How a heat pump is sized and programmed strongly affects its performance over its lifetime. Sizing it correctly can increase energy and emissions savings, reduce operating costs, and improve customer satisfaction. Current industry practices, often relying on outdated rules of thumb or overly conservative models, can result in oversized systems that compromise performance, increase costs, and erode public trust. Additionally, hybrid heat pumps may be programmed in ways that fail to optimize the use of the more efficient and lower-carbon heat pumps.
To support installers, this report recommends developing and promoting tools that encourage the use of a promising alternative for existing buildings—sizing based on historical heating energy use—as well as improving and streamlining hybrid system programming. Along with requirements in incentive programs and complementary policies, these practices highlighted by leading installers can help ensure that heat pumps fulfill their promise as a dependable, comfortable, and cost-effective technology for Canadian homeowners.
