Thinking about an upgrade to a heat pump? You’re not alone. With energy prices on the rise, many homeowners in Edmonton and Sherwood Park are exploring energy-efficient heating options. A heat pump is more than just a greener choice. It’s a smart solution for year-round comfort and reducing your reliance on natural gas.
What Is a Heat Pump, and How Does It Work?
The simplest way to understand a heat pump is that it’s an air conditioner that can work in reverse. During summer, it removes heat from your home. During the colder months, it can absorb heat from the outside air and move it indoors. This is possible because refrigerant flows in the opposite direction, thanks to a reversing valve in the system.
The heat from outside is pushed through your home’s A-coil (located on top of your furnace), distributing warm air through your ductwork just like a furnace does. In summer, that same coil helps cool your home by removing heat from the indoor air.
Do I Still Need an Air Conditioner or Furnace?
With the Napoleon 18 SEER heat pump, you get both heating and high-efficiency cooling in one unit. You do not need to purchase a separate air conditioner.
However, if you’re in Northern Alberta, do not toss out your gas furnace just yet. In extremely cold conditions, gas heat is still more cost-effective and powerful than electricity. That’s why the best option for most homes in our region is a hybrid heating system that combines a heat pump with your existing furnace.
Built for Edmonton Weather
While older air source heat pumps struggled in cold climates, today’s Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pumps (CCASHP) are a different story. They can maintain full efficiency down to –25°C, which makes them a reliable heating source for a large part of Alberta’s winter season.
Still, on the coldest days (below –25°C), your heat pump may not keep up on its own. That’s where your furnace takes over. A dual-fuel thermostat will automatically switch between electricity and gas depending on outdoor temperatures, ensuring efficiency and comfort.
The One Limitation (And the Simple Solution)
Heat pumps are limited by the size of the air conditioner needed for cooling. For example, a home that needs a 24,000 BTU air conditioner for summer might need a 60,000 BTU furnace to stay warm at –40°C. A heat pump that large would overcool the home in summer.
That’s why a hybrid setup is ideal. Your heat pump handles the heating when it’s –10°C to +15°C. When it gets colder, your gas furnace steps in to do the heavy lifting.
What to Expect on Cost
Heat pumps do cost more than a standard air conditioner. You can expect to pay $2,000 to $4,000 more for a heat pump installation. But that investment gives you dual functionality, long-term gas savings, and better control over your home’s energy use.
A Bonus for Summer Comfort
Because heat pumps run longer at lower speeds, they provide a more even and efficient cooling experience. For homeowners with two-storey homes, this means better airflow and a cooler second floor, especially when the sun is beating down.
Is a Heat Pump Right for Your Home?
| Home Type or Situation | Best Fit |
| You have ductwork and a gas furnace | Add a Napoleon heat pump with a dual-fuel thermostat |
| Older or smaller home with electric baseboards | Consider ductless or air-source heat pump options |
| Want to reduce gas use without giving up comfort | Hybrid system balances performance and cost |
Why Choose Ignite for Your Heat Pump Installation in Edmonton?
- Serving Edmonton and Sherwood Park since 2010
- Trusted Napoleon equipment and expert hybrid heating design
- Friendly, transparent service from quote to follow-up
- Emergency heat support available 24/7 for peace of mind
Ready to Upgrade Your HVAC System?
Contact the team at Ignite Heating & Air Conditioning to learn how a heat pump installation in Edmonton can increase comfort and reduce your energy use year-round.
➡️ Call today or book your free consultation online.
Related Articles
- Keep Your Cool with a Heat Pump this Summer!
- Stay Warm All Winter: The Importance of Annual Furnace Maintenance for Edmonton Homeowners
- 5 Reasons Home Owners Should Upgrade to a Heat Pump System.
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