Heat Pump Buyer’s Guide 2025

This guide will walk you through the essentials—from heat pump costs and sizing to rebates and maintenance—so you can feel confident about your next upgrade and choose the best system for your home and climate.

Get a Free Quote Now!1-866-234-8200

Get Your Free Quote Now

How Can We Help?

Heat Pump Buyer’s Guide for Kitchener–Waterloo Homeowners

When it comes to home comfort in Kitchener–Waterloo, especially with Ontario’s ever-changing seasons, more homeowners are turning to heat pumps as an energy-efficient and eco-conscious solution.

Whether you’re replacing an outdated system or exploring greener alternatives, Aire One Heating & Cooling is here to help you find the best option based on your needs

Schedule Service

Heat Pump Buyer’s Guide

What Is a Heat Pump and How Does It Work?

an all-in-one HVAC system

Diving into our Heat Pump Buyer’s Guide, you need to know what a heat pump actually is. A heat pump is an all-in-one HVAC system that heats your home in the winter and cools it in the summer by transferring heat rather than generating it. It uses electricity to move heat from one place to another — either from outside to inside during winter or the reverse during summer.

This transfer of heat instead of generating it means heat pumps consume far less energy than traditional heating systems like furnaces or electric heaters. Heat pumps rely on electricity, but since they move heat instead of producing it, they offer significant savings on your energy bills while providing year-round comfort.

If you’re wondering whether a heat pump fits your home, lifestyle, or budget, consulting with a licensed HVAC professional can clarify your options. At Aire One Heating & Cooling Kitchener-Waterloo, our experienced technicians can assess your home’s needs and guide you toward the most effective and affordable solution.

Different Types of Heat Pumps: Find the Best Fit for Your Ontario Home

Heat pumps come in a few different types, and each one works better in certain homes or situations. If you understand how they differ, it will be much easier to figure out which one makes the most sense for your space, your budget, and how you like to heat or cool your home.

Air Source Heat Pumps – A Popular Choice for Many Homes

These are the most common type of heat pump found in homes across Canada. They work by moving heat between your house and the outdoor air. Thanks to new cold-climate models, they can keep working well even when it is freezing outside.

Air source heat pumps cost less to install than geothermal systems and are a great option if your home already has ductwork, or if you’re open to using a ductless setup. They are especially effective in homes that are well insulated.

Ground Source (Geothermal) Heat Pumps – Top-Tier Efficiency

Geothermal heat pumps take advantage of the steady temperature underground by sending fluid through pipes buried beneath your yard. This system offers reliable heating and cooling all year long. The upfront cost is higher because it involves digging and laying those underground pipes. But over time, geothermal systems can save you more money in energy bills and are one of the most eco-friendly heating options out there.

If you have enough outdoor space and room in your budget, a geothermal system can be a smart, long-term investment that benefits both your wallet and the environment.

Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps – Flexible and Room-by-Room Comfort

Don’t have ductwork in your home? Or maybe you just want to control the temperature in certain rooms? Ductless mini-splits could be a great option. These systems use small units mounted on your walls that connect to a unit outside. Installation is easier and less invasive than traditional systems. Plus, they let you control the temperature in each area of your home separately, which can help cut energy use in rooms you don’t always use.

Mini-splits are great for homes without central systems, or for cooling and heating additions, basements, or spaces like home offices and guest rooms. They also work well in apartments or older houses that were never built with central HVAC in mind.

Central Heat Pumps – Use the Ducts You Already Have

Central heat pumps are designed to take the place of both your furnace and your air conditioner. They work through your existing duct system to heat and cool your whole home.

If your house already has ductwork in good condition, a central heat pump can be an efficient way to upgrade to a cleaner, more energy-saving system. To get the most out of it, your ducts must be well-sealed and properly insulated. Our Aire One Heating & Cooling Kitchener-Waterloo team can inspect your ducts and make sure everything’s working smoothly when we install your new system.

Schedule Service 1-866-234-8200

Not Sure How to Choose?

Not sure which heat pump is best for you? Don’t worry—our Aire One Heating & Cooling Kitchener-Waterloo local experts will review the design of your home, energy needs, and budget to decide on the best system for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

schedule service

Right Size Heat Pump

Why Getting the Right Size Heat Pump Matters?

Choosing the right size heat pump is something a lot of homeowners in Kitchener–Waterloo get wrong—and it’s more important than you might think. If your system is too small, it’ll run almost constantly but still struggle to properly heat or cool your home. That leads to higher energy bills and faster wear and tear on the system.

