Cut Energy Costs and Emissions With a Heat Pump System
Air source heat pumps are designed to be an efficient and universal solution to your building’s heating and cooling needs. Air source heat pumps warm, and cool, your home or place of business using electricity instead of energy from fossil fuels. This means they can cut your heating costs and trim carbon dioxide emissions significantly compared with oil and gas-powered systems.
Heat pumps transfer heat between your house and the outside air, pumping heat from one location to another location within your home to keep you warmer during wintertime. A heat pump will also cool your home in the summertime by using a reversing valve and heat exchanger that pushes heat out.
This makes them very attractive to Hamilton and Niagara area residents who have to deal with hot summers and cold winters!
Hybrid Heat Pump Systems
A hybrid heat pump system combines an electric heat pump with a backup gas or oil furnace to provide efficient and reliable heating and cooling.
Far more efficient than conventional heating systems, a hybrid heat pump system automatically reacts to changes in the outdoor temperature and adjusts the indoor temperature by activating whichever heating/cooling system will bring your home to the desired temperature most efficiently.
This system is especially beneficial in homes that reside in areas with cold winters; as the gas furnace provides backup heating during extremely cold weather. The system switches between the two heat sources depending on the outdoor temperature and the demand for heat, with the furnace kicking in when the temperature drops below a certain point.
During mild weather, a dual heat pump system transfers heat from the outside air rather than creating it. When temperatures get cooler, the system creates heat but does so far more efficiently than a traditional furnace.
Except for periods of extreme cold or warmth, a hybrid heat system can rely almost entirely on heat pumps.
Ductless Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are energy savers, that is clear. For areas where you do not have ductwork, homeowners can choose between single-zone and multi-zone systems.
Single-zone heat pumps are ideal for a single area, like a new addition, garage, or workspace. They’re also acceptable for very small homes without a lot of rooms. They function somewhat similarly to window units, except that they look better, work more efficiently, and don’t block your windows.
Multi-zone heat pumps allow you to run different areas individually, so you have complete control over your heating and cooling. You don’t have to waste energy heating and cooling rooms you don’t use regularly. You can customize your air conditioning plan for maximum comfort and efficiency.
Multi-Zone Ductless Heat Pump Systems
For homes with more than one occupant, multi-zone systems allow everyone to control the temperature in their own room. Some people like to sleep in a cold room, while others prefer to be warm when they get out of bed. There are no disputes when it’s easy to regulate temperatures with individual thermostats, remote controls, or even smart devices.
Another great benefit is that you only need one outdoor compressor to power several indoor units. The compressor can bring designated rooms to different temperatures without having an unintended impact on the rest of the home. It’s the best choice by far for residences with multiple rooms.
In many parts of Canada, like the greater Hamilton area, where temperatures sometimes go down to –30 C, a cold-climate air-source heat pump may be recommended.
Benefits of the Trane Multi-Zone Resolute™ Cold Climate Heat Pump System:
- It’s weatherproof! This ductless system handles outdoor temperatures from -30◦C to 54◦C to withstand the test of weather.
- It’s extremely energy efficient! With no energy loss associated with worn down or poorly maintained ducts. That, combined with increased SEER ratings on Trane systems, could help you save money on your monthly energy bills.
- It’s built to last! With a multi-speed blower motor, eco-friendly refrigerant, copper/aluminum coils, and more, this outdoor ductless system is durable and reliable.
- It’s flexible in design! With no ductwork to install, it’s easy to add a Trane ductless unit anywhere. Installing the Multi-Zone Resolute™ Cold Climate Heat Pump is a breeze, making it economical and efficient.
What Our Heat Pump Clients Say
“Both the advisor and the installation crew were very knowledgeable and easy to deal with. They did a very neat installation job of my heat pump and tankless water heater. I’m very happy with all aspects of their service.” – Steve Borsellino, Google, February 2024
“The Lancaster team that came to install a new heat pump HVAC system did a thorough job. They really evaluated everything to make it the best possible fit for our house. It was a true pleasure working with them.” – Jan Huizinga, Google, February 2024
Maintain Your Heat Pump System
After installing or upgrading your heating and cooling system in your space, we recommend scheduled preventive maintenance to keep it operating efficiently. Maintaining your heat pump system is vital for the following reasons:
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- It extends the life of your system
- Unexpected repairs are eliminated or reduced when a heat pump is properly maintained
- Your equipment manufacturer may require you to have annual preventive maintenance to keep the factory warranty in effect
As a full-service HVAC contractor, Lancaster Heating and Cooling has the expertise to install, repair, and complete preventative maintenance on your residential or commercial air source heat pump.
Simply give us a call at 905 388 3333 or contact us online.
Heat Pump FAQs
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is an all-in-one heating and air conditioning system that works year-round to keep you comfortable. During warmer months, a heat pump works as a normal air conditioner. It extracts heat from inside the home and transfers it to the outdoor air. In colder weather, the process reverses: the unit collects heat from the outdoor air and transfers it inside your home. Even when the air outside feels extremely cold, the air still contains some heat. The heat pump pulls the heat from this cold outdoor air to meet the demand of the thermostat setting, then an electric heater supplements the outdoor air to warm the home.
Do heat pumps work in Canadian winters?
Yes, heat pumps are good in winter and an excellent heating solution for our southern Ontario climate. Heat pumps can replace other heating systems, such as electric baseboard heaters or oil or gas furnaces. They work best in moderately cold climates. If winter temperatures are often below –30 C, an air-source heat pump may also need a backup heat source, such as integrated electric heating or a backup gas furnace or fireplace.
Is a heat pump worth it in Ontario?
A new report and online calculator from the Canadian Climate Institute are the latest to show that many Canadian households could save money by making the switch. Heat pumps are very efficient and can save you a considerable amount of money on your energy bills. Their efficiency is measured by a metric called the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), and in Ontario, the minimum efficiency requirement for heat pumps is now 15.0 SEER (SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or “Rating and gauges the efficiency of cooling systems).
Are heat pumps compatible with my current ductwork?
In many cases, heat pumps can be retrofitted to work with existing ductwork. However, it’s important to consult with a professional heating and cooling contractor to assess the compatibility of your current setup.
What is the expected lifespan of a heat pump?
The expected lifespan of a heat pump is between 15-20 years with proper maintenance and upkeep.
How much does a heat pump cost in Ontario?
The cost of installing a heat pump in Ontario depends on several factors, such as the size of your home, the type of heat pump you install, and your geographical location. Lancaster Heating and Cooling can provide you with a free quotation.
Is financing available for heat pump installation in Hamilton, ON?
There are financing options available for heat pump installations in Hamilton. Lancaster Heating and Cooling offers financing plans and The Better Homes Hamilton Pilot program will allow homeowners within Hamilton to access 0% interest loans up to $20,000 per applicant to finance energy-efficiency measures. Better Homes Burlington also has a program. And here is information on Home Energy Retrofits from the Town of Oakville.