Choosing the right heating system for your home is crucial for comfort and energy efficiency. At B.A.P Heating & Cooling, we often guide homeowners through this decision, comparing the benefits and drawbacks of heat pumps and furnaces. Let's explore these options to help you determine the best fit for your needs.

With rising energy costs and a growing focus on sustainability, heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular heating and cooling solution across Canada. If you're wondering whether a heat pump or a furnace is the better option for your home, you're not alone.

At B.A.P Heating & Cooling, we specialize in heat pump installation and furnace replacement, so I’ve helped countless homeowners navigate this decision. Whether you’re looking for energy efficiency, lower heating costs, or an eco-friendly alternative, this guide will break it all down for you.

Why Heat Pumps Are More Energy Efficient Than Furnaces

A natural gas furnace generates heat by burning fuel—typically natural gas, propane, or heating oil. While modern furnaces have improved in efficiency, even the best models aren’t 100% efficient. Some heat is always lost during combustion, meaning that not all the energy from fuel gets converted into heat for your home.

Heat pumps, on the other hand, don’t generate heat—they move it.

A heat pump extracts heat from the air outside (even in cold weather) and transfers it indoors. This process makes heat pumps incredibly energy-efficient, with some models achieving efficiencies well over 97%—even up to 300%! That means a heat pump can deliver three times more heating energy than the electricity it consumes.

What Does This Mean for Your Heating Bills?

Since heat pumps use electricity instead of burning fuel, they can save homeowners hundreds—sometimes even thousands—of dollars per year on energy costs.

Air-Source vs. Ground-Source Heat Pumps: Which One Is Best?

If you’re considering a heat pump installation, you’ll need to choose between two main types:

Air-Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)

✔ How They Work: Extract heat from the outside air, even in freezing temperatures.
✔ Best For: Most homeowners looking for a cost-effective heating & cooling solution.
✔ Efficiency: Works efficiently down to -20°C, but may require backup heat in extremely cold weather.

Most air-source heat pumps can heat and cool your home, making them a versatile and energy-saving alternative to traditional furnaces and air conditioners.

Ground-Source (Geothermal) Heat Pumps

✔ How They Work: Extract heat from the ground, where temperatures are more stable year-round.
✔ Best For: Homeowners looking for long-term efficiency and lower heating costs.
✔ Efficiency: More efficient than air-source models but higher upfront installation costs.

A ground-source heat pump can save even more money on heating and cooling over time, but the installation process is more complex and expensive.

Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps: What’s Right for You?

Heat pumps come in two main configurations:

Centrally Ducted Heat Pumps

✔ Distributes heat & cooling through ductwork—just like a furnace or central AC.
✔ Best for homes that already have ductwork.
✔ Provides consistent heating and cooling across multiple rooms.

If you're replacing an existing furnace and air conditioner, a centrally ducted heat pump is often the best choice for seamless integration into your home’s HVAC system.

Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps

✔ No ductwork required—ideal for older homes or home additions.
✔ Individual indoor units allow for zoned temperature control.
✔ More energy-efficient since there’s no heat loss through ducts.

If your home doesn’t have ductwork or you want independent temperature control in different rooms, a ductless mini-split heat pump is a great option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Heat Pumps

Are Heat Pumps a Good Option for Cold Climates?

Yes! Today’s cold-climate heat pumps are designed to work efficiently at temperatures as low as -20°C to -30°C. In some cases, a backup heating source (such as a small furnace or electric resistance heating) may be recommended for extreme cold snaps.

Do Heat Pumps Reduce My Carbon Footprint?

Absolutely. Since heat pumps run on electricity instead of burning fossil fuels, they generate far fewer greenhouse gas emissions than natural gas furnaces.

In Ontario, where much of the electricity grid is powered by hydro and renewable energy sources, switching to a heat pump can significantly reduce your home’s environmental impact.

Do I Need a Furnace If I Have a Heat Pump?

It depends on your home’s insulation, climate, and heat pump efficiency. Some homeowners pair a heat pump with a backup furnace for peace of mind, while others rely solely on their heat pump for year-round comfort.

To maximize efficiency, we recommend improving your home’s insulation before making the switch.

Heat Pump Installation Costs & Available Rebates

💰 How Much Does a Heat Pump Cost to Install?
The cost of installing a heat pump ranges from $3,000 to $15,000+, depending on:
✔ The size of your home
✔ The type of heat pump (air-source vs. ground-source)
✔ Whether ductwork modifications are needed

While the upfront cost may seem high, the long-term savings on energy bills make heat pumps an excellent investment.

💰 Can You Get Rebates for Installing a Heat Pump?
Yes! Homeowners in Ontario may qualify for rebates up to $7,100 when switching from oil or electric heating to a high-efficiency heat pump. These rebates can significantly lower your installation costs.

At B.A.P Heating & Cooling, we’ll help you navigate available rebates and find the best financing options for your budget.

Ready to Make the Switch to a Heat Pump?

If you’re considering replacing your old furnace or electric baseboards with a more energy-efficient heating solution, a heat pump could be the perfect fit for your home.

At B.A.P Heating & Cooling, we offer:
✔ Expert heat pump installation & consultation
✔ Centrally ducted & ductless mini-split heat pumps
✔ High-efficiency models from trusted brands
✔ Help with rebate applications

📞 Call us today at (519) 835-4858 for a free consultation!
💻 Visit our website at www.bapheating.ca to schedule an appointment.

Let’s make your home more energy-efficient, comfortable, and eco-friendly—without the guesswork!