What to know before you buy

Plain-language reading on heat pumps for Canadian homeowners. Written by people who do not sell the equipment, with every claim cited to its source.

Start here

The basics

How a heat pump actually works, without the jargon

A plain-language explanation of the refrigeration cycle and why a heat pump can deliver three units of warmth for every one unit of electricity it uses.

Day-to-day differences

Heat pump vs furnace: what actually changes

What you'll notice differently after switching: the air at the registers, the sound of the equipment, the way the thermostat behaves, and the cold-weather backup.

Cost comparison

Oil vs heat pump: the cost-per-GJ math

The actual formula for comparing heating costs across different fuel types, with worked examples for several Canadian regions.

Choosing equipment

Cold-climate certification

What makes a heat pump a "cold-climate" heat pump?

The NEEP product list, CSA SB-44 certification, and the performance thresholds that separate real cold-climate units from optimistic marketing.

Reading the label

COP, HSPF, SEER: which rating actually matters in Canada?

A spec sheet lists four or five efficiency ratings. Most were designed for warmer climates. Here's which numbers to use and which to ignore.

System type

Ducted vs ductless heat pumps: how to choose

When to install a central ducted system, when a mini-split makes more sense, and what to do if your existing ductwork isn't up to the job.

Sizing and installation

Sizing standard

Want a personalized estimate?

Five questions about your home, then a savings estimate, payback, and verified rebate list.

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