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Heat Pumps: A Smart Solution… But There’s a Catch

In 2024, climate change is impossible to ignore. When wildfire season starts as early as February, as it did in Alberta, it’s painfully clear that action is needed. But what does being environmentally cautious mean? Maybe it’s time to splurge on an electronic vehicle? Sure, although part of the “electric revolution,” it hardly changes much globally. Will installing solar panels help? It might — but there might be an even better investment. Today, we will explore whether going with a heat pump is the right choice for you.

Heat Pumps on a house

Heat Pumps: Your Mileage May Vary

 

Heat pumps efficiently move heat from one place to another using a small amount of electricity. They work much like a refrigerator but in reverse. They move heat into a cold space to warm it up. Heat pumps can heat and cool, so they are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional HVAC systems. In recent years, their popularity skyrocketed. Sales of ducted systems reached 36,000 in 2022, an 18% increase since 2018. [1]

 

Canada has a diverse climate, ranging from freezing temperatures to +35 C heat. This makes it harder to find energy-efficient solutions to heat or cool a house. Still, heat pumps have an obvious caveat. The initial cost of purchasing and installing is much higher than HVAC systems. But even then, energy savings help recoup the investment over time. So, where’s the catch?

 


Mounting a heat pump

The potential savings from switching to the technology differs significantly depending on where you live.

 

In Alberta and Saskatchewan, heat pumps may not provide the same benefits as in other parts of the country. This is mainly because electricity there is primarily generated from fossil fuels. So, the environmental advantages of heat pump technology are reduced. The savings comparison is also less favourable on the Prairies when it comes to operating costs.

 

Hydroelectricity and Heat Pumps

 

Hydroelectricity is the go-to source of electricity in most places in Canada. In British Columbia, Quebec, Newfoundland, Manitoba, and Labrador, hydropower covers 90% of the consumption. [2] Even other provinces and territories benefit from this renewable energy. All but Prince Edward Island use hydropower to some extent. Seemingly, hydro-energy — a renewable and clean source of electricity — is a perfect companion to heat pumps. The International Hydropower Association analysis of nearly 500 reservoirs worldwide confirms hydropower has a relatively low carbon footprint. [5]

 

Heat pumps significantly reduce carbon emissions when powered by hydroelectricity. This is particularly impactful where the grid is predominantly powered by hydroelectricity. The combination of hydroelectric power and heat pumps reduces a home’s carbon footprint substantially. [6]

 

EVs and heat pumps: a match made in heaven?

 

Both heat pumps and EVs use electricity instead of fossil fuels, making them environmentally friendly, efficient alternatives. It sounds like this pair is the way to go for someone who wants to be eco-conscious and save money in the long run. And yet, once again, a lot depends on your province. Just as heat pumps lose their attraction in Alberta and Saskatchewan, the same can be said about EVs. In places with pricier electricity, persuading homeowners to go with EVs and heat pumps is a harder sell.

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Instead, cleaning up the electricity grid could significantly reduce Canada’s carbon footprint. Since 2019, nearly $35 million has been allocated for EV rebates in Alberta, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. [8] While EVs are crucial for a sustainable future, these rebates might be misplaced until the power sources supplying them are cleaner.

 

These funds could be invested in grid modernization, leading to a more significant and long-lasting impact. As electric vehicles gain popularity, we expect the incentives to increase going forward.

 

Which provinces are the best for heat pumps?

 

Over 20% of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island households have already installed heat pumps [9]. Still, they are not the solution for everyone. British Columbia’s long history of subsidies, rebates, and educational campaigns for heat pumps has fostered greater public acceptance of this technology. Yet, it remains controversial with Alberta’s much dirtier grid and higher electricity prices.

 

While energy-efficiency programs have existed since 2007, the recent surge in heat pump installations in the Maritime provinces can be attributed to direct financial incentives like grants and rebates. [11] It’s fair to predict that strong incentives must be introduced in other provinces to see a drastic increase in heat pump installations. 

Man installing a heat pump

So, which provinces make the best sense for adopting heat pumps?


●     First, it’s provinces with more moderate temperatures and fewer extreme cold days. While heat pumps can operate at temperatures as low as -30 C, they are less effective, requiring a natural gas or electric backup heating source.

●     Second, it’s provinces with clean grids.

 

With relatively mild winters and cool summers, BC, Ontario (especially the southern regions), Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI make sense. Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba require alternative heating sources, which makes heat pumps much less attractive, especially considering the price.

 

 References


  1. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/saskatchewan/heat-pumps-prairies-1.7026353#:~:text=

  2. https://energy.techno-science.ca/en/energy101/hydro.php

  3. https://cpaws-sask.org/is-hydropower-as-clean-and-green-as-we-thought/

  4. https://www.tvo.org/article/just-how-green-is-hydroelectricity

  5. https://www.hydropower.org/factsheets/greenhouse-gas-emissions

  6. https://www.betterhomesbc.ca/products/what-is-a-heat-pump/

  7. https://www.larkscientific.org/post/lowering-your-carbon-footprint-a-guide-for-ontario-homeowners-on-spending-wisely-for-real-impact

  8. https://www.larkscientific.org/post/what-are-the-emissions-benefits-of-an-electric-vehicle-in-canada

  9. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-no-sign-interest-in-heat-pumps-grew-following-liberal-move-to-beef-up/#:~:text=Svonkin%20said%20heat%20pumps%20are,now%20have%20them%20installed.

  10. https://440megatonnes.ca/insight/how-hot-are-heat-pumps-really/

  11. https://climateinstitute.ca/publications/heat-pumps-are-hot-in-the-maritimes/

  12. https://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/en/data-analysis/energy-markets/provincial-territorial-energy-profiles/provincial-territorial-energy-profiles-newfoundland-labrador.html



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