How do you match heat pump capacity with your home’s needs?
3 minutes reading
A heat pump provides a host of benefits: energy savings, lower power bills, greater comfort all year long. But how do you tell which size and model you need for your heating and cooling needs? Read on for tips to help make your choice.
Assess your heating and cooling needs
Before you buy, identify your heating and cooling needs. There are various factors you’ll need to consider, like the size of your home or condo and the local climate.
According to Natural Resources Canada, heating capacity is more important than cooling capacity. You should therefore choose a unit that can cover your heating needs without being oversized for your cooling needs.
Calculate the capacity you need
In Québec, as we well know, our need for heat generally outstrips our cooling needs. To avoid buying an overly powerful unit that’s less efficient as a dehumidifier in summer, you’re best off calculating the amount of BTU/h (British thermal units per hour) needed to cool your space. Keep in mind, too, that a heat pump will become less efficient as the outdoor temperature drops. So, trying to meet all of your heating needs with a heat pump wouldn’t be economical.
A good rule of thumb is to plan for a cooling capacity of approximately 12,000 BTU/h per 750 square feet of living space. However, different factors, including building type and geographic location, can affect this calculation.
Choose an appropriate model
- For a condo
Since the average condominium has a relatively small surface area, a heat pump of 12,000 to 24,000 BTU/h should cover your needs. For this situation, a wall‑mounted, ductless model is likely your best choice. - For a bungalow
A heat pump with a 24,000 to 48,000 BTU/h capacity is generally recommended for single‑story homes. Depending on your existing heating system, you can opt for a ducted or ductless model. When installing your unit, be sure to choose a spot where the air can circulate freely. - For a two-storey house
Two-story homes typically require a more powerful heat pump, i.e., a unit with a capacity of up to 65,000 BTU/h. If your home’s heating system is other than forced air, installing two mini‑split units, one per floor, would guarantee uniform heat distribution in addition to optimizing your energy savings.
Get financial assistance with the LogisVert Program
The LogisVert Efficient Homes Program offers up to $6,700 in financial assistance for the purchase of an efficient heat pump. The amount of funding you receive will depend on the power and the efficiency of your unit. For example, a hight‑efficiency unit with a 15,000‑BTU/h capacity at -8°C can qualify you for $1,800 in funding, while for a 30,000‑BTU/h capacity model, you could receive up to $3,600.
A heat pump that’s right for your needs is a smart choice on many levels: it guarantees your comfort, optimizes your energy use and is good for the environment.
