Hunniford Heating & Air Conditioning

Heat Pump Education

Everything You Need to Know About Heat Pumps

From how they work to what rebates you qualify for — we break it all down in plain language.

How a Heat Pump Actually Works

A heat pump doesn't generate heat — it moves it. That's what makes it so efficient.

01

Absorbs Heat from Outside Air

Even in cold weather, outdoor air contains usable heat energy. The heat pump's refrigerant absorbs this energy as it passes through the outdoor unit.

02

Compresses and Concentrates

A compressor raises the refrigerant's temperature significantly, concentrating the absorbed heat energy into a usable form.

03

Delivers Warmth Indoors

The hot refrigerant passes through an indoor coil, releasing its heat into your home's air distribution system — warming every room evenly.

04

Reverses for Cooling

In summer, the cycle reverses: the heat pump extracts heat from inside your home and releases it outdoors, acting as a highly efficient air conditioner.

The Efficiency Advantage

Heat pumps are measured by their Coefficient of Performance (COP) — how many units of heat they deliver per unit of electricity consumed.

300%

Typical efficiency rating

3 units of heat per 1 unit of electricity

50%

Average energy savings vs. electric baseboard

Based on BC Hydro data

30%

Average savings vs. natural gas

Varies by home size and usage

-25°C

Cold-climate models operate down to

Modern units work in BC winters

In BC's mild Lower Mainland climate, a heat pump can provide comfortable heating even on the coldest winter days. Modern cold-climate heat pumps are rated to operate efficiently well below freezing — making them a reliable year-round solution without a backup furnace in most homes.

BC Rebates & Incentives

The BC and federal governments offer substantial rebates to help offset the cost of switching to a heat pump. We help every customer navigate the application process.

Up to $6,000

CleanBC Better Homes

Provincial rebate for qualifying air-source heat pump installations in BC homes. Amount depends on system type and your current heating fuel.

Eligibility: BC homeowners replacing electric baseboard, oil, or propane heating
Up to $3,000

BC Hydro Rebates

BC Hydro customers may qualify for additional rebates on top of CleanBC funding when upgrading from electric resistance heating.

Eligibility: BC Hydro residential customers
Up to $5,000

Canada Greener Homes Grant

Federal grant for energy-efficient home upgrades including heat pumps. Requires a pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation.

Eligibility: Canadian homeowners — requires EnerGuide evaluation

* Rebate amounts and eligibility change periodically. We stay current on all available programs and will confirm what you qualify for during your free quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a heat pump work in a BC winter?+
Yes. Modern cold-climate heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently at temperatures as low as -5°C. The Lower Mainland rarely sees temperatures that cold, so a properly sized heat pump will handle your heating needs all winter without a backup system in most cases.
Can a heat pump replace my gas furnace entirely?+
In most Lower Mainland homes, yes. We assess your home's heat loss, insulation, and existing ductwork to determine whether a heat pump can fully replace your furnace. Many of our customers remove their gas connection entirely after switching.
How long does installation take?+
A standard residential heat pump installation typically takes one to two days. We handle all permits, electrical coordination, and commissioning — you don't need to arrange anything separately.
What maintenance does a heat pump need?+
Heat pumps require less maintenance than a furnace. We recommend an annual tune-up to clean coils, check refrigerant levels, and test controls. Homeowners should clean or replace filters every 1–3 months depending on use.
How do I know what size heat pump I need?+
Sizing is based on a Manual J heat load calculation — we assess your home's square footage, insulation, window area, and local climate data. An undersized unit won't keep up on cold days; an oversized unit short-cycles and wastes energy. We size every system precisely.
Are heat pumps noisy?+
Modern heat pumps are very quiet. Outdoor units typically run at 50–60 dB — similar to a normal conversation. We position units carefully to minimise any noise impact on living areas and neighbouring properties.
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Ready to Make the Switch?

Get a free, no-obligation assessment for your home or business. We'll confirm what rebates you qualify for and recommend the right system.

Book a Free QuoteOr call us at (604) 518-7818
Hunniford Heating & Air Conditioning

Greater Vancouver's trusted heat pump specialists. Keeping Lower Mainland homes and businesses comfortable, year-round.

Licensed & Insured · BC Gas Safety Certified

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Serving the Lower Mainland since 2011· BC Contractor Licence  00214625