Heat pumps are an efficient and eco-friendly heating and cooling solution for Canadian homeowners. With numerous brands available in the market, it can be challenging to determine the best heat pump options, especially if you’re unfamiliar with what a heat pump is and how it can help you save money.
There are different styles of energy efficient heat pump, including geothermal heat pumps and air source heat pumps. Determining the particular heat pump for you will come down to budget, whether you have existing ductwork, and your frequency of use.
In this article, we will highlight some of the best heat pump brands in Canada for 2023, considering factors such as energy efficiency, comfort, longevity, and noise levels. We will also explore the availability of rebates, including the Canada Greener Homes Grant and Loan, to help homeowners make informed decisions.
Table of Contents
Best Heat Pump for Cold Climates
Mitsubishi Zuba Single Plus Heat Pump
The Mitsubishi Zuba will keep your house warm when the temperature really drops. Featuring Hyper-Heat Inverter Technology, the Zuba was designed specifically for the Canadian market. It has enough heating power to keep up even when it’s -30°C outside. It also keeps your home cool in the summer.
The Zuba cold climate heat pump is extremely energy-efficient with an HSPF of up to 12.5 and a SEER of up to 33.1, lowering your carbon footprint and your monthly heating costs. It also has advanced filtration to improve your indoor air quality. It’s backed by a 12-year limited warranty and comes from a trusted brand with a reputation for durability.
Best Heat Pumps for Affordability
If you’re looking for an efficient heat pump model that won’t break the bank, here are two models we recommend.
Trane XR16 Heat Pump
The Trane XR16 delivers quality and performance at an affordable price. This is a simple, no-frills, but effective heat pump. The XR16 has a single-stage compressor that provides consistent heating. It has an HSPF2 of up to 8.1 and a SEER2 of up to 16.2, helping you save money. It also operates whisper quiet, keeping your home warm in the winter and cool all summer long.
The XR16 is backed by Trane’s trusted reputation for durability and high quality, as well as a 10-year limited warranty. It’s a solid choice for Canadian homeowners at a good price.
Napoleon NS18 Central Heat Pump
The Canadian-made Napoleon NS18 is designed for Canada’s climate. It delivers very energy-efficient heating at an affordable price. Designed with built-in noise reduction technology, this new heat pump is known for its quiet operation. It also has a sleek design that fits well in modern homes.
The NS18 has a HSPF of up to 10.5 and a SEER of up to 18. It’s a solid, durable, and cost-effective option for homeowners, keeping you warm in winter and cool when it’s hot out. It also comes with a 10-year limited warranty, giving you peace of mind.
Best Heat Pump Brands
Trane
Trane is renowned for its reliable and high-performing air source heat pumps. They offer a wide range of models with excellent energy efficiency ratings, advanced features, and a reputation for durability. Trane heat pumps provide consistent comfort and are known for their quiet operation.
Trane’s modern heat pumps come with impressive SEER ratings of up to 21, and HSPF ratings of up to 12, which helps reduce energy costs and carbon footprint.
Goodman
Goodman is a budget-friendly heat pump brand that doesn’t compromise on quality. They offer reliable and efficient heat pumps that come with industry-leading warranties. Goodman heat pumps are known for their durability and excellent performance.
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi is a trusted brand that specializes in ductless heat pump systems. Their units are known for their superior energy efficiency, precise temperature control, and quiet operation. Mitsubishi heat pumps are highly regarded for their reliability and long lifespan.
With patented Cold Climate Hyper-Heat technology, the Zuba line from Mitsubishi Electric offers you year-round, efficient heating and cooling. The line offers both mini split heat pumps and a single heat pump system (ideal for older homes without ductwork).
Napoleon
Napoleon is a Canadian brand that manufactures a wide range of cold climate heat pumps suitable for Canadian weather. They offer efficient and innovative models with features like variable speed compressors and smart control options. Napoleon has one of the most efficient heat pump styles and delivers consistent comfort.
Bryant
Bryant is a well-established brand known for its reliable and high-quality heat pumps. They offer a variety of models with excellent energy efficiency ratings and advanced features. A Bryant heat pump provides reliable performance and efficiency, ensuring comfortable indoor environments.
