Is a Heat Pump Right for My London, ON Home? Pros, Cons, & Rebates

A heat pump is an all-in-one heating and cooling system that transfers heat rather than generating it. In summer, it works like an air conditioner — pulling heat from indoor air and moving it outside. In winter, it reverses the process — extracting heat from outdoor air (even in cold temperatures) and transferring it inside. For very cold days, many systems have a backup electric heating element or pair with a gas furnace (hybrid system).

Yes. Modern 'cold-climate' heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently at temperatures as low as -25°C to -30°C. While efficiency decreases in extreme cold, they still produce heat. For the few days below -25°C, most systems automatically switch to a backup heat source (electric or gas). A hybrid system (heat pump + gas furnace) is the best solution for London — heat pump for moderate temperatures (down to -10°C), gas furnace for extreme cold.

London homeowners can access: OHRSP (Ontario Home Renovation Savings Program) rebate up to $7,500 for qualifying cold-climate heat pumps; Canada Greener Homes Grant up to $5,000 for qualifying energy retrofits; Enbridge top-up rebates for hybrid systems. We handle all rebate paperwork for our customers — you don't need to figure it out alone. Many homeowners save thousands on heat pump installations.

Heat pump installation costs in London range from $5,000-$12,000 depending on the type, size, and efficiency. A standard 14-16 SEER heat pump (good for moderate climates) costs $5,000-$7,000. A cold-climate heat pump (rated to -25°C) costs $7,000-$10,000. A hybrid system (heat pump + gas furnace) costs $8,500-$12,000. After OHRSP rebate ($7,500), net cost can be as low as $2,500-$4,500.

Pros: 200-300% efficiency (vs 80-96% for gas furnaces); provides both heating and cooling; lower carbon footprint; OHRSP rebates up to $7,500; improved dehumidification in summer. Cons: higher upfront cost than gas furnace alone; efficiency drops in extreme cold below -25°C; requires annual maintenance; outdoor unit can be noisy in some models. Most London homeowners choose hybrid systems to get the best of both.

A hybrid system pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace. The heat pump handles heating in moderate temperatures (down to -10°C) — saving energy and money. When outdoor temperatures drop below -10°C, the system automatically switches to the gas furnace for efficient heating in extreme cold. This gives you the best of both: energy savings from the heat pump for 80% of winter days, plus reliable heating from the furnace during cold snaps.

Heat pumps can save 30-50% on heating costs compared to electric baseboards, and 15-25% compared to propane or oil. Compared to a standard gas furnace (80% AFUE), a cold-climate heat pump saves 15-20% on heating bills. For the average London home spending $1,500-$2,000 annually on heating, that's $225-$400 saved each year. A hybrid system maximizes savings by using the heat pump for 80% of heating hours.

Not necessarily, but many London homeowners choose to keep their furnace as backup. A stand-alone cold-climate heat pump can heat your home down to -25°C, which covers 95% of London winter days. However, for the few days below -25°C, a backup heat source (electric heating strips or existing furnace) provides peace of mind. A hybrid system (heat pump + gas furnace) is the most popular option for maximum efficiency and reliability.

Heat pumps require annual professional maintenance ($149/year with our Basic Plan). During a tune-up, we: clean coils and filters; check refrigerant levels; inspect electrical connections; test defrost cycle; lubricate moving parts; verify thermostat calibration; and measure system efficiency. Homeowners should clean or replace filters monthly during peak usage seasons. Proper maintenance ensures 15-20 year lifespan and maintains efficiency.

To qualify for OHRSP or Greener Homes rebates: hire a TSSA-certified contractor; choose a qualifying cold-climate heat pump (HSPF rating requirements); have a pre-retrofit energy evaluation; complete installation by a certified professional; submit receipts and evaluation reports. We handle the entire rebate process for our customers — we recommend qualifying equipment, schedule evaluations, and submit all paperwork. You save without the hassle.