A heat pump will change your life

A living space with a wall-mounted mini split

It sounds dramatic but it’s true!  Everything you know about heating will change. Goodbye to unpredictable fuel prices, noisy furnaces and uncomfortable temperature swings. Hello to lower energy bills, air conditioning in the warmer months and the satisfaction of knowing you’ve reduced your carbon footprint.

We know it’s a big decision to make that change so keep scrolling and we’ll answer the questions you probably want to ask…

A living space with a wall-mounted mini split

How does a heat pump work and why should I consider getting one?

An illustration showing how the heat pump process works

A heat pump works by extracting heat rather than generating heat. The outside unit contains an evaporator coil that extracts heat from the air and transfers it to a liquid called refrigerant. The refrigerant goes through a compressor which compresses the refrigerant, concentrating the heat, and sends it to your inside unit. This unit then uses a condenser coil to release the heat from the refrigerant and distribute it around your home. In warmer months, you can reverse this process and cool your house.

The benefits of a heat pump include:

  • lower energy bills
  • year-round comfort
  • improved air quality
  • less maintenance compared to other heating systems
  • the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re helping to fight climate change.
An illustration showing how the heat pump process works
A living room with a wall-mounted mini split heat pump

Are all heat pump systems the same?

A living room with a wall-mounted mini split heat pump

No, there are a few but air-source heat pumps are the most common and we specialize in the two kinds available. If your property already has a network of ducts installed because you use forced-air heating, a centrally ducted heat pump is the right solution for you. 

If you don’t have any ducts in your house and use electric baseboard heating or stoves then you’ll need a mini-split (or multi-split) heat pump system mounted on the wall of one or more rooms.

Will a heat pump stop working when it gets too cold?*

A heat pump on the exterior of a house in winter

No! Heat pumps can operate in temperatures as low as -25˚C. However, to be prepared for the extremely rare event that temperatures drop even lower, we can equip your system with a backup electric heat kit that will assist in heating the air before it’s distributed throughout your home.

*When we talk about temperatures, we mean the temperature shown on a thermometer, not the "feels like" temperature, because the "feels like" doesn’t change the actual air temperature.

A heat pump on the exterior of a house in winter
Fujitsu logo

And is there any particular brand I should get?

There are a lot of reputable brands out there but at Comeau Comfort Systems, we are proud to be listed as Elite Contractors for Fujitsu heat pumps. With nearly 50 years’ experience, Fujitsu is recognized as a leader in the heat pump sector.

Fujitsu appliances are renowned for their:

  • high energy efficiency
  • whisper-quiet operation
  • cold climate performance
  • 12-year parts warranty
Fujitsu logo

Fujitsu offers heat pumps at a range of price points, making energy-efficient heating accessible for budgets of all sizes.

That said, our elite maintenance team is happy to service or repair any brand of heat pump.

So what happens when I decide to get a heat pump?

Your roadmap
to cleaner living

A woman browsing the Efficiency Nova Scotia website

STAGE ONE

Look for any grants, loans or rebates you might be eligible for

There are several provincial and federal programs for homeowners and businesses to help with the cost. Visit the Efficiency Nova Scotia website or click the button below to read our guide to the programs and rebates that are currently available.

STAGE TWO

Book a Home Energy Assessment (HEA)

Contact Efficiency Nova Scotia to arrange an assessment of your property’s energy efficiency. They’ll connect you with an Agency Partner who will send a Home Energy Advisor to perform the inspection. Afterwards, you’ll receive a report that identifies the upgrades you can make (like getting a heat pump).

STAGE THREE

Decide who you’d like to install your heat pump

Comeau Comfort Systems is obviously the right answer(!) but best practice is to get quotes from 2-3 contractors and decide what works best for you. Efficiency Nova Scotia have a Preferred Contractors List you can utilize or simply enter ‘heat pumps, nova scotia’ into your preferred search engine and read the reviews.
A technician putting the cover on a wall-mounted mini split

STAGE FOUR

Have your heat pump installed

For centrally ducted systems...

We start by taking your oil tank and furnace away. Where the oil tank was, an outdoor compressor/condenser unit (that absorbs the heat in the air) will be mounted. Lines for power, refrigerant and drainage will connect this unit to the indoor air handler unit (that moves the heat through your property) situated in the space where the furnace was. Our sheet metal team will ensure that the unit fits perfectly with the existing ductwork. This air handler will also contain the backup electric heat kit.

For ductless mini-split (or multi-split) systems...

We’ll install the outdoor compressor/condenser unit(s) and run lines for power, refrigerant and drainage into the house. These lines will connect to the air handler unit(s) that have been mounted on the wall(s) inside your property.

Take note...

Heat pumps require an up-to-date electrical service to operate efficiently. If you live in an older property, an upgrade may be necessary before installation. We’ll coordinate this for you with Nova Scotia Power.

STAGE FIVE

Get your final assessment

Once your heat pump has been installed (and any other retrofit upgrades have been completed), reach out to the company who performed the initial assessment. They will send another Energy Advisor out to inspect the work and upon approval, Efficiency Nova Scotia will send your rebates. For the Canada Greener Homes Loan, you will be required to visit the CGHL portal and request the funds.

Tip

Don’t forget to inform your home insurance provider that you’ve removed your oil tank so you can enjoy a reduction in premiums!

Ready to go?

If you still have questions about heat pumps or the installation process, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to answer your queries.

If you think you know enough and are ready to take this project out of park and into drive, then start the process by filling out our estimate form.

Ready to go?

If you still have questions about heat pumps or the installation process, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to answer your queries.

If you think you know enough and are ready to take this project out of park and into drive, then start the process by filling out our estimate form.