Are you thinking of installing a central heat pump at home? This increasingly popular option can improve your comfort as well as your home’s energy efficiency. You can use a central heat pump to heat and cool your entire home evenly and control the temperature more easily. Modern central heat pumps are well-suited to the Canadian climate. They can help reduce your energy costs and your home’s environmental footprint. Here’s what you need to know before you buy one.
What is a central heat pump?
A central heat pump is a heating and cooling system that works by moving heat, not generating heat. It extracts heat from the air and moves it from one place to another through a cycle of evaporation and condensation, much like a refrigerator does.
Unlike wall-mounted ductless units, which heat or cool individual rooms, central heat pumps use a system of ducts to distribute air evenly throughout all the rooms in your home. The ducts are what makes it a central heating and cooling system.
How a central heat pump works
A central heat pump works by moving heat through a refrigeration cycle, which effectively heats and cools your home. There are a few things you should know about how to use one.
Heating in winter
In heating mode, the heat pump extracts heat from the outside air, even at low temperatures, and moves it inside the home. This is then distributed evenly throughout the rooms via the ventilation duct network.
Air conditioning in summer
In summer, the system works the opposite way. The heat pump extracts heat from the indoor air and vents it to the outside, cooling your home. The process also helps to dehumidify the air, because moisture in the air condenses on the coils and is vented to the outside.
About the refrigeration cycle
To transfer heat, a heat pump uses a refrigerant that circulates continuously between two coils:
An indoor coil
An outdoor coil
This fluid changes state through evaporation and condensation:
At low pressure, it evaporates and absorbs ambient heat.
At high pressure, it condenses and releases the heat where it’s needed.
A smart, two-way system
Heat pumps have a reversing valve, which is what makes it possible to switch between heating and cooling modes, depending on the season. Everything is controlled by an electronic system that adjusts the operation of the compressor and the various components to optimize energy efficiency, depending on the outdoor temperature.
The result is a versatile, high-performance, energy-efficient system designed to maintain optimum indoor comfort all year round.
8 benefits of central heat pumps
En regroupant deux fonctions dans un seul système, la thermopompe simplifie les installations mécaniques et peut contribuer à réduire les coûts à long terme. Elle présente plusieurs avantages qui en font une solution de choix pour le chauffage et la climatisation résidentiels :
With a heat pump, you can use just one system to heat and cool your home (that means less equipment to think about and maintain).
Heat pumps are very energy-efficient, so you could save money on your energy bills, depending on your type of home and usage.
Heat pumps dehumidify the air in cooling mode—to improve your indoor comfort.
Unlike gas furnaces, heat pumps operate on electricity alone—which means zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Did you know that heat pumps can generate more heat than the electricity they use?*
Central heat pumps use ducts to distribute air evenly throughout your home, ensuring comfort in every room.
Heat pumps operate smoothly and quietly with built-in air vents.
Depending on the model you choose, you can use a mobile app to control the temperature of your home remotely.
* Performance may vary depending on weather conditions, as well as the model of heat pump you choose, how it’s installed and how well insulated your home is.
Can a heat pump really save you money on your heating bill?
Yes, a central heat pump can help reduce heating costs, especially if it’s replacing a less efficient system. By using heat transfer technology, a central heat pump generally consumes less energy to produce the same level of comfort. According to Hydro-Québec, using a heat pump can reduce electricity costs by as much as 40% compared to electric baseboard heaters and forced-air systems powered by oil or natural gas.
That said, actual savings can vary from one property to another. Several factors come into play, including:
The efficiency and type of system you’re replacing
The climate in your area
The cost of electricity and other energy sources
Heat pump capacity
The heat pump’s Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)
How well insulated and airtight your home is
While central heat pumps are known for their energy efficiency, it’s still important to consider all the ins and outs of your situation to realistically estimate the potential savings.
Thinking of renovating?
Can a heat pump regulate the temperature of your home throughout the year?
Yes, a central heat pump can heat and cool a property all year round. Energy efficiency depends on the model you choose and the outdoor conditions.
During heating season
In winter, the heat pump extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it indoors. The lower the outside temperature, the more energy-intensive the process. While many newer models of heat pump are designed to operate in extreme cold, their efficiency can still decrease as the temperature drops.
That’s why, in the Canadian climate, a central heat pump is usually combined with an auxiliary heating system, such as:
Electric baseboards
An electric or gas furnace
Another existing central heating system
That way, the other system can kick in to help provide constant comfort in your home during periods of extremely cold weather.
An efficient system through most of the winter
Generally speaking, a central heat pump can deliver most of the heat you need in winter, and your auxiliary system will only come into play when it’s very cold outside. When properly installed, a central heat pump is an effective solution for maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature all year round.
Heating performance: How central heat pumps compare to other systems
While central heat pumps are known for their ability to cool a home, some critics are skeptical of their winter performance. However, according to data from Natural Resources Canada, they can be highly effective even in cold weather.
A heat pump’s performance can be measured using the Coefficient of Performance (COP) for heating. The COP is the ratio of thermal energy supplied to electricity consumed. If a heat pump consumes 1 kWh of electricity and delivers 3 kWh of heat, its COP is 3.
