Extreme heat kills more people in Canada and the United States each year than any other extreme weather events At the same time, climate change is resulting in more frequent and severe heat waves, making more days unbearably hot for many, and deadly for some.
While 2023 smashed records for the hottest year on record, “2024 could rival 2023 for being the hottest year on record, which is very scary,” according to Chloe Brimicombe, a heatwave researcher at the University of Graz.
Being prepared ahead of time with strategies and solutions to stay cool can make all the difference when it comes to staying comfortable and safe. There are many options you can consider depending on your budget and where you live, but one stands out above the rest for our health, our wallets, and our planet: heat pumps.
Despite the name, these electric appliances are great at cooling. According to Mike Nowotniak, owner of heat pump installation company Method Air, “What I hear most from former heat pump clients is that their homes are cooler, more comfortable, and they’re getting a better night’s sleep.”
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How heat pumps work for cooling
Heat pumps are an all-in-one solution that can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
At the most basic level, heat pumps use electricity to move hot air from one place to another depending on where it’s needed. In winter, it draws heat inside while in summer it pushes the warm air out.
A more technical description involves an indoor and outdoor component, fans, coils, and refrigerant working in an ongoing cycle as shown in the image below.
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Things to consider when making the switch
As climate change continues to drive extreme heat events, more places will require some form of air conditioning. When making the decision on what kind to use, top of mind for many people is the price tag. Depending on which option you choose, your initial costs will vary.
Portable air conditioners have lower upfront costs, for example, while the cost of installing a heat pump can vary widely – depending on factors like what kind of heat pump you’re installing, the climate you live in and how many units your home needs – but will be in the thousands.
However when you look at affordability over time, heat pumps emerge as the better option. Not only do they replace three appliances (furnace, air conditioner, and dehumidifier) for the price of one, but they’re also much more efficient.
While portable air conditioners are often unable to run efficiently when outdoor temperatures spike, heat pumps deliver the same (very high) efficiency cooling no matter what the temperature difference is between inside and outside.
Higher efficiency means lower monthly electric bills and energy costs, making heat pumps more affordable in the long run than air conditioners. “You’re definitely going to save money on your energy bills with a heat pump” says Nowotniak.
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Rebates and incentives
Governments in both Canada and the US offer incentives to help offset some of the financial load.
In the US, the Inflation Reduction Act provides a 30% tax credit for the cost of a heat pump, with additional discounts and rebates for lower income households. You can use this calculator from Rewiring America to figure out how much you may qualify for.
In Canada, The Canada Greener Homes Loan and the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program are resources that you can consider – and this week’s federal budget includes funding for new rebates for low- and middle-income households that are expected to be available a year from now.
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Ask an expert if a heat pump is right for you
To help you make the decision about whether a heat pump is the right cooling system for your home, we’re offering a free webinar with Mike Nowotniak of heat pump installation company and my Climate Plan solutions partner Method Air.
In a 45-minute session on April 24 called Cooling Your Home with Heat Pumps, Mike will explain the basics of what you need to know about heat pumps, and answer any questions you may have.
Follow the link below to learn more and register.
Cooling Your Home with Heat Pumps