Replacement of Air-Conditioners with Cold Climate Air-Source Heat Pumps: Pilot Project in The Region of Peel
Climate change is a critical issue. Buildings in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area are significant contributors due to fossil fuel use for heating. Electrically-driven air-source heat pumps (ASHPs), especially cold-climate variants (CCASHPs), offer a low-carbon heating alternative. This study examined six homes in The Region of Peel, Ontario, with CCASHPs installed alongside existing furnaces. CCASHPs provide both heating and cooling, and they were installed in the study homes to replace aging air-conditioner units.
Utility data and operational data were analyzed for Winter 2023/2024. Findings revealed substantial home gas consumption reductions (62%-91%) and near break-even utility costs. Homeowners reported being satisfied with their CCASHPs, noting comfort and quiet operation. This study documented how some CCASHP options are near cost-competitive with conventional options given available programs, while also offering enhanced features and protection against future utility rate increases. Individual homeowners and government programs alike should consider the multiple benefits of replacing aging air-conditioners with CCASHPs.