If you live in Ottawa and are in search of an efficient alternative method to heat and cool your home, it’s worthwhile to consider a heat pump install. This eco-friendly source of heating and cooling is clean, quiet, and makes your home energy-efficient.
Sounds great so far! But at this point, you may still not be convinced about heat pumps. How exactly do they work, and would a heat pump make sense for your home? What is the best cold climate heat pump Canada offers?
Read on to find the answers to all your heat pump questions:
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- What Are The Best Cold-Climate Heat Pump Units?
- How Do Heat Pumps Work?
- How Does a Heat Pump Work in the Winter?
- Are There Different Types Of Heat Pumps?
- Are Heat Pumps Efficient?
- How Much Do Heat Pumps Cost?
- What Impacts the Cost of Heat Pumps?
- Are There Rebates For Heat Pumps?
- Do I Need To Worry About Sizing A Heat Pump?
- How Often Should I Perform Maintenance On My Heat Pump?
- What Are The Best Heat Pump Brands?
- What Makes a Heat Pump Brand Trustworthy?
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Best Cold-Climate Heat Pump Units
Choosing the best cold climate heat pump units requires careful consideration of key features and specifications to ensure optimal performance in challenging winter conditions.
Look for models with a high Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), indicating heating efficiency even in low temperatures. Advanced defrost mechanisms are crucial to prevent ice buildup on the outdoor coil, maintaining the unit’s effectiveness during frosty weather.
Here are some of our recommendations for the best heat pumps you can get for Ontario’s cold weather.
Lennox SL25XPV Heat Pumps
This cold weather heat pump is part of the Dave Lennox Signature® Collection and the Ultimate Comfort System™, which combines the best of everything Lennox has to offer to create an unprecedented whole-home comfort system. This is the most precise and efficient heat pump you can buy, featuring Lennox TruHeat Performance.
Features:
- Energy efficiency: 24
- Sound rating: 58
- ENERGY STAR® certified
- iComfort®-enabled technology
- Variable speed compressor
Benefits:
- Tax credit eligible
- Delivers a greater amount of heat compared to traditional heat pumps
- Quantum Coil is designed to weather the most frigid temperatures
Warranty:
- 10-Year Limited Warranty on covered components including compressor.
Carrier Performance™ 18 38MURAQ Heat Pumps
This compact cold climate heat pump is durable, efficient, and has your budget in mind. With a smaller footprint than most other heat pumps, you can install it as close to six inches from your home, stack it together for multi-family housing, or place it on the roof.
Features:
- Enhanced Energy savings – up to 18 SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) and up to 9.8 HSPFs (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor)
- Variable speed compressor
- Sound level as low as 54 decibels
- Select sizes ENERGY STAR® certified
Benefits:
- Extremely quiet operation
- Excellent humidity control for optimal performance
- Small size makes for versatile installation options
- Comfort features for more precise temperature control
Warranty:
- 10-year parts limited on registration
Mitsubishi Zuba Central Heat Pump
Zuba is a family of Cold Climate Heat Pumps featuring Hyper-Heat Technology, and was developed as a home heating and cooling system specifically for Canada. By delivering exceptional heating performance in the winter and effortless cooling in the summer, Zuba delivers year-round comfort with or without a supplemental indoor heating device. Additionally, Zuba’s unique hot-start technology provides warmth from the moment it’s turned on, helping to reduce drafts.
Features:
- Central Ducted System
- Hyper Heat-Inverter
- VCSi Technology
- Zuba Central+
- Variable speed compressor
Benefits:
- Powerful savings
- Space savings
- Super-quiet Technology
- Efficiently Green
Warranty:
- 10-year parts, 10-year labor and 10-year compressor warranty.
How Do Heat Pumps Work?
Heat pumps work by means of heat transfer with the help of refrigerant and electricity. In the winter, they extract existing heat from the air, soil, or water (the source) and move it into your home.
