• Make sure you select an eligible heat pump. Confirm the heat pump is an eligible model from the eligible product list. Homeowners and contractors are responsible for selecting the correct make and model. We’ve seen unfortunate cases where improper choices led to missed rebates—we want to help you avoid this!

• Be sure to keep copies of your installation invoice and any other supporting documentation.

3. Keep the heat in!

To get the most from your heat pump, make the right first step and perform a pre-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation. The EnerGuide reports will show you if you need to upgrade your insulation and draft-proofing so that you keep the heat, energy, and money in!

Final thoughts

In thinking of the home as a system, it is recommended that heat losses from your home be minimized from areas such as air leakage (through cracks, holes), poorly insulated walls, ceilings, windows and doors first before installing a heat pump. 

With our Enhanced Package, you get a better understanding of your energy consumption and potential energy upgrades and can opt for a smaller, more cost-effective heat pump, which not only lowers your upfront costs but also enhances the overall efficiency of your system. 

Optimize your heat pump sizing and ensure maximum efficiency with our F-280 calculation services. Our precise calculations help you select the right system, saving you money on equipment and improving overall performance and comfort in your home.

Finally, we know it sounds cheesy but we’re here to save you money and improve your home’s comfort so feel free to reach out with any questions!