What is the difference between AC and heat pump?

Air conditioning only cools your home, while a heat pump both heats and cools. Think of a heat pump as an air conditioner that can run in reverse to provide heating during milder weather.

How Air Conditioning Works
Traditional central air conditioning moves heat from inside your home to the outside during summer months. The system includes an outdoor condenser unit, indoor evaporator coil, and ductwork to distribute cool air throughout your home. When winter arrives, you'll need a separate heating system like a furnace or electric baseboards to keep warm.

How Heat Pumps Work
A heat pump looks similar to an air conditioner but operates year-round. In summer, it cools your home just like AC. In winter, it reverses the process and extracts heat from outdoor air (even in cold temperatures) to warm your home. Modern cold climate heat pumps can effectively heat Ottawa homes down to -25°C or lower, though many homeowners pair them with a backup heating source for the coldest days.

Ottawa Climate Considerations
In Ottawa's climate, heat pumps offer excellent energy efficiency during spring, fall, and mild winter days. However, traditional heat pumps lose efficiency when temperatures drop below -10°C. Cold climate heat pumps are specifically designed for Canadian winters and remain efficient even in Ottawa's harsh conditions. Many Ottawa homeowners install heat pumps alongside their existing furnace for optimal comfort and energy savings year-round.

Cost and Efficiency Benefits
Heat pumps typically cost more upfront ($6,000-$12,000 vs $3,500-$5,500 for AC alone), but they can significantly reduce heating costs since they're 2-3 times more efficient than electric heating. You'll also benefit from federal and provincial rebates available for heat pump installations.

For a free assessment of whether a heat pump makes sense for your Ottawa home, request a quote from Ottawa HVAC Pro. Our TSSA-licensed technicians can evaluate your current system and help you choose the most cost-effective solution.