One thing is certain: a heating system is one of the most important aspects of life in Canada. It comes as no surprise that there are a few good options for overcoming freezing temperatures: furnaces, radiant floors, heat pumps and geothermal systems. Heat pumps are among the most popular, and for good reason: they are environmentally friendly, convenient (over the long term they provide savings of 25 to 35 percent for year-round thermal comfort), versatile (heating in winter, air conditioning in summer) and above all efficient, down to −35 °C.
How a heat pump works. In principle at least, heat pumps are simple systems that capture heat from the air and move it to a chosen location, through a cycle using piping filled with a refrigerant. It is the same process that cools a refrigerator, just run in reverse. Several types are available, and choosing one factors in the floor area of the home, regional climate data, the quality of the insulation and so on. There are central heat pumps, wall-mounted heat pumps and multizone heat pumps.
Central heat pumps. Central heat pumps are installed in homes that already have air ducts to move air between rooms, and specialists consider them the most efficient option for whole-home thermal comfort. Their installation, maintenance, outdoor noise level and size all count in their favour, as does the sheer range available. Our central heat pump buyer’s guide goes through what decides whether one performs.
Our customers prefer York central heat pumps, which feature the latest technology, can control airflow and offer excellent energy performance while staying reasonably quiet. Another popular product, requiring a smaller initial investment, is the Goodman central heat pump, Energy Star rated, with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) between 15 and 18.
Wall-mounted heat pumps. Unlike central units, wall-mounted heat pumps need no air ducts, which makes them much easier to install and, of course, less expensive. However, no matter how strong the unit’s performance, indoor temperature will depend in large part on where it is placed.
Ask our specialists whether a wall-mounted unit suits your house. If it does, we install wall-mounted heat pumps from Mitsubishi, Moovair and Fujitsu, and the right one depends on the room, the layout and how cold it has to keep working. Our guide to choosing a wall-mounted heat pump goes through what to compare.
Choosing a heating system is never easy, but if you rely on specialists you are far more likely to find the right fit for your home and save money doing it. If you are weighing cooling as well, our comparison of heat pumps and central air conditioners covers that side. Talk to our specialists whenever you are ready.
