Are Heat Pumps Worth It in Ontario Homes?

Ontario weather can be harsh with months of below-freezing temperatures in the winter, then long humid days in the summer. Homeowners are searching for innovative heating and cooling systems to reduce their monthly energy costs and consumption. One system becoming increasingly popular is the heat pump. Avvio Fine Homes is always getting asked, “Are heat pumps worth it in Ontario?” Fortunately, we have all the answers needed to make an informed decision.

What Is a Heat Pump for a House?

Heat pumps can cool your home like an air conditioner and heat your home like a furnace. It’s 3 to 5 times more efficient than a gas furnace as it transfers heat rather than creating it. In warmer months, it pulls heat out of indoor air to cool your home and in cooler months, it goes into reverse and pulls heat from the cold outdoor air and transfers it indoors

As a result, heat pumps often outperform gas furnaces in overall energy efficiency depending on your home’s insulation and local energy rates.

So, is a heat pump worth it in Ontario? The answer is yes; heat pumps are well worth it. There are different types of heat pumps available, including:

Air-Source

Common and efficient heat pump that moves air between the outdoors and indoors through one central system. They can pull outside air from –25 °C while some units can pull close to -30°C before they lose efficiency.

Ductless Mini Split

Available in single-zone and multi-zone split systems. Single-zone systems include one outdoor hookup connected to one indoor unit. Multi-zones include two or more indoor units.

Cold-Climate Air-Source

Specialized cold-weather heat pumps are perfect for Toronto winters. Extracts heat from the outside even in temperatures of –25°C and lower.

Ground-Source/Geothermal

Uses underground pipes known as ground loops to transfer heat from and to the ground. Supremely efficient as the earth maintains a fairly constant temperature.

Hybrid Heat Pump

Heat pump and furnace combination that switches between systems based on the outdoor temperature.

Do Heat Pumps Work in Ontario Winters?

Modern cold-climate heat pumps use advanced technology, including smart defrost cycles, which boosts their efficiency and improves their functionality in extremely cold temperatures. Depending on the model, many maintain strong heating performance down to about –25 °C and some even close to –30 °C. Modern heat pumps can function as a home’s primary heat source, especially in energy-efficient, high-performance, and net-zero homes. Additionally, heat pumps balance humidity levels, keeping indoor humidity at 35% to 50%, which is the ideal percentage in Ontario.

Heat Pump vs. Gas Furnace in Ontario

When deciding on a home heating and cooling system, homeowners often compare how different options perform in Ontario’s cold winters and humid summers. Energy efficiency, long-term operating costs, and environmental impact are all key factors. The following is a thorough comparison of heat pumps vs. gas furnaces in Ontario:

The right choice depends on your home and priorities, but heat pumps offer year-round comfort with lower emissions and long-term savings, while gas furnaces appeal for their lower upfront cost.

Why a Heat Pump Could Be the Best Choice for Ontario Homes

Heat pumps are a great alternative to traditional furnaces. Many people ask, “Can a heat pump be a primary heat source?” Yes, heat pump systems can effectively replace furnaces completely. Hybrid systems are also a good option for added assurance in regions prone to extreme cold snaps, such as Toronto. Benefits of heat pumps include lower heating and cooling costs each month, increased temperature stability, improved humidity control, and decreased dry air. They also run quietly and circulate air gently, avoiding sudden blasts of hot or cold air for steady comfort.

The Future of Heating & Cooling in Toronto

So, are heat pumps worth it in Ontario? The answer is yes!

Energy-efficient homes are the future. That’s why Ontario offers rebates and incentive programs, including the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program (up to $10,000 for eligible households) and Home Renovation Savings Program (up to $7,500 for qualifying cold-climate heat pumps), to help offset the upfront costs of energy-efficient upgrades.

A perfect match for Net Zero Homes.

Net Zero Homes have higher insulation values, better windows, reduced air leakage and thermal bridges so that the systems powering the home’s heating and air conditioning systems can be smaller and more efficient – like a heat pump.