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Writer's pictureTradesman Mechanical

The Truth about Heat Pumps in Winnipeg


It mostly goes unnoticed that your home refrigerator transfers heat from the inside of the cabinet adding heat to the air in your kitchen. This is a simple example that shows that heat can be transferred as opposed to creating new heat energy at a much higher cost.


Winnipeg Snow

An Air source Heat pump operates as your typical central air conditioner by transferring unwanted heat to the outdoors as well as in reverse mode transferring heat from outdoor air to your living spaces. Using only electricity, the Heat Pump raises the Free low temperature outdoor heat to the required temperature by way of the refrigeration process to comfortably add heat to your home.



Here are the efficiency numbers comparing the most common heating types.


•Mid Efficient Gas furnaces or Boilers (78%-82%)

•High Efficient gas furnaces or Boilers (90% to 98.5%)

•Electric Furnaces or Boilers (100%)

•Baseboard Heaters (100%)


Although both Gas and Electric systems are creating heat, the gas appliances efficiencies are lower due to chimney exhaust losses.


•Air source heat pumps (typically 300% to 400% COP)



Heat Pumps Graph

Heat pumps / Air Conditioners do not create heat but simply use electricity and the refrigeration process to Transfer Heat. Their efficiency is measured by the industry standard (COP) coefficient of Performance. EG: A COP of 3:1 means the unit transfers 300% more heat energy than it uses.


Although Heat Pumps have been around for over 100 years, manufacturers are now using new inverter technology that offers lower cold climate usage (down to -30f) and that is important for our Winnipeg winters.


So, what can you expect if you install a Cold Climate air Source Heat Pump or replace your Central Air Conditioner with one?


In the last 10 years a typical Winnipeg winter has temperatures only dipping down to below -30f for 7 days or less. Although back up gas or electric heat are still a requirement for any extremely cold days, the energy savings gained by a Heat Pump running 90% of the days requiring heat effectively results in recovering the installation costs over the life expectancy (15 Yrs. If properly maintained.) of a Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pump.


Thermometer

Not all HVAC contractors are trained and up to speed on performing proper commissioning, service, and maintenance of Heat Pumps. Your HVAC installation company should also assist you with advice on any available Government Grants and rebates along with affordable financing options.





Piggy savings

Myth: Heat pumps require more electric power than Air Conditioning.

Truth: Since new Heat Pumps are more efficient than a typical Central A/C the current draw will be close to the same or less while in operation. The annual electrical consumption will of course be higher since it is replacing previously used more costly heat creating sources.


Make Tradesman Mechanical your preferred choice when considering investing in a Cold Climate Air Source or Ductless Heat Pump.


Call 204-888-2020 or text/visit us today at Alwaysopen.ca

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