A recently released report from the Canadian Climate Institute is bringing new attention to heat pumps, and there’s good news for Canadians. Their extensive modelling and research confirms what many of us already knew: that heat pumps are an affordable option, and in fact the lowest-cost option for most households across the country.
It focuses on some of the main advantages offered by heat pumps, like that they use cleaner electric energy, resulting in significantly reduced emissions. As well, their dual functionality as both a source of heat and cooling means that they offer protection from extreme heat. It’s an important advantage, even preventing outcomes as significant as death. In fact, the report highlights research by the B.C. Coroners Service, which found that only 1% of the 619 people who died in the heat waves of 2021 had access to space cooling in their homes at time of death.
The extensive modelling provided in the report also shines light on the affordability of heat pumps, making this heating and cooling option a lot more accessible to average homeowners. Our recent blog offers information about grants and available financing, but even without this additional aid, the Canadian Climate Institute concluded that heat pumps are already the lowest-cost option in most cases.
What Puts Heat Pumps in the Lead
Heat pumps continue to gain attention as an affordable, accessible, and environmentally-friendly option. They don’t rely on fossil fuels, so they’re effective at reducing emissions. They’re also extremely efficient overall, since they operate by transferring heat rather than by creating it. The report cites research indicating that they’re two to five times more efficient than modern furnaces.
In terms of cooling, heat pumps are as efficient as central air and more efficient than window systems, without the limited reach. Rather than only cooling the small space that window units are capable of affecting, heat pumps can cool an entire home.
Heat pumps increasingly perform well in cold weather, as well, making them more attractive in our Winnipeg climate. New innovations mean that some heat pumps can handle temperatures as low as -25 degrees Celsius without a backup source of heat. In fact, the world leader in using this technology is Norway, closely followed by Finland and Sweden—Nordic countries that know a thing or two about handling cold weather—and it documents excellent performance.
What Winnipeggers Need to Know
Winnipeggers are no strangers to cold winters, which means we face steep energy costs to heat our homes. That makes heat pumps an enticing technology. By taking advantage of thermal heat available even in cold climates like ours, heat pumps use relatively little energy to transfer it into our homes to keep us warm.
The modelling in the Canadian Climate Institute’s report looks specifically at five cities across the country. It’s important to keep in mind that in comparison to Alberta, Manitoba faces higher gas prices, making heat pumps more attractive here than in Edmonton. Reducing our reliance on gas isn’t just good for the environment, but also for affordability, particularly in places where gas prices continue to rise.
At Whyte Ridge Heating & Air Conditioning, we’re making it simple for homeowners to make the switch. Our skilled technicians are knowledgeable about heat pumps and can help you determine if this is the right choice for you. We offer full installation and maintenance services, so it’s easy for you to protect your investment for the long term. And with the many grants currently available to homeowners to make this environmentally-friendly switch, now is the time to take advantage.
Don’t miss out on your opportunity to secure valuable grant money to shift your home heating and cooling needs to heat pump technology. Book your appointment today, and find out how Whyte Ridge can bring the future to you.