The fact that a heat pump does not actually create heat offers you a large number of advantages:
- Energy-efficiency, up to 140 percent
- Safety (no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, natural gas leak, or explosion)
- Sustainability (will not be used up like fossil fuels)
- Money-saving due to lower utility bills
In Canada, it is usually necessary to have a supplemental heat source due to our extremely cold winters. This can be accomplished with a heat pump and furnace/air handler combination in the case of a forced-air system, or a small electric auxiliary heater in the case of a Ductless Mitsubishi heat pump system.
Mitsubishi heat pumps are built with Hyper-Heat Inverter (H2i)™ technology and can provide heat right down to -30C in most models.
As your cold climate heat pump will provide a large proportion of home heating, you will benefit from substantial energy efficiency and savings on your utility bills.
How Does a Heat Pump Work in the Winter?
Cold climate heat pumps extract heat from the outdoor air or from the ground (if it’s a geothermal heat pump) and transfers it indoors to heat your home. To really get the most out of the entire heating season, you’ll want to go for a model that has variable speed compressors. For regions that experience extremely low temperatures in the winter and very hot temperatures in the summer (such as Ontario!), most traditional heat pumps will offer the kind of precise temperature control you’d require.
Here’s a basic explanation of how heat pumps operate when the temperatures plummet:
- Evaporation: The process begins with the outdoor unit, called the evaporator. A refrigerant, a substance with a low boiling point, circulates through a coil in the evaporator. The refrigerant takes in heat from the outside air, causing it to evaporate and turn into a low-pressure gas.
- Compression: The compressor then increases the pressure of the refrigerant gas, which also increases its temperature. This hot, high-pressure gas is then pumped into the indoor coil.
- Condensation: Inside the building, the indoor coil acts as a condenser. The hot refrigerant releases heat into the indoor air, causing it to condense back into a liquid. This process warms the indoor space.
- Expansion Valve: The refrigerant, now in liquid form, passes through an expansion valve, which reduces its pressure and temperature. This prepares it to return to the outdoor coil and repeat the cycle.
- Reversing Valve (for some systems): In some heat pump systems, a reversing valve allows the flow of refrigerant to be reversed. This enables the heat pump to switch between heating and cooling modes. In heating mode, the hot refrigerant flows to the indoor coil, while in cooling mode, it flows to the outdoor coil.
Overall, cold climate heat pumps are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, as they move heat rather than generate it. They can be a cost-effective heating system for Canada’s cold climates.
Are There Different Types Of Heat Pumps?
Yes, there are 3 types of heat pumps — air source, water source and geothermal. The main difference is not in their method of operation but rather their heat source.
Air-Source Heat Pump
Air-source heat pumps can be ducted or ductless systems. An air-source heat pump moves heat from the outdoor air to the air inside your residence to provide heating and moves the heat outside to provide cooling.
These systems are quiet, affordable and energy-efficient.
Ducted. These systems work very similarly to a central air conditioner and furnace forced-air system. You will have an indoor coil in the furnace area and an outdoor unit.
Ductless. These systems have a heat exchanger and a blower in a contained package. They often have multiple heads mounted on the interior walls of the home, as well as an outdoor unit.
Water-Source Heat Pump
Water source heat pumps draw water through their system to extract heat from the liquid. Either groundwater (well) or a nearby body of water is used to provide the heat supply. Water source heat pumps are not common in the Ottawa area.
Geothermal Heat Pump
Geothermal heat pumps or ground source heat pumps extract energy from the soil. These systems are complex and costly to install and repair. For these reasons, geothermal systems are not common in Ottawa.
Are Heat Pumps Efficient?
So is this heating system efficient for cold climates? Yes, heat pumps are extremely efficient. Although a small amount of electricity is necessary to power the system, a heat pump will produce more energy than it consumes — resulting in an impressive energy efficiency rate of up to 140 percent. No other kind of HVAC system can compare. For instance, a heat pump not only warms your home during the winter, but it can also cool your home during the summer. If you’re looking at replacing an old AC unit, why not learn more so you can decide whether an air conditioner or a heat pump is right for your Ottawa home?
