Question 1

What is a heat pump and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

A heat pump is an energy-efficient heating and cooling system that transfers heat rather than generating it. In winter, it extracts heat from outside air (even in cold temperatures) and moves it indoors. In summer, it reverses the process to cool your home. This makes heat pumps 2-4 times more efficient than traditional heating systems.

Question 2

Can heat pumps work in Vancouver's climate?

Accepted Answer

Modern cold-climate heat pumps work efficiently even in temperatures as low as -25°C to -30°C. Vancouver's mild winters (typically 0°C to 10°C) are ideal for heat pumps. They provide excellent performance year-round and significantly reduce energy costs compared to electric baseboard or gas furnaces.

Question 3

What types of heat pumps are available?

Accepted Answer

We install three main types: Air-source heat pumps (whole-home systems that use ductwork), Ductless mini-splits (wall-mounted units for individual rooms or zones), and Ground-source/Geothermal heat pumps (use underground temperature for maximum efficiency). The best choice depends on your home's layout, existing infrastructure, and heating needs.

Question 4

How much can I save with a heat pump?

Accepted Answer

Homeowners in Metro Vancouver typically save 30-50% on heating costs compared to electric baseboard heating, and 20-40% compared to gas furnaces. The exact savings depend on your current system, home size, insulation, and usage patterns. Our rebate calculator can provide a personalized estimate for your situation.

Question 5

How much does heat pump installation cost?

Accepted Answer

Installation costs vary based on system type and size: Ductless mini-splits: $3,000-$8,000 for single-zone, $8,000-$18,000 for multi-zone. Central air-source heat pumps: $8,000-$15,000. Ground-source systems: $20,000-$40,000. These costs are BEFORE rebates, which can reduce your out-of-pocket expense by $6,000-$16,000 or more.

Question 6

What rebates are available in BC?

Accepted Answer

BC residents can access multiple rebate programs: FortisBC offers up to $6,000 for air-source and $12,000 for ground-source heat pumps. BC Hydro provides up to $4,000 for heat pump upgrades. CleanBC Better Homes offers up to $10,000 (income-qualified). Canada Greener Homes Grant provides up to $5,000. Total rebates can exceed $16,000 depending on eligibility.

Question 7

How long does installation take?

Accepted Answer

Installation timelines vary by system: Ductless mini-splits typically take 1-2 days for single-zone, 2-3 days for multi-zone. Central heat pump systems take 2-4 days if ductwork exists, 1-2 weeks if new ductwork is needed. Ground-source systems take 1-2 weeks including ground loop installation. We provide a detailed timeline during your consultation.

Question 8

Do I need to replace my existing heating system?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Heat pumps can work as your primary heating system or complement your existing furnace in a hybrid setup. Many homeowners keep their gas furnace as backup for extremely cold days while using the heat pump for 90-95% of the heating season. This provides energy savings while maintaining reliability.

Question 9

How do I qualify for BC heat pump rebates?

Accepted Answer

To qualify: Your home must be your primary residence in BC. For FortisBC rebates, you must be a FortisBC customer. For BC Hydro, you must be a BC Hydro customer. For income-qualified rebates, you must meet household income thresholds. Equipment must meet minimum efficiency standards (typically HSPF2 ≥ 9.0 or SEER2 ≥ 16.0). Professional installation by a qualified contractor is required. We help you navigate all requirements.

Question 10

Can rebates be combined?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Many BC rebate programs can be stacked. For example, you can combine FortisBC's $6,000 rebate with the Canada Greener Homes Grant of $5,000, potentially receiving $11,000+ in total rebates. Income-qualified homeowners may access additional CleanBC Better Homes funding. We help identify all eligible programs and manage the application process.

Question 11

Do you offer financing options?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer flexible financing options including 0% APR financing for qualified customers, low monthly payments starting from $100-150/month, and programs with no payments for 6-12 months. Financing is available for installations with or without rebates. Contact us for current offers and to check your pre-qualification status.

Question 12

When do I receive my rebates?

Accepted Answer

Rebate processing times vary by program: FortisBC rebates typically process within 6-8 weeks after installation and application submission. BC Hydro rebates take 4-6 weeks. Canada Greener Homes Grant takes 8-12 weeks. CleanBC Better Homes processes within 8-10 weeks. We submit all paperwork on your behalf and follow up to ensure timely payment.

Question 13

How often do heat pumps need maintenance?

Accepted Answer

Heat pumps should be professionally serviced annually, ideally in early spring or fall before heavy use seasons. Routine maintenance includes cleaning/replacing filters monthly, clearing outdoor unit of debris, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting electrical connections, and testing system performance. Regular maintenance ensures efficiency, extends equipment life, and prevents costly breakdowns.

Question 14

What are common heat pump problems?

Accepted Answer

Common issues include inadequate heating/cooling (often due to improper sizing or low refrigerant), frozen outdoor unit in winter (usually from drainage issues), unusual noises (grinding, squealing indicate component wear), and higher energy bills (suggests efficiency loss). Most problems are preventable with regular maintenance. We offer 24/7 emergency repair service for urgent issues.

Question 15

How long do heat pumps last?

Accepted Answer

With proper maintenance, heat pumps typically last 15-20 years. Ductless mini-splits often last 20-25 years. Ground-source systems can last 25+ years (with ground loops lasting 50+ years). Factors affecting lifespan include quality of installation, regular maintenance, climate conditions, and usage patterns. We service all major brands to ensure maximum longevity.

Question 16

Do you offer emergency repair service?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We provide 24/7 emergency repair service throughout Metro Vancouver. Our technicians are available for urgent heating or cooling failures, refrigerant leaks, electrical issues, and system malfunctions. Emergency service includes same-day response for most calls, evening and weekend availability, and upfront pricing before repairs begin. Call (778) 747-0442 for immediate assistance.

Question 17

What brands do you install?

Accepted Answer

We install and service all major heat pump brands including Lennox, Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, Trane, Carrier, Goodman, Bosch, Navien, York, and Rheem. Each brand offers different features, efficiency ratings, and warranty coverage. Our technicians are factory-trained on multiple brands to provide expert installation and service regardless of your existing equipment.

Question 18

Which brand is the best?

Accepted Answer

The "best" brand depends on your specific needs, budget, and home characteristics. Premium brands like Mitsubishi, Daikin, and Lennox offer highest efficiency and advanced features. Mid-range brands like Trane, Carrier, and Bosch provide excellent value and reliability. Budget-friendly Goodman and Rheem offer solid performance at lower cost. We recommend the optimal brand and model for your situation during our free consultation.

Question 19

What warranties come with heat pumps?

Accepted Answer

Manufacturers typically provide 5-10 year parts warranties, with premium brands offering up to 12 years. Compressor warranties are often 10 years. Labor warranties are typically 1 year from the manufacturer. We also offer extended warranty options and service plans for additional protection. All warranties require professional installation and regular maintenance for validity.

Question 20

Can you service equipment you didn't install?

Accepted Answer

We service all heat pump brands regardless of who installed them. Our factory-trained technicians have expertise in diagnosing and repairing Lennox, Daikin, Mitsubishi, Trane, Carrier, Goodman, Bosch, Navien, York, Rheem, and other major brands. We also honor existing manufacturer warranties and can help with warranty claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Heat Pump Basics

Installation & Costs

Rebates & Financing

Maintenance & Service

Brands & Equipment

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