Heat Pumps: Why We Love Them and Why We Don’t!

Erik’s First Hand Experience:
– Accounting for the rebates offered by the government for installing these devices, the initial setup cost for the heat pump was still a lot more than a traditional furnace/air conditioner setup.
– Even with electric floor heat in two rooms on the main floor and all the bathrooms upstairs, when the weather dropped below 0 C, his house could NOT be kept warm enough by the heat pump alone. The gas fireplace was his saviour.
– Hydro Bill From HELL – Erik’s Hydro bill for the past two months clocked in at $1023.42.
– The defrost cycle was extremely loud – when the heat pump wasn’t heating, it was making a hell of a lot of noise defrosting itself.
– Upfront cost was quite painful compared to the option of using a traditional furnace.
– He hasn’t had a chance to experience the tremendous benefits during the summer, but so far, the initial and operating costs for this setup have been extremely high.

Ask questions of your mechanical contractor beyond HOW MUCH, here are some suggestions:
– How often does this system need to be serviced?
– How much does each service typically cost?
– What type of air filtration system will you use?
– What are the replacement costs for the filters? How frequently?
– Are there any other elements of the air filtration system that need to be replaced? If so, how frequently and what are the costs involved?
– How many of these systems have you installed in the past?
Do you know what I can expect the annual cost to heat and cool my home will be?
What rebates are available?

Heat Pump Opinion:
Bleeding Edge Technology. While they may be the future, they aren’t the present. Their inability to keep up to heating demands in the cold of winter makes them pretty much useless as a complete climate control system. Even in a relatively mild climate in Vancouver, they just can’t keep up to heating demands.
Currently, the vast majority of heat pumps do not possess adequate heating power to keep an entire home warm once the temperatures drop below -6 celsius. Even if they do, the running costs for them either way are egregious in the cold.

Simple Renovation Recommendation:
If you already have a hot water thank that you aren’t replacing, we recommend installing a variable speed furnace with high efficiency air conditioning unit with a 17 or higher SEER rating.
If you are planning on replacing both, the next recommendation may be for you.
Large Scale Renovations or New Homes:
Air Handler (Ideally get something that is multi-zoned so you aren’t heating or cooling rooms/areas aren’t being used), Gas Fired On Demand Hot Water (will be used to heat your home and your hot water), Air Conditioner with a 17 or higher SEER rating.

Heat Pump Pros:
– Energy Geniuses: heat pumps are like the Einstein of heating and cooling. They manage to dish out more warmth or coolness than the electricity they use, making them energy-efficient champs. Though they are typically far more efficient at cooling then they are at heating.
– Heating AND Cooling: heat pumps can play both sides of the game, keeping you toasty in winter and cool as a cucumber in summer. –
– One unit can get both jobs done for you!
– Eco-Warriors: forget about burning stuff. As long as the energy you are using comes from a clean source (ie. not coal fired steam generators) heat pumps do their magic by recycling heat, making them eco-friendly rockstars. Go green or go home!
– Long-Haul Buddy: keep ’em happy, and they’ll stick around for ages. Well-maintained heat pumps are like the Yodas of home comfort.
– Zen Mode: no temperature roller coasters here. Heat pumps keep things steady and smooth, so you won’t be sweating one minute and freezing the next.

Heat Pump Cons:
– Sticker Shock: brace yourself for the upfront cost. Heat pumps might be a bit high-maintenance in the beginning
– Choke in the Cold: in icy climates, air-source heat pumps might throw in the towel. They struggle when it’s super cold, so you might need a backup plan.
– Noisy Neighbor; some air-source heat pumps can be a bit extremely loud when it’s cold outside, we can directly confirm this fact
– TLC Required: they may have a long lifespan, but heat pumps demand regular maintenance
– Plug Addiction: heat pumps are electricity junkies. If your power grid is stuck in the fossil fuel age, their eco-friendly charm becomes non-existent.

In a nutshell, heat pumps are like the superheroes of temperature control, but they have their quirks. Consider your space, climate, and humour tolerance before diving into the world of heat pump shenanigans!

HOUZZ