On the flip side, an oversized heat pump tends to turn on and off too frequently (known as short-cycling), which not only wastes energy but can also put extra stress on the components.

Schedule Service 1-866-234-8200

Right Size Heat Pump

What Affects Heat Pump Sizing?

There’s more to sizing than just square footage. Several important factors come into play.

Square Footage

While the total area of your home gives a general idea of what size you need, it’s far from the only consideration. A small home with poor insulation might need a more powerful system than a larger, better-insulated one.

Insulation

Good insulation in your walls and ceiling keeps the conditioned air inside and the outdoor temperature out. Better insulation can reduce the size of the heat pump required, saving you money both upfront and over time.

Windows

The number of windows, their direction (north-facing vs. south-facing), and whether they’re single or double-pane all affect how much heat your home gains in summer and loses in winter.

Ceiling Height and Open Layouts

High ceilings and open floor plans may look great, but they often require more energy to heat or cool. That’s something your HVAC technician will factor into the final sizing.

Climate Conditions

Kitchener–Waterloo is known for its cold, extended winters. Local weather patterns must be considered to make sure your system can handle the demand when temperatures drop. That’s why it’s so important to talk to a trusted local team.

If you need advice and support from your local experts, Aire One Heating & Cooling is here to help you make the right choice for your home in Kitchener-Waterloo.

heat pump sizing

Understanding Manual J Calculations

calculate your home’s exact heating and cooling needs

Manual J is the industry-standard method HVAC professionals use to calculate your home’s exact heating and cooling needs. The chart below offers a rough idea of heat pump sizing based on square footage—but think of it as just a basic heat pump buying guide. Since every home is different, it’s always best to consult a professional for an assessment tailored specifically to your space.

Home Size (sq. ft.)	Estimated BTU Requirement
800–1,200	12,000–24,000 BTU
1,200–1,800	18,000–36,000 BTU
1,800–2,500	24,000–48,000 BTU
2,500–3,500	36,000–60,000 BTU

Contact Aire One Heating & Cooling Kitchener-Waterloo for a precise Manual J assessment tailored to your home.

performance measures

Energy Efficiency Ratings: SEER and HSPF

When you’re shopping for a heat pump in Kitchener–Waterloo, you’ll notice ratings like SEER and HSPF listed in the specs. These are performance measures that tell you how efficient your system is, both in summer and winter.

What Is SEER?

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures how efficiently the heat pump cools your home in the summer. The higher the SEER, the better the cooling efficiency. For most homes in Ontario, a SEER of 16 or higher is a solid benchmark for energy savings.

What Is HSPF?

HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) measures how efficiently the heat pump heats your home in winter. Since Kitchener–Waterloo winters can be harsh, you’ll want a unit with an HSPF of at least 8.5 to keep things cozy without driving up your electricity bill.

What About ENERGY STAR?

Many high-efficiency heat pumps also carry the ENERGY STAR label, which means they meet or exceed national standards for energy efficiency. These units often use more eco-friendly refrigerants like R-410A, and some newer models are adopting even greener options like R-32 or R-454B—a smart choice if you’re concerned about your home’s environmental impact.

If all these numbers seem confusing, you’re not alone. At Aire One Heating & Cooling, we take the time to explain every feature in plain language, so you understand exactly what you’re investing in. We’ll help you find the balance between upfront cost, long-term savings, and consistent indoor comfort.

Cold Climate Heat Pumps

Are Cold Climate Heat Pumps Really Needed for Ontario Winters?

A few years ago, heat pumps weren’t the go-to option for handling harsh Canadian winters. But things have changed. With new and improved technology, cold climate heat pumps (CCHPs) are now a solid and reliable choice for homes in Kitchener–Waterloo.

What makes them different?

CCHPs are built to handle colder weather. They use variable-speed compressors, smart defrost cycles, and often include backup heat from electric resistance or dual-fuel systems. These upgrades help the system work smoothly, even when it’s freezing outside.

In short, they keep your home warm without needing old-school fossil fuel heating or high-cost electric baseboard heaters. That means you could lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint—a win-win. if you’re thinking about making your home more efficient and prepared for the future, installing a cold climate heat pump with help from a trusted local team like Aire One Heating & Cooling Kitchener-Waterloo is a smart move.

