Do heat pumps keep up through a northern New Brunswick cold snap?

Cold-climate heat pumps can keep running through a northern New Brunswick cold snap, but they are designed to work with backup heat, not instead of it.

Every air-source heat pump has a minimum operating temperature. Natural Resources Canada says that for newer models "this can range from between -15°C to -25°C," and that "below this temperature, a supplemental system must be used to provide heating to the building." Cold-climate models go further: NRCan says "cold climate heat pumps work in temperatures as low as -30°C."

Efficiency also drops as it gets colder. NRCan gives a coefficient of performance (COP) that "typically ranges from between 2.0 and 5.4" at 8°C, while "at –8°C, COPs can range from 1.1 to 3.7." Below the balance point, the temperature below which the heat pump does not have enough capacity to heat the home on its own, the backup system has to make up the difference.

Backup heat in the north of the province

In a hybrid system, NRCan explains, the heat pump works with a supplemental system such as a furnace or boiler, and "either the heat pump operates or the gas/oil furnace operates." If you already have an oil furnace or electric heat, keeping it as the backup is the setup NRCan describes. Ask the installer how the system decides when to switch over.

Questions to ask before choosing a unit:

• What is the unit's minimum operating temperature, and how much heat does it deliver near that temperature?


• What is the balance point for your house, and what heats it below that?


• Is the unit on NB Power's qualifying air source heat pump list?

Rebates. NB Power's Total Home Energy Savings Program, delivered as SaveEnergyNB, offers rebates on qualifying heat pumps, and says "the initial Home Energy Evaluation is the key to accessing incentives." Check the program's current terms and qualifying list before you commit to a model.

Electrical work. NB Power says "the Electrical Wiring Permit is the only type of permit that will be processed by NB Power," and the province says an Electrical Contractor Licence is required to obtain electrical wiring permits. The final inspection is arranged with Technical Inspection Services.

You can describe your home and current heating through the New Brunswick Construction Network to be matched with local HVAC contractors.