To maximize efficiency and comfort, it is advised to select a variable-speed heat pump rather than a single-speed heat pump. The former adjusts its speed according to the demand for heating or cooling in your home at that moment.
Cold climate heat pumps are another extremely efficient and quiet option, with some models able to heat down to -30C.
How Much Do Heat Pumps Cost?
How much you can expect to pay for a heat pump depends on the type, size, brand name, and efficiency of the system.
In Ottawa, modern heat pumps can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000, including installation. Ductless mini-split heat pumps will be on the lower end of that price range, while high-performance cold climate models, whole-home ducted systems, and geothermal systems will be at the higher end.
Keep in mind, that the investment in your home can be offset by annual savings on energy bills and government rebates when they’re available.
What Impacts the Cost of Heat Pumps?
The price of a heat pump installation depends on:
- Type of Heat Pump – Ductless mini-split units are more affordable than systems that use central ducting. Geothermal heat pumps are the most expensive but can save you a lot of money in the long term.
- Efficiency Rating – Heat pumps with higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) ratings cost more to install, but will give you lower energy bills.
- Home Size and Layout – Larger houses or homes that need multi-zone systems will need higher-capacity units.
- Installation Complexity – Retrofitting an older home, upgrading electrical panels, and extending ductwork will all factor into the installation cost, especially if that work is done by professionals.
- Brand and Features – Premium heat pump brands with advanced features have higher price points, but can be more reliable and last longer.
- Permits – Some work will require permits, which usually have a small cost.
A professional heat pump consultation can help you choose the right size and type of system for your home and budget.
Are There Rebates For Heat Pumps?
Homeowners in Ottawa can now take advantage of financial incentives through the Home Renovation Savings Program, launched January 28, 2025. This program, offered by Save on Energy, Enbridge Gas, and the Government of Ontario, provides rebates for new heat pump installations.
Eligibility and the amount of heat pump rebates available depend on your new heat pump’s efficiency ratings, the size of your home, and whether you are replacing an outdated heating system.
To learn more, visit Save on Energy’s Home Renovation Savings Program.
Do I Need To Worry About Sizing A Heat Pump?
Correct sizing is vital, in order to maximize the energy efficiency and comfort that result from using a heat pump.
Installing an undersized heat pump means that you won’t enjoy the maximum energy savings. Your system will have to fall back on the supplemental heating method more frequently.
An overly large heat pump will operate inefficiently in warmer weather. It will short-cycle and produce excess heat.
How Often Should I Perform Maintenance On My Heat Pump?
Your heat pump maintenance schedule is similar to what you’d do for a forced-air furnace. Here’s what will be necessary to keep your system running efficiently:
At least once a month: Check the system filter and clean or change as necessary.
Once a year: Have your heat pump professionally inspected and tuned up. We will ensure your heat pump is operating at the high efficiency it’s designed for, and that any minor issues that can arise will be taken care of promptly.
To ensure expert maintenance at an affordable price, consider enrolling in our Ottawa Home Services protection plan. Membership includes an annual HVAC tuneup and priority heat pump repair service at a very affordable price.
We Trust And Recommend These 5 Brands Of Heat Pumps:
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi is the industry leader in Cold Climate pumps, with their Zuba Central and Ductless models.
Known for their Hyper-heat technology, the Cold Climate Mitsubishi heat pumps are capable of heating, down to -30C in some models. All Mitsubishi models are extremely quiet, and have a narrow footprint of around 13 inches for their outdoor units, making them a solid choice when space is at a premium.
Zuba units are available in a central ducted solution, added to an existing forced-air ducting system. These systems are made up of an indoor air handler, and an outdoor unit.
