So you want to buy a heat pump? Insider tips for homeowners

Apr 2022

So you want to buy a heat pump? Insider tips for homeowners

Whether you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint or wanting to add cooling to your home, a heat pump is a great solution for any home. A heat pump is an efficient form of heating and cooling powered by electricity (which in British Columbia is 98% clean) that reduces your reliance on fossil fuels. Switching your gas furnace to a heat pump can help to reduce your home’s carbon footprint by an average of 2-5 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and offers the additional benefit of cooling for your home (which is becoming increasingly important as summer temperatures continue to rise). 

One challenge that many homeowners face when looking to switch to a heat pump is understanding where to start. If you read All-Electric: A Path to Home Decarbonization part one of our two-part home decarbonization series, you will recall that there are a number of decision points to consider when completing any home renovation project. The following tips can help guide you to navigate some of the decision points and complexities on your own decarbonization journey.

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Finding the best contractor

The key to a great installation (and comfortable home) is finding a quality contractor. A great place to start is with the Home Performance Contractor Network (HPCN). These contractors have been trained in building science fundamentals and best practices, and are registered through the Home Performance Stakeholder Council and they can help you qualify for utility and government rebates.

Ask your contractor if they are a member of the Thermal Environmental Comfort Association (TECA), or the Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), industry associations for HVAC contractors. TECA and HRAI offer training for contractors to learn how to properly size and design heating & cooling systems or ventilation systems, which is important for efficient system operation.

Homeowners can ask for contractor references and speak with others who have undertaken similar projects. These discussions may provide additional perspective and tips for working with contractors.

Be wary of contractors who submit alternative solutions that steer away from heat pumps. Some contractors may sell both heat pumps and furnaces and may try to encourage you to replace both systems (which can mean double the maintenance fees). In milder climates, like the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, a properly-sized heat pump is more than capable of meeting all your home’s space heating needs (ie. you do not need a furnace for back-up). 

Demand for heat pumps has been increasing rapidly with the availability of rich incentives which means contractors are busy! Planning your project well in advance will help you achieve the best outcome.  

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Best practices for working with contractors

Homeowners should have basic knowledge of contractor best practices to ensure that they receive the best service possible. In addition to the guidance below, the CleanBC Better Homes website includes additional links and recommendations to support homeowners.

  • Selecting the right product for you can depend on a number of factors including where you live, your current heating load, and duct sizing. Beware of less expensive models that may be less efficient (costing more on your utility bills) and noisier indoors and outdoors. Look for a low decibel (dB) rating and invest in a reputable brand that you can rely on for the next 10-15 years. If heat pump rebates are important, ask the contractor to confirm that the selected model is eligible for both the provincial CleanBC and federal Canada Greener Homes rebates. To access up to $5,600 in federal grants, the house will also require an EnerGuide evaluation. The rebates you can access will depend on your current fuel source and the efficiency of the heat pump you are installing. For details, visit Better Homes BC and call or email for free support from a professional energy coach.
  • Right-sizing equipment includes accurate room-by-room (CSA F280) heat loss/gain analysis. Be sure to ask your contractor for these modelling results. Contractors should not be “guesstimating” or using a rule-of-thumb to size your heat pump. Proper sizing is very important in equipment selection. Undersized equipment will leave you without enough capacity to heat your home in winter conditions, while oversized equipment will result in poor overall efficiency which can impact the equipment lifespan. Larger heat pumps cost more upfront and can be more expensive to operate, so the right-size is key. Equipment selection is also important in colder climate regions in BC interior and northern communities. There are now many options for cold climate heat pumps that operate efficiently down to -25oC. 
  • Verification reports (or start-up checklists) are completed by contractors to ensure the heat pump is running correctly. Ask for a signed copy of the checklist and keep this as it may be useful should problems arise. Beware of buying the least expensive system available, as these assurances are rarely provided.
  • Post-installation support should also be provided with any new equipment installation. Homeowners should ask contractors to provide training on user controls to get the most out of their systems. The best heat pump performance depends on proper operation and homeowners should have a basic understanding of user controls and things to avoid.
  • Contractor warranty, as well as equipment warranty, is another important consideration. Quality installations will result in years of great performance, and many good contractors offer warranties on their labour. These warranties are important because HVAC performance depends heavily on proper installation. HPCN registered contractors offer, at a minimum, a standard one-year construction/retrofit warranty. Manufacturer’s typically offer 5 year warranties (10 if you register the product) which cover equipment failures or malfunction. 

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More tips to consider

  • Obtaining multiple quotes is a good strategy for homeowners who want to receive the best value for their investment. Prior to purchasing a heat pump, obtain 2-3 quotes and review/compare them quotes for heat pump brand, system efficiency, installation costs and warranty. The cheapest system may not be the right system for your home or offer you the most value for your money. Be wary of contractors who submit alternative solutions that steer away from heat pumps. In milder climates, like the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, a properly-sized heat pump is more than capable of meeting all your home’s space heating needs.
  • Ask for the qualifications of the heat pump installer and whether the work will be done by, or checked by, a Red Seal certified refrigeration mechanic.
  • Insulation and air sealing can be a cost-effective way to make a home more energy efficient. For older, leakier homes, investments in envelope and insulation can help to improve comfort and reduce the size of equipment needed to heat and cool the home. Adding insulation can be a cost-effective way to make a home more energy efficient. Rebates for upgrading building envelopes are available through CleanBC’s Better Homes program and are a great first step on a home’s decarbonization journey. Doing this work in advance of installing a heat pump can result in needing a smaller, less expensive heat pump and one that will perform better. It may also help to avoid the need for an electrical service panel upgrade.
  • In some cases, the home may require an electrical panel or service upgrade. In older homes, original electrical sizing did not consider electrification of vehicles or space heating, nor did they factor in cooling needs. Assessing your electrical capacity needs requires a licensed electrician (ask for their Red Seal Certification). If you need to upgrade your electrical service, be sure to consider future electrical needs (such as an electric vehicle or induction stove) in panel sizing.   
  • Every home is unique and the recommended solution might end up looking a bit different from your existing heating system. For example, it might be more cost effective to replace your boiler and radiant heaters with an air-source ductless mini-split heat pump system (which will give you the added benefit of cooling), rather than an air-to-water heat pump. 
  • Many municipalities in BC have bylaws that specify equipment placement and noise levels. Proper siting for heat pumps (eg. not in the side-yard near your neighbour’s window) will help to mitigate noise concerns. A quality contractor will help you to navigate the specific landscape you are in.
  • Grants and rebates are a great way to reduce your financial investment when installing a heat pump and completing other building upgrades. Eligible property types include detached single-family homes, mobile homes on fixed foundations, duplexes, row homes, and townhomes that are primary residences. Visit CleanBC Better Homes and the Canada Greener Homes websites to find out what is available to you. CleanBC also offers low-interest financing options for homeowners switching from fossil fuels to a heat pump.
  • Additional supports for homeowners may be available, such as a virtual home energy check-up or municipal top-up grants. Visit your local municipal website to find out what is available. 

Whether you’re looking for a climate-friendly heating solution or looking to add cooling to your home, a heat pump is a great investment. Remember, that every home is unique and your contractor will help you find the unique solution to fit your needs. Using the tips above, you will be well equipped to start your path to home decarbonization.

Read part 1 of this article: All-Electric: A Path to Home Decarbonization

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