Rebates & Offers

Heat Pump Rebates and Incentives in Ontario

What to Know About Heat Pump Rebates and Incentives in Ontario

Installing a heat pump can be a big investment. But here’s the good news: there are several rebates and incentives out there that can take some of the pressure off your budget.

One of these rebates is the Canada Greener Homes Grant which is still open. That means if you’re a homeowner in Kitchener–Waterloo, you can still take advantage of the government’s offer to cover part of the costs—up to $5,000—for improvements like installing an ENERGY STAR® heat pump, adding insulation, sealing air leaks, or upgrading your windows and doors.

But here’s the important part: while the grant is technically still open, the deadline to complete your retrofit is December 31, 2025. That might sound far off, but considering the time needed for energy audits, paperwork, and installation, it’s not something you want to leave to the last minute.

Here’s what’s usually required to qualify for these rebates:

A home energy assessment or audit done by a certified pro

Installation by a licensed and experienced HVAC contractor

A system that’s ENERGY STAR® certified and meets the required efficiency standards

Not sure which rebates you might qualify for? Reach out to our team, and we will help you to figure it out.

best heat pump installation in Kitchener-Waterloo

What Happens During a Heat Pump Installation?

If you’re thinking about installing a heat pump in your Kitchener–Waterloo home, it’s not just about picking the right model—it’s also about getting it installed the right way. Here’s what you can expect when our team handles the job:

Proper Consultation

We start with a proper consultation. That means visiting your home and taking the time to understand your heating and cooling needs—no guessing. We use precise Manual J calculations to make sure your heat pump is sized correctly. You’ll get clear info up front. We walk you through your options, pricing, and the installation timeline, so you’re not left wondering about the next step.

Professional Installation

Then comes the install itself. Our certified technicians handle everything, whether you’re going with a ducted or ductless unit. We’ll connect the system, fine-tune the smart thermostat, and test everything to make sure it runs safely and efficiently. Before we leave, we clean up and walk you through your new system. You’ll know exactly how to use your heat pump—and how to get the most out of it.

Follow Up and Maintenance

We also follow up. If you have questions after installation or notice anything off, we’re just a call away.

Heat Pump Maintenance

Keeping Your Heat Pump in Top Shape: Quick Maintenance Tips

Just like any other HVAC system, your heat pump needs a little care to keep running smoothly year-round. Here’s how to help it last:

Change or clean your filters

You usually have to change them every 1–3 months, but it depends more on how much you’re using them, and how clean your indoor air is.

Clear around the outdoor unit

Snow, leaves, and debris can block airflow and hurt performance.

Book a yearly tune-up

Let a professional check refrigerant levels, test electrical connections, clean internal parts, and make sure your thermostat’s working as it should.

Pay attention to warning signs

Weird noises, weak airflow, or temperature issues? Call and check before it turns into a big problem.

Schedule Service 1-866-234-8200

Heat Pumps in Kitchener-Waterloo

Why Partner with Aire One Heating & Cooling

For over three decades, Aire One Heating & Cooling Kitchener-Waterloo has been proud to serve the Kitchener–Waterloo community, helping homeowners navigate energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions.

Ready to find your perfect heat pump? Call our HVAC services and book a consultation with the pros at Aire One Heating & Cooling Kitchener–Waterloo. We are ready to guide you every step of the way — from quote to install to rebate and maintenance.

Schedule Service 1-866-234-8200

Help Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Need HVAC help in Kitchener-Waterloo? Call our trusted local HVAC company now!

At Aire One KW, we can help with buying a new heat pump, installation, maintenance, or repair whenever you need us.

Schedule Service 1-866-234-8200

What types of heat pumps are available for homes in Kitchener–Waterloo?

The most common ones are air-source heat pumps, which pull heat from the air, and ductless mini-split systems for homes without ductwork. A pro can help you choose what fits your home best.

Is a bigger heat pump always better?

Not really. Bigger isn’t always better—it needs to match your home’s needs. An oversized unit might short-cycle and waste energy, while one that’s too small may struggle to keep you warm or cool.

How do I know what size heat pump is right for me?

The most reliable way is to have a local expert, like Aire One Heating & Cooling, do a Manual J assessment. They’ll look at all the details of your home and recommend the right fit.

Can’t I just use the square footage to pick a heat pump size?

You can get a rough estimate by looking at square footage, but it might not always be accurate. Things like insulation, windows, layout, and even the local Kitchener–Waterloo climate affect what your home really needs.