Daikin
Daikin is a global leader in HVAC solutions and offers a comprehensive lineup of heat pumps. They are known for their energy-efficient models, advanced technology, and precise temperature control. Daikin heat pumps are designed for optimal comfort and long-lasting performance.
RunTru
RunTru, a brand under the Trane umbrella, provides reliable and affordable heat pump options. They offer a range of models with efficient performance and durable construction. RunTru heat pumps deliver consistent comfort and are suitable for homeowners on a budget.
What Determines the Best Heat Pump Brands?
Energy Efficiency
The best heat pump brand will prioritize energy efficiency, helping homeowners reduce their energy consumption and save on utility bills. Look for models with high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) ratings for maximum efficiency. The heating and cooling output of an Energy Star-certified heat pump will also be a deciding factor, since a more efficient heat pump unit will bring you energy savings.
Comfort
Top heat pump brands offer features that enhance comfort, such as variable-speed compressors, multiple operational modes, and smart thermostats. These features ensure precise temperature control and consistent airflow for year-round comfort. The best heat pumps should provide reliable, energy efficient heating and cooling no matter what time of year it is.
If you’ve been debating whether you want to use a gas furnace or an air source heat pump, check out our guide on the differences between the two heating systems here. Similarly, because a heat pump can produce hot or cold air, it can also be used in place of air conditioning. Check out our article on the pros and cons of heat pumps vs. air conditioners.
Longevity
Durability and longevity are essential factors to consider when selecting a heat pump. Look for brands with a reputation for manufacturing reliable and long-lasting units, backed by comprehensive warranties.
Noise Levels
Quiet operation is crucial, especially for homeowners who value peace and serenity. The best heat pump brands invest in sound-dampening technology and design their units to minimize operational noise.
Types of Heat Pump Models
Choosing the right type of heat pump depends on your home’s heating and ventilation setup and your family’s heating and cooling needs. Here’s a breakdown of the types available:
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps are the most common type of heat pump in Canada. They work by transferring heat indoors from the outside air, even when it’s cold out. They use a refrigerant to absorb outdoor heat and then compress it to increase its temperature. The warmed refrigerant then releases the heat into the indoor air through a coil and fan system.
This process reverses in summer, helping to cool your home. Air source heat pumps are easier to install and are a good choice for homes in moderate climates and colder climates.
Geothermal Heat Pumps
Geothermal or ground-source heat pumps bring up heat from the earth and transfer it to the home using pipes and a water-antifreeze mix. They are highly energy-efficient but a system of pipes must be buried underground. They do have a higher upfront cost, but can save money in the long term.
Water Source Heat Pumps
Water source heat pumps work by absorbing heat from a nearby water source, such as a lake or pond, and transferring it to your home. These pumps also use a system of pipes and water-antifreeze mix. They are highly efficient but they need a water source close by.
What Is a SEER Rating?
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures a heat pump’s cooling efficiency in summer. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy-efficient the heat pump is while cooling a home. A SEER rating of 14 or higher is considered efficient. Some very efficient heat pump models can have SEER ratings of up to 20 or higher.
What Is HSFR?
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) measures a heat pump’s heating efficiency in winter. The higher the HSPF rating, the more energy-efficient the heat pump is while heating a home. An HSPF of 8 is considered efficient, while some high-performance models can get up to 10.
With numerous brands available in the market, it can be challenging to determine the best heat pump options, especially if you’re unfamiliar with what a heat pump is and how it can help you save money.
Are There Heat Pump Rebates?
Canada Greener Homes Grant + Loan
The Canada Greener Homes Grant + Loan program provides financial incentives for homeowners to make energy-efficient upgrades, including heat pump installations. Eligible homeowners can receive grants to cover a portion of the eligible retrofit costs and may also have access to loans for additional financial assistance.
Call Dr HVAC For Heat Pump Installation
Start saving real money on your energy bill today! We are here to assist you in transitioning to the ideal heat pump heating system for your home, tailored to meet your heating and cooling requirements. Before commencing any work, we will provide you with a comprehensive quote for your heat pump installation.
Our team of experts can also guide you in integrating your current heating and cooling systems, including ductless heat pump systems and baseboard heaters. Let us help you determine the most efficient heat pump solution for your home’s heating needs.
CALL
BOOK