Heat Pump Facts for Durham & Kawartha Regions

Here in Canada, we are certainly no strangers to extreme weather. For homeowners in the Durham & Kawartha Regions, keeping a home comfortable through hot summers and cold winters is a top priority. You are likely familiar with separate furnaces and air conditioners, but what if a single, highly efficient system could both heat and cool your home?.

This system is called a heat pump, and this proven and reliable technology is becoming increasingly popular for homeowners across Canada. Let’s explore the facts about this all-in-one comfort solution and whether it is suitable for Durham & Kawartha Regions.

Myth: A “heat pump” is only for heating.

Fact: The name “heat pump” can be a little misleading because it does so much more than just heat. Think of a heat pump as a heat transporter. It’s a versatile HVAC system that can move heat from one place to another.

• In the winter, it pulls heat from the outside air (yes, even when it’s cold!) and moves it inside your home to keep you warm.
• In the summer, it reverses this process. It takes heat from inside your home and moves it outside, leaving you with a cool and comfortable living space. When cooling, it essentially works like a high-efficiency air conditioner.

Myth: Heat pumps don’t work in a real Canadian winter.

Fact: This is a common misconception. While older models may have been better suited to milder climates, today’s cold-climate heat pumps are specifically designed to handle the rigors of a Canadian winter. These advanced systems can operate efficiently in temperatures as low as -30°C.

For the few days a year when the temperature dips into extreme lows, many homeowners opt for a dual-fuel system. This pairs a heat pump with a high-efficiency furnace. The heat pump will handle the vast majority of your heating and cooling needs, and the furnace will automatically kick in as a supplementary heat source only when it’s absolutely needed. This ensures you stay warm and comfortable, no matter what Mother Nature throws our way.

How is a heat pump so efficient?

Fact: The biggest benefit of a heat pump is that it moves heat rather than generating it, making it incredibly energy-efficient. The magic lies in its ability to reverse the flow of refrigerant, a special fluid that absorbs and releases heat.

• Heating Process: The fan in the outdoor unit blows cold air over a coil, and the refrigerant inside absorbs this heat. The refrigerant is then passed through a compressor, which increases its pressure and significantly increases its temperature. This hot refrigerant is then pumped to the indoor unit, where heat is transferred to the air and circulated throughout your home.
• Cooling Process: To cool your home, the heat pump simply reverses this process. A reversing valve changes the direction of the refrigerant flow. The indoor unit’s coil absorbs heat from your indoor air, which also naturally dehumidifies it, leaving your home feeling cool and fresh. The heat is then moved to the outdoor unit and released into the outdoor air.

If you’re looking for a versatile, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly way to keep your home comfortable all year long, a heat pump is an excellent choice.

At Limcan Certified, we’re experts in heat pump installation and service. Our friendly and knowledgeable team can help you determine the right size and type of heat pump for your home and answer any other questions you may have.

Ready to learn more about how a heat pump can transform your home’s comfort? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation!.