Proudly Canadian
Cold-Climate Heat Pumps in Canadian Winters
How they heat below freezing, backup heat, and what a good installer checks.
A few years ago, heat pumps had a reputation for giving up when Canadian winters got serious. Newer cold-climate models have changed that, and many homeowners from British Columbia to the Maritimes now heat with one.
They still aren't magic. Here's what to expect in deep cold and how to set one up properly.
How a heat pump heats in the cold
A heat pump moves heat from outdoor air into your home. There's still usable heat in outside air well below zero. Cold-climate units use variable-speed compressors to keep extracting it as temperatures fall.
As it gets colder, the unit has to work harder and delivers less heat for the same electricity. Manufacturers publish rated output at low temperatures. Ask your installer to show you those figures for the model they're proposing.
Backup heat
Most Canadian installs keep or add backup heat for the coldest days: an existing gas furnace in a dual-fuel setup, electric strips in the air handler, or baseboards. The controls decide when to switch over.
What a good installer checks
- A room-by-room heat-loss calculation
- Ductwork size and condition for a ducted system
- Electrical panel capacity
- Outdoor unit placement above snow line and clear of roof runoff
- Defrost drainage so ice doesn't build up on walkways
Ducted or ductless
If you already have ducts, a ducted heat pump can replace or pair with your furnace. Homes with baseboard heat or no ducts often use ductless wall units, one per zone. An HVAC contractor can compare both for your layout.
Common questions
It depends on your current fuel, electricity rates and the home. Ask for an operating-cost estimate based on your actual usage.
No. Like a furnace blower, it needs electricity.
Often, through federal, provincial or utility programs. See our heat pump rebates guide.