Ottawa’s winters are no joke, with temperatures often plunging well below freezing. As the colder months approach, having a dependable and efficient heating system is essential. If you’re considering installing heat pumps in Ottawa, here’s everything you need to know about staying warm and comfortable through the city’s harsh winters.
Choosing the Right Heat Pump for Ottawa’s Winter
Selecting the right heat pump for your home is key to ensuring it performs efficiently during Ottawa’s coldest months. Here’s what to consider:
1. Capacity and Size
The size of your home, insulation quality, and layout all affect the capacity of the system you’ll need. Choosing a properly sized heat pump prevents overworking the unit or leaving your home underheated. The team at Team Harding can assess your home’s heating needs and recommend the ideal system for maximum comfort and efficiency.
2. Cold-Weather Performance
Not all heat pumps perform well in extremely cold temperatures. For Ottawa’s winters, we recommend high-performance, cold-climate heat pumps designed to operate efficiently even when temperatures drop below -15°C. These systems ensure reliable warmth, even during the coldest stretches of winter.
The Benefits of Using a Heat Pump in Ottawa
1. Energy Efficiency
One of the biggest advantages of using a heat pump in Ottawa is its energy efficiency. Instead of generating heat by burning fuel, a heat pump transfers heat from the outside to the inside, using far less energy. This results in lower utility bills and a smaller environmental footprint.
2. Consistent Comfort
Heat pumps maintain a steady, even temperature throughout your home. Thanks to advanced inverter technology, you’ll enjoy consistent comfort without hot or cold spots, whether it’s a frosty morning or a chilly evening in Ottawa.
3. Cost Savings
While the upfront installation cost of a heat pump can be higher than that of a traditional furnace, the long-term savings are substantial. Because heat pumps consume less energy, homeowners can significantly reduce their monthly heating costs over time.
4. Year-Round Functionality
A heat pump isn’t just a heating system. It also serves as an air conditioner during summer, keeping your home cool when Ottawa’s temperatures rise. This dual functionality makes it a smart, all-season investment.
Maintaining Your Heat Pump During Ottawa’s Winter
Routine maintenance is essential to keep your Ottawa heat pump running smoothly and efficiently. Here are some key maintenance tips:
1. Clean or Replace Filters
Dirty filters restrict airflow and reduce efficiency. Clean or replace them regularly to ensure your system operates at peak performance.
2. Inspect the Outdoor Unit
Check that the outdoor unit is clear of snow, ice, and debris. Blocked airflow can cause the system to overheat or underperform.
3. Schedule Professional Maintenance
Book a professional inspection before winter begins. Team Harding provides comprehensive heat pump maintenance in Ottawa to ensure your heat pump performs reliably throughout the season.
Troubleshooting: What to Do if Your Heat Pump Isn’t Heating Properly
If your heat pump isn’t keeping your home as warm as it should, here are a few things to check:
Defrost Cycle
In very cold conditions, heat pumps periodically run a defrost cycle to remove ice from the outdoor coils. During this process, the system may temporarily blow cooler air inside; this is normal. However, if the issue persists, contact a technician.
Thermostat Settings
Verify that your thermostat is set to heating mode and the desired temperature. Switching between heating and cooling modes can sometimes require a short adjustment period.
Low Refrigerant Levels
If your system isn’t heating effectively, it could be due to low refrigerant. In that case, contact a professional HVAC technician to inspect and recharge your system safely.
Is a Heat Pump Right for Your Ottawa Home?
For many Ottawa homeowners, a heat pump is an ideal solution. It offers efficient, reliable, and cost-effective heating and cooling throughout the year. If you’re unsure, you can talk to our team to explore different options.
If you’re ready to upgrade your comfort and energy efficiency this winter, the experts at Team Harding can help. Our team specializes in installing and maintaining Ottawa heat pumps built to handle the region’s toughest winters.
Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips and to see our promos!
Team Harding has been Ottawa’s leading home comfort specialist since 1994. We are a family-owned and operated local business and all of our installers and technicians are fully licensed.
