More British Columbians looking to install electric heat pumps as a greener way to save money in the long-term while heating and cooling their homes – one contractor says it’s getting harder to keep up with demand .
In provinces like British Columbia that rely heavily on hydropower, heat pumps use electricity and refrigerant to transfer heat from the outside to the inside, and vice versa, and are a more environmentally friendly heating option than natural gas, propane or oil, Cheriex said.
According to BC Hydro, in warm weather, heat pumps can be up to 50% more energy efficient than typical window air conditioning units.
The average cost to buy and install them is $8,000 and $16,000, but provincial rebates may be available depending on the building project and existing heat sources, Cheriex said.
Frequently asked questions about heat pumps from Cheriex include cost, longevity, noise and cold-weather effectiveness.
Heat pumps should have a lifespan in the 20-year range, Cheriex said, while some newer units have major components with warranties between 10 and 12 years.
While some older units can be loud, “newer things are getting quieter, some as low as 50 decibels, basically as loud as a dishwasher.”
As for cold weather, Cheriex says the cold climate heat pump in his Vancouver Island home works at -15 degrees Celsius, and an auxiliary heating kit is available for cold climates.
In terms of cost, it can take a homeowner about a decade to recoup the price of a heat pump with the savings from not using fossil fuels.
“But if you get a rebate…it will take less time to get your money back,” Cherex said.
City Green executive director Peter Sundberg said those interested in installing a heat pump could end up on a waiting list.During this time, homeowners can focus on upgrading insulation and windows to make their homes more energy efficient, he said.
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