If you are exploring options to heat and cool your home or reduce your energy bills, you might want to consider a heat pump system. Heat pumps are a proven and reliable technology in Canada, capable of providing year-round comfort control for your home by supplying heat in the winter, cooling in the summer, and in some cases, heating hot water for your home.

Heat pumps can be an excellent choice in a variety of applications, and for both new homes and retrofits of existing heating and cooling systems. They are also an option when replacing existing air conditioning systems, as the incremental cost to move from a cooling-only system to a heat pump is often quite low. Given the wealth of different system types and options, it can often be difficult to determine if a heat pump is the right option for your home.

A heat pump is a machine that moves heat from one place to another, typically using an electromechanical compressor. That means it can be used to heat up and cool down a given living space. Refrigerators and air conditioners operate using the same principle. In summer, it moves heat out of the building, and in winter it moves heat into the building, even if it’s cold outside. Heat pumps are a proven technology that have been used for decades, both in Canada and globally, to efficiently provide heating, cooling, and in some cases, hot water to buildings. They are very efficient heating and cooling systems and can significantly reduce your energy costs.

Learn more about heat pumps:

• Buying Guide: What is a heat pump and how does it work?
• Heating and Cooling with a Heat Pump

Homeowners can receive up to $5,000 for the installation of a heat pump through the Canada Greener Homes Grant. Heat pumps will also be eligible for financing through the City’s Better Homes Loan Program.

Sources: City of Ottawa website, Natural Resources Canada website