Heat Pump System

If you’re looking for a cold-climate heat pump, you’ll likely be considering a modulating heat pump. Modulating “multi-stage” heat pumps give us the highest output and efficiency in the coldest of temperatures. They are not only the quietest heat pump, but they are also quieter than most other appliances, running as low as 55dB. These heat pumps can be coupled to either a dedicated air handler for a completely fossil fuel free system, or to a high efficient gas or propane furnace as a hybrid system. Modulating heat pumps have the highest HSPF and SEER ratings of all the heat pumps. 

A two-stage heat pump is often part of hybrid and sometimes a cold-climate heat pump system. Having two stages allows this heat pump to be more efficient and effective in colder outdoor temperatures. As a hybrid system, this heat pump would typically be coupled with a high-efficient gas or propane furnace giving it dual-fuel functionality and a higher initial efficiency rating. These two stages also allow this heat pump to provide better dehumidification during the cooling season, for better overall comfort. Two stage heat pumps usually boast higher HSPF and SEER ratings and are usually a few decibels quieter than a standard single stage heat pump.

If you’re interested in having a heat pump to do be able to take care of some of your heating costs but you have a reliable back up heating system, such as a propane or oil furnace, then you’re a candidate for a single stage heat pump. Single stage heat pumps have a lower upfront cost and can usually be coupled with just about any furnace or blower cabinet. They’ll be able to cool our houses in the summer months and can easily keep up with our heating needs in the shoulder seasons. They can however be noisier than other systems, and typically don’t have the same efficiency as some of their more efficient heat pump cousins. A good choice when you’re looking for a value-based, standard heat pump. 

There are plenty of thermostats on the market these days. Which one is best for you? Do you even need a new thermostat or will your existing one do? We'll discuss the in's and out's of basic thermostats, smart thermostats, and ultra smart communicating thermostats. We'll even talk about other things that thermostats can do. So whether you're super ultra techy and you love integrating the latest gadgets with your home automation system, or you just want something simple, let us help. 

What rebates are available? Federal government, provincial government or manufacturer's rebates. Is my contractor going to jack up the price to cover the rebate? We'll discuss what rebates are available, how rebates and manufacturer incentives work, and how you get your hands on that money!

The manufacturer's basic (limited) warranty or the contractor's 10 years parts and 10 years labour warranty. What's the difference? What's covered and what is not covered? And you'll find out the truth... Do I really have to sign up for a maintenance plan? Or am I covered by the manufacturer?

There are plenty of ways to pay for your new system. If you pay it outright do you get a better deal? Should you finance or rent? What happens at the end of the contract? Will I ever own it or do I have to pay for this thing forever? 

What are my options? What are the differences between the plans? What really is covered and what am I still on the hook for? Does my warranty not cover me? Do I actually need more coverage? Let's break it down.