Heat pump installation for your London ON home

Have you ever heard of a heat pump? Did you know it can both cool and heat a home.

In cooler months, it pulls heat from the outdoor air and transfers it indoors to heat the home. In warmer months, it extracts heat from the indoor air and transfers it outside to cool the home, much like air conditioning.

Heat pumps are powered by electricity and come in two main types: source and ground-source. Source transfers heat between indoor and outdoor air, while ground-source heat pumps transfer heat between indoor air and the ground. It’s not like an air conditioner, it’s better!

And now with Enbridge Gas and The Canada Greener Home Grant, you can get up to $10,600* in rebates on a new furnace and heat pump. So when you search for heat pump install near me, think of Bow Home Comfort Systems.

Is a heat pump worth it in Canada?

Absolutely! They work in Canadian climates and can operate in conditions below -30 degrees. They are more efficient than traditional heating methods and can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

How does a heat pump work with a furnace?

A heat pump combined with a furnace creates a dual-fuel heating system, often referred to as a “hybrid” or “dual-fuel” system. This combination takes advantage of the strengths of both systems to provide efficient and cost-effective heating, especially in regions with varying temperature conditions. Here’s how a heat pump works in conjunction with a furnace:

Heat Pump Operation:

Heating Mode: A heat pump can extract heat from the outdoor air even in cold temperatures. It does this by using a refrigeration cycle. The cycle involves a refrigerant that absorbs heat from the outdoor air, even when it’s cold outside, and then compresses that heat to a higher temperature. This heated refrigerant is then used to warm the indoor air.
Indoor Air Distribution: The warm air is distributed throughout the house using a blower fan and a system of ducts and vents, similar to how a furnace distributes air.
Thermostat Control: A thermostat controls the operation of the heat pump. When the indoor temperature falls below the set point on the thermostat, the heat pump is activated to provide heating. It’s an efficient way to maintain indoor comfort during milder winter conditions.

Furnace Operation:

Heating Mode: A furnace, in this case, is often a gas or oil-fired unit. It operates by burning fuel to produce a flame, which heats a heat exchanger. The blower fan then circulates air over the hot heat exchanger, warming the air. This warm air is then distributed through the ductwork and vents.
Thermostat Control: The furnace is controlled by the same thermostat used for the heat pump. When the outdoor temperature drops significantly or when the heat pump alone can’t meet the heating demand, the thermostat signals the furnace to turn on.

Dual-Fuel Operation:

Automatic Switching: In a hybrid system, a control board or thermostat monitors the outdoor temperature and the efficiency of both the heat pump and the furnace. When the outdoor temperature drops to a certain point, or if the heat pump is struggling to maintain the desired indoor temperature efficiently, the system will automatically switch to the furnace as the primary heating source.
Optimal Efficiency: The system’s ability to switch between the heat pump and the furnace optimizes energy efficiency. The heat pump is more efficient in milder temperatures, while the furnace takes over when it’s colder, using its higher heating capacity to meet the demand.

By combining a heat pump and a furnace, a dual-fuel heating system takes advantage of both systems’ strengths to provide efficient and reliable heating throughout the heating season, regardless of outdoor temperature fluctuations. This approach can help reduce energy costs while ensuring indoor comfort.

What is required to install one?

A heating system must have a flat surfaces for its operation. Concrete surfaces are one the best choices in installing ground source heating pumps.

Adding a heat pump systems is simple but involves several steps. It’s better to hire an expert with heating equipment installation experience.

They hardly take up much space so they are easily connected to the furnace ducts used by the furnace in most cases.

Can I install a system myself?

It is possible to install one yourself if you are a fairly competent do-it-yourselfer and choose a DIY-friendly kit. It is generally easier than installing central air conditioning.

However, only trained gas installer & certified technicians can actually install the heat pump and connect the parts together. It is important to follow specific guidelines for installing different types of heat pumps and consider factors like noise, location, and permission for installation.

How often should I get it serviced?

You should get a heat pump service every six months. Technicians will inspect piping, filters, blowers, and indoor coils to see what’s going on as part of the heat pump repair service.

Regular maintenance is the key to having your indoor unit and outdoor unit work efficiently and save money over the long haul.

You should clean your air filter or replace them as needed or when the system is used regularly.

Remove leaves from surrounding buildings. It’s recommended to trim shrubs a minimum of 17 inches across the entire area.

In winter, check for accumulation of snow and ice, as they require proper air flow.

What is its life expectancy?

The life span depend on many variables, including the type or location and the level of maintenance. It’s lifespan varies between 10 and 15 years. That’s why is so important to get a heat pump repair service.

Heat pumps have been shown to deliver the highest performance and most economical HVAC solution.

Part of the heat pump service is filter replacement. It just needs to be regularly inspected. For residential systems, it typically requires maintenance annually to ensure it’s working properly.

What is a ductless heat pump?

Much like it sounds, a ductless heat pump heats and cools a home without ductwork. It works by extracting heat from the outside and transferring it to the home and releasing it outside during warm weather. The heat transfer cycle is facilitated by refrigerant and connected by an indoor unit and outdoor unit.

Ductless heat pumps come in various types, such as wall-mounted and floor-mounted, and offer design flexibility. They are a good option for homes without existing ductwork, for cooling or heating specific sections of a home, for energy efficiency, and for temperature control in home additions or problem areas.