Heat and cool your home with one central system.
A properly selected central heat pump can provide efficient
whole-home cooling in summer and heating through much of the
Ontario winter — using your home’s duct system to distribute
conditioned air.
One system provides both functions.
Equipment designed for low outdoor temperatures.
Uses the home’s central air-distribution system.
They move heat instead of creating it directly.
A heat pump uses refrigeration technology to move heat
between indoors and outdoors depending on the season.
Whole-Home Air Conditioning
In cooling mode, the system removes heat from the
indoor air and transfers it outside, operating much
like a conventional central air conditioner.
Heat From Outdoor Air
In heating mode, the refrigeration cycle reverses
and the system extracts available heat from the
outdoor air and moves it indoors.
Central Ductwork
A central system delivers conditioned air through
supply ductwork and returns air to the equipment
through the home’s return system.
Modulating Operation
Many modern heat pumps can vary compressor output
rather than operating strictly at full capacity
whenever there is a heating or cooling call.
A heat pump does not have to mean removing your furnace.
There are several ways to incorporate a central heat pump
into a residential HVAC system.
Heat Pump + Gas Furnace
Often called a dual-fuel or hybrid system, the heat pump
provides heating and cooling while the gas furnace remains
available as the alternate or supplemental heat source
according to the system design and controls.
Heat Pump + Air Handler
An all-electric configuration pairs the outdoor heat pump
with an indoor air handler. Supplemental electric heat may
be incorporated where required by the equipment design
and heating load.
Existing Furnace Retrofit
In some homes, a compatible heat pump can be integrated
with an existing furnace. Compatibility, controls,
electrical requirements and airflow should all be
verified before proceeding.
Complete HVAC Replacement
When older heating and cooling equipment is being replaced,
the complete system can be designed together around the
home’s heating load, cooling load, ductwork and electrical
capacity.
The outdoor unit is only one part of the system.
Heat-pump performance depends heavily on what the equipment
is connected to.
Heating & Cooling Loads
Equipment selection should consider the actual heating
and cooling requirements of the house rather than
simply matching the size of the old equipment.
Ductwork & Static Pressure
The supply and return system must be capable of delivering
the airflow required by the selected indoor equipment.
Restrictive ductwork can affect comfort and system performance.
Available Electrical Capacity
The outdoor unit, indoor equipment and any supplemental
electric heat must be considered when assessing electrical
requirements.
Thermostat & Staging Strategy
Controls should be configured around the actual system,
particularly when a heat pump is paired with a gas furnace
or another supplemental heating source.
We look beyond the equipment model number.
Before recommending a central heat pump, the existing furnace
or air handler, ductwork, return-air capacity, supply system,
thermostat strategy, electrical requirements and intended
heating operation should all be considered.
In homes with airflow problems, undersized returns or restrictive
ductwork, simply installing a new heat pump may not address the
underlying comfort or performance issue.
What should a central heat-pump project include?
Review the Existing HVAC System
Assess the furnace or air handler, ductwork,
available space, electrical service and existing
equipment configuration.
Determine the Intended Heating Strategy
Establish whether the project will be all-electric,
hybrid/dual-fuel or another approved configuration.
Select Compatible Equipment
Match the outdoor unit, indoor coil or air handler,
controls and required accessories as a complete system.
Install & Modify As Required
Complete refrigerant piping, condensate drainage,
electrical work and approved duct or plenum modifications
required by the project scope.
Commission the System
Verify operation, airflow, controls, heating and
cooling performance and the applicable manufacturer
commissioning requirements.
We match the equipment to the application.
Central heat-pump technology is available from multiple
manufacturers. The right choice depends on capacity,
indoor-equipment compatibility, low-temperature performance,
controls, warranty and the requirements of the home.
Mitsubishi Electric
Mitsubishi Electric offers ducted cold-climate heat-pump
systems including Hyper-Heating technology. Appropriate
equipment and current specifications should be selected
for the individual project.
Other Heat-Pump Systems
DAVESDUCTS can also assess central heat-pump options from
other manufacturers depending on project requirements,
equipment availability and compatibility.
Your heat pump may qualify for current rebate programs.
Eligibility depends on the current program requirements,
qualifying equipment, property and installation conditions.
Incentive programs change, so qualification should be confirmed
before equipment is selected or work begins.
Central heat pump FAQ
Can a heat pump replace my central air conditioner?
Yes. A central heat pump provides air conditioning
in cooling mode and can also provide heating when
the refrigeration cycle is reversed.
Do I have to remove my gas furnace?
No. A central heat pump can be paired with a compatible
gas furnace in a hybrid or dual-fuel configuration.
Whether that is the right design depends on the home,
equipment and heating strategy.
Will a cold-climate heat pump work during an Ontario winter?
Modern cold-climate equipment is designed to operate
at low outdoor temperatures. Actual capacity and efficiency
vary by model and outdoor temperature, which is why the
selected equipment should be evaluated against the
home’s heating requirement.
Is my existing ductwork good enough for a heat pump?
Sometimes, but it should be checked. Central heat pumps
depend on adequate supply and return airflow. Existing
duct restrictions, undersized returns or high static
pressure may need to be addressed.
How large a heat pump do I need?
Heat-pump sizing should be based on the home’s heating
and cooling requirements and the actual performance
characteristics of the selected equipment rather than
simply matching the nominal size of an existing furnace
or air conditioner.
Are rebates available?
Incentives may be available for qualifying equipment
and projects. Program rules and eligible equipment
change, so current eligibility should be verified
before purchasing equipment.
Thinking about replacing your furnace or air conditioner with a heat pump?
DAVESDUCTS can review the equipment, duct system and heating
strategy and help determine which central heat-pump configuration
makes sense for your home.
