One system for heating and cooling
A heat pump moves heat instead of burning fuel to make it. In winter it pulls heat from the outdoor air into your home. In summer it runs in reverse and works as an air conditioner. If your air conditioner is due for replacement, a heat pump gives you cooling and efficient heating in one installation.
They work in Durham winters
Older heat pumps struggled in the cold. Today’s cold-climate models are a different machine. Many are rated by their manufacturers to keep heating at around -25°C. Most homes still keep a backup, either the existing furnace or electric heat, for the coldest nights.
Lower running costs for many homes
How much you save depends on what you heat with now. Homes heated with electric baseboards, oil or propane usually see the biggest drop in heating costs. Against natural gas, savings are smaller and depend on energy prices and the system you choose. A hybrid setup, with a heat pump plus a gas furnace for the coldest days, is a popular middle ground.
Rebates cut the upfront cost
Through the Home Renovation Savings program, homes heated with electricity, oil, propane or wood can get $1,250 per ton, up to $7,500, for a cold-climate air-source heat pump. Homes heated with natural gas can get $500 per ton, up to $2,000. Pre-approval is required before installation.
Read our rebate guide for the details.
When a heat pump may not be the best choice
- Your furnace and air conditioner are both nearly new. It may make sense to wait until one needs replacing.
- There is nowhere suitable for an outdoor unit, which needs clear airflow and room above the snow line.
- You live in an apartment-style condo. Building rules and rebate eligibility usually rule it out.
- The house has major air leaks. Sealing and insulating first can let you buy a smaller, cheaper unit.
Common questions
Do I have to remove my furnace?
No. Many Durham homeowners keep the furnace as backup and let the heat pump do most of the work.
General information for Ontario homeowners, not advice for your specific home. Rebate programs and rules change, so confirm current terms before you buy.