Heat Pumps

Learn More About Heat Pumps

A heat pump is an efficient heating and cooling system that uses electricity to move heat from one place to another. In the winter, a heat pump transfers heat from the outside air to the indoors through a cycle of compression and expansion of a refrigerant. In the summer, it operates in reverse and transfers heat from inside your home to the outdoors, like an air conditioner.

Heat pump system installation embedded on wall of building.

Benefits of a Heat Pump

Climate Friendly

Heat pumps are an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly alternative to natural gas and oil heating systems, electric furnaces, and baseboard heaters, and they provide air conditioning. Heat pumps will help reduce your home’s heating emissions by up to 97%.*

Year-Round Comfort

Powered by electricity, a heat pump combines a heating system and an air conditioner, keeping you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Better Indoor Air Quality

Many heat pumps dehumidify and provide healthy air flow, with optional filtration to clean indoor air pollutants, dust, pollen and other allergens.

Types of Heat Pumps

All heat pumps have outdoor units and indoor units that work together to transfer heat and cooling into your home. The way that a heat pump distributes heat throughout your home depends on the type of heat pump. A Program Registered Contractor can help you determine the best type of heat pump depending on the location, size, layout and current heating system of your home.

There are four common heat pump types in British Columbia:

  • Ductless mini-split and multi-split heat pumps distribute heat without using ducting. Wall-mounted indoor heads provide zonal heating to the rooms in which the heads are installed.
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  • A central ducted heat pump distributes heat and cool air through ductwork connected to vents in each room, similar to how a furnace distributes heated air.
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  • A dual fuel ducted heat pump combines a heat pump and a gas or propane furnace for back up heating, distributing heat and cooling through ductwork connected to vents in each room. A switch-over set point temperature determines when the backup furnace turns on.
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  • Air-to-water heat pumps use a hydronic distribution system to heat and cool the home with a series of radiators or in-floor heating.
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A mother and daughter are sitting on their living room couch. The mother is pointing a remote at the heat pump installed on the wall behind her.
Photographed by www.rickcollinsphotography.com Rick Collins is an editorial documentary photographer based in Victoria-Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Learn About Available Rebates

Rebates vary depending on your location, current heating system and type of heat pump upgrade. Below are links to the rebate webpages where you will find rebate values and eligibility requirements.

Ductless Mini-Split Rebate
Central Ducted Rebate
Central Ducted Rebate
Dual-Fuel Ducted Rebate

Energy Savings Program rebates

Based on your household income, the Energy Savings Program covers up to 100% of the cost of heat pump installation.

Energy Savings Program heat pump rebates

Find a Contractor

A Home Performance Contractor Network registered contractor can help you identify the right heat pump for your home, provide a quote, complete the installation according to best practices and ensure your heat pump meets the CleanBC Better Homes and Home Renovation Rebate Program rebate requirements.

To find a Home Performance Contractor Network registered contractor near you, check out our Find a Contractor search tool.

For tips on how to choose a contractor visit the frequently asked questions on hiring a contractor.

Follow our:

Step by step guide
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*To learn more, visit BetterHomesBC.ca/methodology