Heat Pumps in Edmonton, Sherwood Park and St. Albert

Our Heat Pump Services

Heat Pump Installation

We install central and ductless heat-pump systems. Our team assesses the home, discusses equipment and backup-heating options, completes the installation and tests the system in both heating and cooling modes.

If you are replacing an air conditioner, we can also explain whether installing a heat pump would provide greater year-round value for your home.

Heat Pump Repair

A heat pump should be inspected when it cannot maintain the set temperature, produces unusual sounds, cycles frequently, develops ice buildup or causes an unexpected change in energy use.

Heat-pump problems may be related to airflow, refrigerant, electrical components, controls, the outdoor coil, the compressor or the defrost system. Because a heat pump operates during both the heating and cooling seasons, diagnosing the full system is important.

First Call provides heat-pump diagnostics and repairs throughout our service area. Emergency service is available when a loss of heating or cooling requires prompt attention.

Heat Pump Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps a heat pump operate reliably throughout the year. Because the system can provide both heating and cooling, it may run during more months of the year than a conventional air conditioner.

Professional heat-pump maintenance may include:

• Inspecting and cleaning the indoor and outdoor coils
• Checking filters and system airflow
• Inspecting refrigerant components
• Testing electrical connections and controls
• Checking the thermostat
• Inspecting the condensate system
• Testing heating and cooling operation
• Checking the defrost cycle and outdoor unit
• Confirming that the backup heating system operates correctly

Homeowners should also keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves, debris, snow and ice. If airflow around the unit becomes restricted, system performance may be affected.

Do Heat Pumps Work in Edmonton Winters?

Modern cold-climate heat pumps are designed to operate in low temperatures, but choosing the right equipment is especially important in Edmonton. A heat pump’s heating capacity and efficiency can change as the outdoor temperature falls, and not every model is intended for the same conditions.

Many homes in our climate use a heat pump together with a gas furnace. This is often called a dual-fuel or hybrid heating system. The heat pump can provide efficient heating during milder weather, while the furnace is available when outdoor temperatures fall below the system’s recommended changeover point or the home requires additional heating capacity.

The best setup depends on several factors, including:

• The size, age and insulation of the home
• The condition and capacity of the existing ductwork
• The heat pump’s cold-weather performance specifications
• The size and condition of the existing furnace
• The home’s electrical capacity
• Current electricity and natural gas rates
• The homeowner’s comfort preferences

There is no single changeover temperature that is right for every home. First Call can review the equipment and the home before recommending whether a standalone heat pump, a heat pump with electric backup or a dual-fuel system is the most suitable option.

Heat Pump Installation in Edmonton

A successful heat-pump installation starts with selecting equipment that matches the home. An oversized or undersized system may run inefficiently, struggle to maintain even temperatures or cycle more often than intended.

During a heat-pump assessment, our team reviews the home and existing HVAC system to help determine:

• The heating and cooling capacity required
• Whether the existing ductwork can support the new system
• Whether the current furnace can be incorporated into a dual-fuel setup
• The condition and compatibility of the thermostat and controls
• Whether electrical upgrades may be required
• Where the outdoor unit can be installed safely
• Whether a central or ductless heat pump is the better option

Once the equipment has been selected, our technicians install the indoor and outdoor components, connect the refrigerant and electrical lines, configure the controls and test the system’s heating and cooling operation. We also explain how to use the system and when the backup heating source may operate.

Central Heat Pumps

A central air-source heat pump distributes conditioned air through the home’s ductwork. It may be a good option for a home that already has a central furnace or air-conditioning system. Depending on the equipment, the heat pump may replace the existing air conditioner while working with the furnace for backup heat.

Ductless Heat Pumps

Ductless mini-split heat pumps deliver heating and cooling directly to individual rooms or zones. They may be suitable for homes without central ductwork, additions, garages or areas that are difficult to keep comfortable with the existing HVAC system.

How Much Does a Heat Pump Cost in Edmonton?

The cost of installing a heat pump depends on the home, the equipment and the amount of work required. A quote should account for the complete installation rather than the outdoor unit alone.

Factors that may affect the installed cost include:

• Central versus ductless equipment
• System size and cold-climate performance
• The number of ductless indoor zones
• Furnace and thermostat compatibility
• Ductwork modifications
• Electrical panel or wiring upgrades
• Refrigerant-line requirements
• Outdoor-unit placement
• Removal of existing equipment
• Manufacturer and labour warranty coverage

Available financing or incentive programs may also affect the homeowner’s final costs. Program availability and eligibility can change, so homeowners should confirm current requirements before making a purchasing decision.

First Call can provide a home-specific recommendation and quote after reviewing the existing system and installation requirements.

Heat Pump Efficiency and Potential Savings

Heat pumps can use less energy for heating because they transfer heat instead of generating it through combustion. Depending on the home, equipment and system being replaced, a modern heat pump may reduce heating costs by up to one-third and provide energy savings of approximately 30%.

Actual energy use and utility-bill savings will vary. Results depend on the heat pump model, outdoor temperatures, the home’s insulation and air sealing, thermostat settings, electricity and natural gas rates, and how often a furnace or another backup heat source is required.

Correct equipment selection and installation are also important. A heat pump that is properly sized for the home will generally provide more consistent comfort and efficient operation than a system selected based on efficiency ratings alone.

First Call can help you compare a heat pump with a conventional air conditioner, furnace or dual-fuel system based on your home and existing equipment.

Request a Heat Pump Assessment

Not sure whether a heat pump is right for your home? First Call can assess your existing furnace, air conditioner, ductwork and electrical requirements, then explain the available options.

Heat Pump FAQs