7 Reasons Why You Should Replace Your AC With A Heat Pump In 2023, an estimated 7,000 Canadians added a central air conditioning system to their home every week. With each passing year getting hotter, this number is only expected to rise. This year’s heatwave has been one of the most intense Canada has experienced in recent memory, pushing traditional cooling systems to their limits and causing a spike in energy bills across the country. “Cooling” might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “heat pump”, but these systems are incredibly versatile. They’re capable of both heating and cooling your home efficiently, making them a smart, all-season solution for Canadian climates. There has never been a better time to consider switching from a traditional air conditioner to a heat pump. If you’re planning to upgrade your home’s HVAC system, here’s why choosing to replace your AC with a heat pump makes more sense than ever. 1. All-in-one-solution: Heat pumps can both cool and heat Two heads are better than one. But when it comes to keeping your home comfortable, sometimes one unit is all you need. At their core, heat pumps and air conditioning units work similarly by transferring heat to regulate temperature. During summer, a heat pump absorbs heat from inside your home and moves it outside, cooling your indoor air just like an AC. This process, called refrigerant compression, is far more efficient than creating cold air from scratch. When colder months arrive, the process is reversed and the heat pump extracts heat from the outside air and blows it indoors to warm your space. This dual functionality means you can replace two separate systems, like a furnace plus an AC unit, with a single all-in-one system. Using a heat pump as an air conditioner simplifies home climate control, reduces maintenance costs, and means fewer parts to service or replace. 2. Heat pumps can save you money and energy This one’s a no brainer. HVAC systems make up the biggest chunk of your monthly energy bills. Oil costs, which are contingent on economic and geopolitical conditions, can fluctuate widely – while electric resistance heating (baseboards) consume two-and-a-half to three times as much electricity as a heat pump to produce the same amount of heat. A heat pump can be the lowest-cost way for you to heat or cool your home. Both heat pumps and air conditioners use the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings to determine how efficient they are. A higher rating means you’ll pay less for your energy bills. While the SEER for an average AC ranges between 13 and 21, most heat pumps operate at levels 19 and above since they’re designed to heat your home in the harshest winters, too. The initial installation expense for a heat pump can seem daunting, but it quickly makes sense when you consider the long-term savings on your energy bills. In terms of lifetime costs, heat pumps with electric backup are up to 13% cheaper than a gas furnace with air conditioning because they are up to five times as efficient. Moreover, after available incentives, the cost of a heat pump can end up being comparable to a standard air conditioner. Any additional expenses incurred in making the switch to a heat pump (ranging between $1,200 to $2,000 depending upon your unique situation) are earned back within the lifetime of the equipment. 3. Heat pumps can lower emissions and reduce your carbon footprint Head over to Carbonzero’s emissions calculator right now to see what your yearly carbon footprint looks like and how much your energy consumption impacts the earth. The results might shock you. Buildings are the third-largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in Canada, with space and water heating being responsible for a major chunk of them. If you’re looking to reduce your individual carbon footprint in Canada, there’s no better place to start than home heating. Replacing your AC with a heat pump could help you potentially save $10.4 billion in energy bills and reduce home heating emissions by 19.6 million tonnes by 2035. Encouraging more Canadian households to replace their air conditioners with heat pumps and use these units as their primary source for both heating and cooling could help save up to $10.4 billion in energy bills and reduce home heating emissions by 19.6 million tonnes by 2035. 4. Heat pumps work for most Canadian homes, old or new The average Canadian home is about 39.7 years old. It’s safe to say most of these houses were not designed with today’s energy efficiency and heating technologies in mind. This makes it especially important to choose a heating system that can adapt to your home’s unique characteristics. Whether you live in an older home, a recent build, or are planning a retrofit, heat pumps can be customized to fit your home’s needs. For homeowners considering a full system upgrade, central heat pumps can meet your cooling needs through existing or new ductwork. If your home doesn’t have ductwork, ductless mini-split heat pumps could be the ideal choice. 5. Heat pumps provide year-round comfort If you’re currently reading this blog bleary-eyed and clutching a tissue, you’re not alone. One in five Canadians suffers from respiratory allergies that often peak between May and October. Electric baseboard heaters could be making this worse, since they tend to accumulate dust and debris that you might be breathing in every time you switch them on. That’s why maintaining healthy indoor air quality is so important. Heat pumps help regulate moisture levels year-round by adding humidity in the winter and removing excess moisture in the summer. Some models even have advanced filtration systems that trap dust, pollen, mites, and other airborne particles. This also helps prevent mold, rot, and pest infestations. Also, since heat pumps don’t rely on combustion, there’s no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, unlike oil or gas furnaces. Heat pumps are also much quieter, operating at noise levels just about as loud as your refrigerator. 6. Heat pumps can last for years Heat pumps are a long-term, future-proof solution for managing your home’s temperature needs all year round. The average heat pump lasts around 15 years, and proper installation and maintenance could extend the lifespan to 20 years or more. This definitely makes heat pumps worth it. That said, since an AC only runs a couple of months a year, it generally lasts longer than a heat pump. Usage patterns and exposure to extreme temperatures can also impact their longevity, although most modern heat pumps are equipped to keep going even in the extreme cold. 7. You could qualify for a free or rebated heat pump The Canadian government has introduced several sweeteners to encourage the use of heat pumps for cooling. Depending on where you live and what your current heating system is, you could qualify for federal, provincial, territorial or municipal financial heat pump rebates and incentives like the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program (OHPA) that could make your heat pump essentially free or significantly reduce upfront costs. You can find more information about these benefits here. With all the energy savings and available incentives, your heat pump can pay for itself in as little as five years – and in some cases, even sooner. The bottom line Your current air conditioner might be an effective cooling solution, but it can only serve one purpose. With the cost of getting a new heat pump being almost similar to installing a new AC unit, it makes sense to get a system that provides year-round comfort if you’re looking for an upgrade. Ready to switch? We can help. Try our three-minute online pricing tool to see which heat pump is the best for your heating and cooling needs and exactly how much it will cost you. You can also browse through our selection of mini-split heat pumps or central ducted systems and make a smart choice today.
