What Size Heat Pump Do I Need?

The size of the heat pump depends on the size of your home and the area that the heat pump needs to operate for. Calculate the total square feet and generally allot one ton per 500 feet.

Do heat pumps work in Ontario winters?

Modern cold-climate heat pumps work effectively down to -25 degreesC to -30 degreesC. Technologies like Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat, Bosch IDS, and Carrier Infinity are specifically engineered for northern climates. That said, most Ontario homeowners use a heat pump as their primary system with a gas furnace backup (a "dual-fuel" setup), which provides e

How much does a heat pump cost in Ontario in 2025?

A ducted air-source heat pump (replacing or supplementing a central AC) costs $4,500-$9,000 installed, depending on brand and HSPF2 rating. Cold-climate models from Mitsubishi, Carrier, or Bosch sit at the higher end. A ductless mini-split heat pump (single zone) runs $3,000-$5,500. Multi-zone ductless systems range from $7,000-$15,000+. Rebates ca

What rebates are available for heat pumps in Ontario in 2025?

Several programs stack in 2025. The Canada Greener Homes Grant offers up to $5,000 for a qualifying heat pump (requires EnerGuide audit). The federal Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program offers up to $10,000 for homes heating with oil. Enbridge Gas sometimes offers additional incentives for dual-fuel setups. Some municipalities have local program

What is the difference between a heat pump and a central air conditioner?

A central air conditioner only cools. A heat pump does both - it cools in summer by moving heat out of the home, and heats in winter by extracting heat from outdoor air and moving it inside. The cooling side is essentially identical in operation and appearance. The key difference is the reversing valve in a heat pump that allows bidirectional refri

What HSPF2 rating should I look for in a heat pump for Ontario?

HSPF2 (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, 2023 standard) measures heating efficiency. The new minimum in Canada is 7.5 HSPF2. For Ontario's climate, look for a minimum of 9 HSPF2 for good performance. Cold-climate models rated 10-12 HSPF2 offer the best winter efficiency but come at a higher upfront cost. Pairing a 9.5+ HSPF2 heat pump with a gas

Can I use a heat pump as my only heating source in Ontario?

In most of southern Ontario (Toronto, GTA, Barrie area), a properly sized cold-climate heat pump can serve as a sole heating source, with standard resistance backup heating for extreme cold days. However, a dual-fuel system (heat pump + gas furnace) is generally more cost-effective because natural gas is cheaper per BTU than electricity when temper

How long does a heat pump last?

Air-source heat pumps typically last 15-20 years with regular maintenance. Because they run year-round (unlike AC-only units), annual servicing is especially important - including coil cleaning, refrigerant checks, filter changes, and defrost cycle verification. Ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps last 20-25 years for the indoor components and up