Other Types of Heat Pumps
All types of heat pumps in Ottawa are typically designed to provide comfort year-round. In the colder months, they pump heat inside, while in the warmer months they remove heat from the home interior.
However, the main distinguishing factor between heat pumps is typically the type of source of heat or where they dissipate it. Besides air-to-air heat pumps, the other types of heat pumps include air to water, ground source or geothermal, which can also be water-to-water.
Water-to-Water Heat Pumps in Ottawa
A geothermal water-to-water heat pump functions much like an air source heat pump, with the only difference being that it extracts and dissipates heat through the medium of water.
A water source heat pump in Ottawa uses water to heat and cool your home in one of two ways. You can have a closed loop system that cycles water through underground pipes, or an open loop that uses two water wells. Either way, the system moves heat between this water source and your home.
The process is simple — water carries heat to or from your home through special coils in your air handler, which then blows warm or cool air through your rooms. As a bonus, these systems can also heat your household’s daily hot water needs.
Air Source Heat Pump
In contrast, an air source heat pump in Ottawa draws heat from the outside air to keep the temperatures within warm and extracts and circulates heat outside in the summer. An astonishing fact is that even in the colder months, the external air contains heat! It offers the basis for the working of air-source heat pumps which are commonly used in Canada.
Ground Source Heat Pump
A ground source heat pump in Ottawa uses the earth, ground water, or both to extract heat in the winter and reverses the operation in the warmer months. A significant benefit of these heat systems is that their operation is not affected by the extreme temperature fluctuations as they use the ground as the source of heat.
For the same reason, they’re also one of the most energy efficient types of heating systems available.
One significant advantage of all heat pumps in Ottawa or, for that matter anywhere else in the world is that the direction the refrigerant is pumped through the system determines whether the indoor coils are either hot or cold.
The advanced design and efficiency of today’s cold climate heat pumps such as the Lennox Signature Series and Mitsubishi ZUBA Central Heat Pumps make them a much better option than Oil or Propane.
Even with a Gas Furnace, a “Dual Fuel” system allows the heat pump to operate at times when it is the more efficient heat source, while the Gas Furnace takes over when it may be more suited to do so in extreme cold temperatures. The overall energy savings can be significant.
Typical savings can repay the small difference between an air conditioner and a heat pump in Ottawa in a surprisingly short time-frame.
How Much Does a Heat Pump in Ottawa Cost?
Heat pump installation in Ottawa is a significant investment, but one that homeowners are always happy they made. With proper installation by a trusted company, your heating and cooling system can keep your space comfortable for 20 years or more.
When considering heat pump cost, expect to invest between $4,000 and $8,000. The overall expense consists of the unit itself as well as labor for installation and any additional materials or electrical work required.
Basic air-source heat pumps suitable for an average-sized house tend to range from $4,000 to $6,000.
Though pricier, ground-source heat pumps that tap into subsurface temperatures are far more efficient. These units cost $6,000 to $8,000 when installing a horizontal loop system. Additional costs may apply if well drilling is necessary.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Ottawa Heat Pumps
Heat pump installation offers numerous benefits. They provide both heating and air conditioning from one system, simplifying your home’s temperature control. They utilize electricity rather than combustion, eliminating safety risks from gas leaks or carbon monoxide.
Heat pumps are also more energy efficient, with a 300 percent efficiency rating meaning they produce three times more heat energy than the electrical energy they consume.
The most apparent downside is upfront cost and installation. While this type of HVAC system is more efficient, installation cost is higher, and efficiency may drop during subzero temperatures.
All-in-all, we believe the pros outweigh the cons for sure. If you’d like to learn more about our expert heat pump installation, reach out for a free quote.
Get Heat Pump Repair in Ottawa
You’ll know when your heat pump isn’t working right due to rising energy bills and strange noises.
Finding reliable heat pump service in Ottawa doesn’t have to add to your stress. At Climate Works, we fix problems before they turn into expensive breakdowns.
Are you hearing rattling or banging coming from your unit? Don’t wait until it stops working completely.
Your heat pump works hard all year round, switching between heating and cooling to keep your home comfortable. This non-stop operation means parts wear out, refrigerant levels drop, and efficiency takes a hit. You might notice rooms that never quite reach the right temperature or a system that runs longer than it should.
We’ll track down the problem and fix it right the first time. Our certified techs bring years of Ottawa-specific experience to every repair job — they know exactly how these systems behave in our harsh climate. Contact us today!
