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Heat pumps have been rapidly growing in popularity here on Vancouver Island for a variety of reasons—heat pumps are incredibly efficient, environmentally clean, and offer remarkably stable temperature regulation.

For homeowners and business operators interested in reducing their energy costs and their carbon footprint, heat pumps are a great option. These units are our specialty, so we’ve had the pleasure of assisting countless individuals from Sidney to Sooke save up to 50% on their energy costs.

In today’s post, we’ll be taking a look at how heat pumps work compared to traditional heating and cooling systems and why they’re so efficient. We’ll also dig a little deeper into the different kinds so that you can make an informed decision for your home or business.

Different Kinds and How to Choose Which is Best For You

There are two primary kinds of heat pumps: air-source and ground source. At Coastal Heat Pumps we exclusively install air source heat pumps because our climate is too mild for ground source heat pumps. In addition ground source heat pumps are generally more expensive and not as efficient in our warmer climate.

Air source extract the heat from the ambient air outside and move it indoors. This heat extraction process works even when the air outside is cold. At very low temperatures, the backup heating system might have to kick in. Some of today’s new equipment is efficient up to temperatures as cold as – 20C, and does not require an auxiliary heat source. This means that an air source heat pump is an efficient way to provide comfort in fluctuating temperatures.

Ground source extract the earth’s temperature to draw both hot and cold from the ground. A liquid circulates through a piping loop and interchanges the hot or cold temperatures from a building to the ground. This is possible because the temperature underground remains very consistent regardless what time of year it is or the conditions on the surface are. Ground source heat pumps have a higher installation cost than air source heat pumps, but can be more energy efficient in colder climates (for example, Calgary, Winnipeg, and Prince George).

Types of Air Source Heat Pumps

Deciding on what type of heat pump is right for you may depend on the type of ductwork that you have. Knowing if you have existing ducts, are interested in installing ducts, or are wanting to seek ductless options, will help narrow down weather a conventional ducted air source heat pump or a ductless mini-split  is right for you.

Conventional air source systems contain one outdoor unit that feeds air through ductwork to an indoor air handler, whereas the mini-split (also referred to as a ductless heat pump) offers homeowners an economical solution without having to install ducts. Both systems provide exceptional heating and cooling, however the conventional system does not allow for comfort zones, meaning you set one temperature for your whole house. With a mini-split you can achieve a cozy living room, and a cool bedroom for an all-round home comfort.

Fujitsu and Carrier: The Heat Pump Industry Leaders

Coastal Heat Pumps offers units from the most respected brands in the heat pump industry, like Fujitsu, and Carrier. Depending on your specific needs and goals, we can help you decide which is best for your unique situation.

For example, Fujitsu heat pumps are among the most efficient mini-split systems in the world. A mini-split system is typically added to an already-existing ductless heat system. If you’re expanding your home or business, or otherwise in a situation where expanding duct work would be difficult or impossible, a mini-split like the ones from Fujitsu might be the solution.

Carrier heat pumps are known for the high efficiency variable-speed technology. Thanks to low fan speeds, unwanted noise and energy expenditure can be minimized. Carrier heat pumps also offer greater humidity control than competing models for total control over home or business comfort.

Interested in Learning More About the Benefits?

If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of owning a modern heat pump system, we encourage you to contact us online or at (250) 656-6868 to book an obligation-free in-home (or virtual) estimate. You’ll be so glad you did—and so will your pocketbook. We look forward to serving you!