Are you considering a new heating system and contemplating the shift from a traditional furnace to a modern heat pump? The increasing popularity of heat pumps comes with compelling reasons and increased government incentives to make the switch to a warmer, more efficient home.
Let’s explore the dynamics of when it's beneficial to replace your furnace with a heat pump or integrate a heat pump into your existing furnace system.
Furnaces vs. Heat Pumps
Heat pumps stand as an energy-efficient solution, offering both heating and cooling for homes and businesses. Operating on the principle of transferring heat between indoor and outdoor spaces, they pull warmth from the outside air during winter and reverse the process to expel indoor heat in the summer, ensuring year-round comfort.
Furnaces rely on natural gas, oil, or propane combustion, which traditionally has been a reliable way of heating your home, but with rising fuel costs and carbon taxes, the cost of heating using this method alone has left people with sky-rocketing heating bills that they can’t afford. Luckily, for Nova Scotians, there are many incentives being offered by the government that will allow you to explore switching or adding a heat pump as an alternate heat source that is both environmentally friendly, and much easier on your wallet.
Choosing the Right Fit: Assessing Your Home
Embarking on your heating system journey starts with a Home Energy Assessment. Efficiency Nova Scotia's Home Energy Assessment program is an invaluable resource. This assessment not only provides insights into your energy usage patterns but also recommends tailored efficiency improvements. Kings Refrigeration & Air Conditioning is a Preferred Partner of Efficiency Nova Scotia and we will be here to help you fulfill their recommendations every step of the way and helping you assess which options would work best for your home is our specialty.
Rebates and Incentives Available
The federal government introduced the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program to help Canadians implement these energy-efficient systems. Recently, they announced they were doubling the incentive amount available to a whopping $10,000! In addition to this program, homeowners can also take advantage of the Canada Greener Homes Grant to secure even more funding. All programs are stackable, so it’s possible to access nearly $20,000 in rebates, making energy-efficient heating solutions accessible to everyone.
Approximately 70% of homes in Nova Scotia currently rely on oil heating, but the affordability of heat pump systems offers a feasible pathway. It not only facilitates the installation of more energy-efficient heating but also encourages overall home upgrades, including insulation and other rebates.
Assess if these programs are right for you by starting here, where we break down the various incentives available and help you walk through the process step by step. At Kings Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, we offer four certified Red Seal trades (HVAC-R, Electrical, Sheet Metal, and Plumbing) with extensive combined experience to ensure you get the best quality service and support at all times.