Zuba ductless units are also available. These systems are made up of indoor heads mounted on the wall, and an outdoor unit. You will often see these systems in older neighbourhoods with boilers and radiators, such as the Glebe, Ottawa South and downtown, where ductwork installation is impossible, or cost-prohibitive. They are also a great solution for homes with existing baseboard heaters.
When installed by Ottawa Home Services, a reputable Mitsubishi dealer, Mitsubishi units come with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Carrier
A Carrier heat pump, used in tandem with a Carrier/Comfortmaker furnace as your backup source of heat, will provide a highly efficient, cost-effective and comfortable HVAC solution.
Carrier / Comfortmaker heat pumps offer a range of excellent heating and cooling efficiencies.
Most models are EnergyStar certified.
Quiet operation, ozone-friendly refrigerant, and a 10-year manufacturer warranty on parts are all additional perks from these top brands.
Lennox
Lennox understands our Canadian climate… and their heat pumps prove it.
Their heat pumps can handle below zero weather with ease, with their solid construction and rustproof coating.
Lennox heat pumps are available in an assortment of energy efficiencies.
All models boast eco-friendly refrigerant, quiet performance, and an excellent warranty.
To top it off, most Lennox heat pumps are iComfort Wi-Fi® thermostat compatible.
Comfort-Aire
Comfortmaker, a member of the Carrier family, specializes in heat pumps that excel in efficiency and durability, making them a reliable choice for Ottawa home comfort all year round.
They are committed to ensuring all Ottawa customers are receiving the best heating and cooling services through their comprehensive No Hassle Replacement™ limited warranty and heat pump performance testing.
Each heat pump exemplifies their dedication to quality and reliability, designed to meet the unique needs of every Ottawa home.
Moovair
Moovair, crafted by The Master Group to address Canada’s unique climate needs, offers a line of Moovair heat pumps celebrated for their energy efficiency and standout performance.
Whether you need a wall-mounted unit or a central system, Moovair heat pump designs are tailored to enhance your Ottawa home comfort using the latest in HVAC technology. Behind every product is
The Master Group’s promise of quality and innovative design, ensuring that your heating and cooling solutions help pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
Comfortmaker
Comfortmaker heat pumps are considered some of the best in Canada due to their exceptional efficiency, reliability, and advanced technology.
These heat pumps are designed to perform well in extreme temperatures, making them ideal for the Canadian climate.
They feature advanced inverter technology, which ensures consistent heating and cooling while maximizing energy savings.
Additionally, Comfortmaker heat pumps are known for their quiet operation and durable construction, backed by comprehensive warranties.
What Makes a Heat Pump Brand Trustworthy?
So, how do you know if you’re choosing from the top heat pump brands? Let’s talk about what makes a heat pump brand trustworthy.
- Proven Performance in Cold Climates – We recommend brands that perform well in Ottawa’s extreme winters, with high HSPF ratings and cold-weather capabilities.
- Energy Efficiency – Top brands have higher SEER and HSPF ratings. They’re extremely efficient and eligible for rebates.
- Durability and Quality – A brand-name heat pump should last 15-20 years with annual maintenance.
- Advanced Features – Features like variable-speed compressors, smart thermostats, and noise reduction technology separate the best brands from generic ones.
- Reviews – Reviews let you (and us) know which brands people love having in their homes.
- Strong Warranty Coverage – The top brands come with top warranties on compressors, parts, and labour.
- Availability of Parts and Service – A trusted brand will have a strong network of technicians, parts suppliers, and warranty service providers across Canada.
Choosing a heat pump from a well-known brand we trust removes a lot of the risk when you invest in a new heat pump system.
Talk With Ottawa’s Heat Pump Experts
We know heat pumps — and we know Ottawa’s climate. We professionally install, repair, and maintain heat pumps for many homes in the Barrhaven, Kanata, Nepean, Stittsville and Ottawa area, like yours.
Talk to us about the best, most energy-efficient heat pump options for your home today!
