Buckle up: Toronto may be getting a hotter and dryer summer than usual. Before you decide to turn up your air conditioner, why not consider a different way to cool your home?
A heat pump is an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to the traditional air conditioner or furnace. Offering the best of both worlds, a heat pump will provide warm air in the colder seasons and provide crisp, cool air during the hot summer.
In addition to reducing energy consumption, utility bills, and your home’s carbon footprint, a heat pump can also improve your indoor air quality. New high-efficiency models work as a dehumidifier and can operate at maximum levels during intense heat waves.
Heat Pumps: Cool Your Toronto Home
Heat pump installation in Toronto has been on the rise, especially with municipal, provincial, and federal governments offering incentives to switch to the energy-efficient system. While the name implies that they are solely heating devices, these units are designed to withdraw the heat from the home while transferring cool air throughout the room.
Similar to an air conditioner, a heat pump can efficiently and effectively cool a home even during one of Toronto’s infamous heat waves. Not only does a heat pump require less energy but it also dehumidifies at the same time.
The best part? The City of Toronto offers a Home Energy Loan Program (HELP), which provides up to $125,000 in low-interest loans to help cover the cost of home energy improvements, including heat pump installation. Homeowners can also apply for the federal Canada Greener Homes Grant for up to $5,000 to switch to a heat pump.
Note that both application processes involve a pre- and a post-work home energy assessment.
Benefits of Heat Pumps for Toronto Homes
Below are some of the benefits of installing a heat pump in your Toronto home:
- Lower Cooling Costs: Traditional cooling systems use excessive energy and some require the use of high-cost fossil fuels to operate. Heat pumps use low amounts of electricity to transfer the hot and cold air. In addition, the cost of installing a heat pump can be offset by commercial and government rebate programs.
- Year-Round Comfort: For maximum efficiency in hot climates and during the cold winter months in Toronto, regular maintenance is recommended. Having year-round comfort from one appliance helps to lower energy consumption and associated costs without needing to raise the thermostat.
- Breathe Easier: Fossil fuel by-products from residential, commercial, and industrial uses contribute to poor air quality in the city. Using a heat pump to cool your home can improve the quality of your indoor air. The outcome is a reduced risk of allergies and respiratory issues.
- Go Green: More homes are moving to a sustainable cooling system that doesn’t require fossil fuels for operation. Heat pumps are designed to use less energy for maximum comfort while relying on electricity that produces lower carbon emissions.
Optimizing Your Toronto Heat Pump
Heat pumps have distinct features and automated aspects that make heating and cooling your home more efficient. These units can be pre-set to respond to the current outdoor temperature so that your home is always comfortable.
Below are some ways you optimize your heat pump in Toronto.
Consider the Humidity Levels
The ideal humidity levels in a home range between 30% and 50%. High humidity levels can promote mould growth and lead to health issues such as fatigue, cramping, dehydration, and allergies. Heat pumps have a “dry mode” that provides a dehumidifying effect throughout the home to increase comfort, cool the home, and purify the air.
Ensure Proper Installation and Sizing
As heat pump units vary in size and operational capacity, choosing the proper size based on your needs is crucial for optimal performance. If the unit is too big, it will not work as efficiently, meanwhile, a unit that is too small will require more energy to cool the room. Having a professional HVAC technician assess your home and install the right heat pump will ensure you and your family have cool air in the summer and heat in the winter.
Schedule Maintenance and Upkeep
Regular maintenance of all the components helps to maximize efficiency, keep costs down, and extend the lifespan of the unit. The strain of continuous usage during the hot summer months can cause breakdowns and wear and tear of components. During a maintenance check-up, a technician will clean and change the filters, inspect the unit for blockages, monitor the airflow, and test all components.
Bonus Tip: Maximize Airflow
In addition to scheduling regular inspections and maintenance for your heat pump, ensure that there are no obstructions for optimal airflow. Move furnishings and window treatments away from the interior portion of the unit and trim bushes and trees near the outdoor unit.
Consult with the HVAC Experts at Econoair Heating & Cooling to Find a Solution for Your Home
Prepare your home with a heat pump installation in Toronto. At Econoair Heating & Cooling Inc., we are a team of Comfort Consultants who are ready to help you enjoy the cool winters and hot summers southern Ontario offers.
We provide a 100% guarantee, as well as 24/7 emergency repair services. Our certified technicians provide excellent customer service with professional care to ensure you have peace of mind with your HVAC system. Contact us at (905) 763-2400 or use our online form to schedule a free in-home consultation.
