The temperature in our home is one of several crucial factors for optimal comfort, especially when winter sets in or during a heatwave. Equipping oneself with heating or air conditioning solutions can sometimes be complex, due to the multiple options available on the market. It is essential to explore these various solutions in order to determine the one that best suits one's needs.
What are the 4 types of heat pump systems?
First, it is important to understand that a heat pump does not produce energy, which means it consumes much less than other heating or air conditioning solutions. Indeed, a heat pump moves energy from one place to another through the thermodynamic principle. During winter, it captures warm particles from the outdoors air to heat the interior of the property. The process is reversed during summer. Warm particles from the ambient air are extracted from the property and expelled outdoors. There are 4 different types of heat pump systems.
Ductless air-to-air heat pumps
This type of heat pump is the most common in the residential market. The indoor and outdoor units of a ductless air-to-air heat pump are connected by refrigerant pipes. The warmed (or cooled) air is then distributed by the indoor unit, which is typically a wall unit. However, it is necessary to have a supplementary heating system, such as electric baseboards, which can take over when the outdoor temperature is too low for the heat pump to operate alone. Here is a visual representation of the heating and cooling process:
Split systems
A split system features an indoor wall unit and an outdoor unit. This solution is ideal for small spaces or apartments.
Multizone systems
A multizone system has a single outdoor unit that can support up to 5 indoor wall units. This solution is perfectly suited for homes with multiple enclosed rooms or multiple floors.
Capella heat pumps by Convectair
The Capella heat pumps (Capella 26, Capella 28, and Capella Mz) all come equipped with washable filters and INVERTER technology. Unlike traditional fixed-speed compressors that operate on an 'On' and 'Off' cycle, the INVERTER variable-speed rotary compressor adjusts its speed based on the required load to maintain the desired temperature. Moreover, they are all ENERGY STAR® certified, which ensures that they will be ''[...] the best energy performers on the market'' (Hydro-Québec). A basic 10-year warranty is offered for parts and another 10-year warranty for the compressor (labor not included).
Capella 26
The Capella 26 heat pump can perform in temperatures as low as -30°C. It is equipped with a 5-speed crossflow fan, which includes the following speeds: turbo, high, medium, low, and very low. Only the Capella 26 model with a nominal capacity of 24,000 BTU/hr is eligible for subsidies offered by Hydro-Québec. Learn more about the Capella 26 heat pump.
Capella 28
The Capella 28 heat pump can perform in conditions as low as -30°C. It features 3 operating modes: turbo, auto, and silence. Only the Capella 28 models with a nominal capacity of 18,000 BTU/hr or 24,000 BTU/hr are eligible for subsidies offered by Hydro-Québec. Learn more about the Capella 28 heat pump.
Capella MZ
The Capella Mz heat pump can perform in temperatures as low as -30°C. Its outdoor unit can support up to 5 wall units. It also features 3 operating modes: turbo, auto, and silence. All Capella Mz heat pumps available on our website are eligible for subsidies offered by Hydro-Québec. Learn more about the Capella Mz heat pump.
Ducted air-to-air heat pumps
The ducted air-to-air heat pump, also known as a central system, uses a process similar to the ductless air-to-air heat pump. After passing through the refrigerant pipes, the air particles are distributed through various ducts, leading to different rooms of the property.
Air-water heat pumps
Air-water heat pumps are more or less common, since they require a hydronic heating system and “[…] the majority of Quebec homes are not equipped with one” (trad. Protégez-vous, 2021). This type of heat pump “[…] extracts heat from the outside air to accumulate it in a hot water tank. A pump then circulates the hot water from this tank towards a piping circuit inserted in a concrete slab in the basement or ground floor. This is the case for heated floors, for example.” (trad. Protégez-vous, 2021).
Geothermal heat pumps
Geothermal heat pumps utilize the heat or coolness of the ground to heat or cool a property. This green energy is, however, uncommon in the residential sector due to the significant installation costs associated.
Three components are necessary for the proper functioning of geothermal energy: the heat pump, the underground circuit, and the air distribution system.
The heatpump
The device ensures ''[...] heat between the ground loop and the house'' (Hydro-Québec). The geothermal heat pump has an average lifespan of 20 years, while an underground circuit has an average lifespan of 50 years, if well maintained.
Underground loop
Closed-loop system
In a closed-loop system, heat or coolness transfers through a heat-transfer fluid, composed of water and antifreeze.
Open-loop system
In an open-loop system, heat or coolness is extracted from a water well ''[...] through a heat exchanger'' (Hydro-Québec).
Distribution system
Connected to the heat pump, the distribution system ensures the circulation of air throughout the property.
Get financial assistance for purchasing a heat pump
As part of its LogisVert program, Hydro-Québec is committed to compensating consumers who undertake projects that promote the energy transition.
The installation of a new heat pump is one of the main initiatives rewarded. However, there are some restrictions in place. The heat pump must be installed by a company registered with the Quebec Business Register. It must also have the necessary licenses from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec and must be a member of the professional order for its field. You must also submit your subsidy application no later than 9 months after the installation. Additionally, the installed heat pump must be on the list of eligible heat pumps for the LogisVert Program (Hydro-Québec, 2024). You can claim up to $4,320 by installing one of the Capella series models mentioned above.
Despite some discouragement over the costs that geothermal heat pump installation may incur, Hydro-Québec encourages consumers to invest in this type of project. Installation companies for these heat pumps can obtain subsidies to help reduce their clients' bills. A generous amount of $750 per 1,000 BTU/hr is offered for geothermal heat pumps. The company must apply for the subsidy online.
Maximize your energy savings and be rewarded
Several incentives to maximize energy savings in a home are eligible for subsidies. Insulation and/or caulking work, replacing an oven with an induction oven, and replacing a dryer with a heat pump dryer are encouraged and rewarded by Hydro-Québec. If you plan to undertake one or more of these projects in addition to installing a heat pump, you can receive a 5% rebate on the total amount of financial assistance. Apply for financial assistance as an individual here.
Other programs, such as Rénoclimat and Novoclimat, offer additional assistance for labour completed, to maximize energy savings.