The baseline for the measurement is the conventional electric baseboard heater, which has a COP of 1 (100% of the energy consumed is converted into heat). In other words, central heat pumps are more efficient than other types of systems. When it’s −8.3°C outside, a central heat pump’s COP is 2.3—meaning that it delivers 2.3 times more heat than it consumes in energy.
System | Coefficient of Performance (COP) for heating |
Gas (fuel oil) system (low efficiency) | 0.65 |
Gas furnace (high efficiency) | 0.95 |
Electric baseboard | 1.0 |
Central heat pump (−8.3°C) | 2.3 |
Central heat pump (10°C) | 3.3 |
Even when it’s −8.3°C outside, a central heat pump can deliver about 2.3 times as much heat as the electrical energy it consumes. In other words, it’s a great option for heating.
Is your home suitable for a central heat pump?
A central heat pump can distribute hot and cold air through ventilation ducts to most of the rooms in your home. The first thing to do is to make sure your home is already equipped with ducts.
If so, this makes installation easier. Otherwise, you can hire a contractor to assess whether it’s possible to install ducts in your home and estimate the cost. It can be a big job to install ducts in the attic and between the ceilings and floors, depending on how your home is built.
How to choose a central heat pump
When it comes to choosing a central heat pump for your home, there’s no one-size-fits-all option. There are different factors to consider, so it’s important to seek advice from a heating and air conditioning professional. Here are the main aspects to think about:
The size of your home and your heating and air conditioning needs
The system’s capacity to meet those needs
Energy efficiency, as measured by the:
HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor)
SEER rating for air conditioning
The type of compressor (especially variable-speed models which are known for their comfort and efficiency)
Other criteria may also come into play, for example which direction your property faces, the surface area of the windows, how much outdoor space is available for the heat pump, your budget and the manufacturer’s warranty. In other words, your choice will depend not only on the size of your home, but also on the intended use of the heat pump and the level of energy efficiency you’re looking for. Here are a few useful comparisons to help you get started.
Central air conditioning vs. central heat pump
A central air conditioning system only cools the air in your home. A central heat pump can both heat and cool the air, thanks to the principle of reverse refrigeration. It’s a more versatile year-round option.
Central heat pump vs. wall-mounted ductless heat pump units
A wall-mounted ductless heat pump unit distributes air from a single point, making it more suitable for a specific room or area of your home. This option is often less expensive in the short term, especially in homes without built-in air vents.
Alternatively, a central heat pump distributes air evenly throughout your home, providing more constant comfort, especially in larger spaces.
How much does a central heat pump cost?
The cost of a central heat pump generally ranges from $8,500 to $12,500, depending on the power output and features of the model you choose. The price tag for high-end models, designed to provide superior output or better performance in cold weather, can be upward of $20,000.
On top of the purchase price, you’ll also have to factor in the cost of installation, which will depend on the layout of the property and the work required. It’s crucial to hire a qualified contractor and an electrician. The electrical panel in your home must also be able to handle the power load of the heat pump.
Work that could affect the total cost
Some of the factors that can affect the price tag of installing a central heat pump include:
Upgrades to your home’s electrical panel, if necessary
Safely removing an old oil or natural gas heating system
Adding a central electric heating system if you’re converting your home to all-electric
Adding new ventilation ducts or upgrading existing vents
What determines the final cost
Basically, the cost of a central heat pump depends mainly on:
The size of your home and your heating and air conditioning needs
The power output and energy efficiency of the unit you choose
The installation work required (ductwork, electrical work, removing an old system)
The professionals you hire to do the job
The best way to get a realistic estimate of the cost is to get a detailed quote that’s tailored for you and your home.
Thinking of renovating?
How to avoid unpleasant surprises
Central heat pumps are known for their energy efficiency, which is why they’re so popular. Because heat pumps are in such high demand, it’s important to watch out for deals that seem too good to be true. Some companies out there engage in questionable business practices that tend to be concealed in long-term financing arrangements.
How to avoid getting tripped up
Be wary of limited-time offers.
Take the time to assess what you actually need.
Compare several quotes from certified contractors.
Check the contractor’s references, licences and the warranties offered.
Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the financing you’re offered.
Are there subsidies available to help with the cost of buying a heat pump?
Yes, there are. If you install a central heat pump, you might qualify for financial assistance under energy efficiency programs in Quebec. If you own or rent a single-family home, condo, multi-unit property or apartment building, you may be eligible for a grant if the unit or units you install meet the right criteria.
The main option is Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert Program, which offers cash rebates for installing efficient heat pumps. The amount of the rebate depends on the type of heat pump you install, how powerful and efficient it is and where the building is located.
To find out if you’re eligible and get an idea of how much you could save, check the LogisVert website for the latest updates.
Need a quote to install a central heat pump?
Before installing a central heat pump in your home, it’s important to compare quotes from several qualified HVAC contractors. These professionals can take into account the unique features of your property and recommend a system that’s tailored to your needs, your budget and your type of home.
To start the process, call us at 1-877-736-6360 or fill out our form to get up to three free, no-obligation quotes from Verified Contractors.
Please note that the costs quoted in this article are provided for illustration purposes only and may vary depending on the manufacturer, options chosen, region and market conditions.
