HEAT PUMP
HEAT PUMP
32 HPJ WATER HEATING GAS ABSORPTION HEAT PUMPS: A HIGH-PERFORMANCE SOLUTION
PROJECT PROFILE GROUNDBREAKING TECHNOLOGY: CENTRE BLOCK ON PARLIAMENT HILL’S NEW GREEN CLIMATE CONTROL
A network of geoexchange boreholes holds the key to efficiently heating and cooling the new Centre Block − an area of nearly 93,000 square metres.
Glenn Wong 36
GAHPs are suited for commercial and institutional facilities where hot water demand is high and energy performance is a priority.
OTHER FEATURES
40DEEP ENERGY RETROFIT VANCOUVER PILOT PROJECT INCORPORATES GAS ABSORPTION HEAT PUMPS
The Manor House retrofit is the first of four commercial building pilot projects completed by FortisBC. Carolyn Cooper
42ROAD WARRIOR
ANTHONY WOO: GROWTH BUILDER Carolyn Cooper
DEPARTMENTS
46-51PRODUCTS
A showcase of heat pump technology.
58JOBSITE JARGON
52
HIGH-PERFORMANCE HVAC RETROFIT MARKET TRANSFORMATION
Of all energy retrofit opportunities, heat pumps are perhaps the most compelling because of their transformative potential.
Tom Grochmal
Editor’s Note: Be sure to check out Michael Squires’ REFRIGERATION column on pg. 76 of this issue. Squires discusses how advancements in technology are enabling efficient operation in sub-zero ambient temperatures.
Test your knowledge of heat pump technology for a chance to win a YETI cooler, sponsored by NIBCO.
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Cover Photo: Jeremy Wilson-Bouchard − JWB Studios
Groundbreaking technology: Centre Block’s new green climate control
In February 2019, the Senate moved to the Senate of Canada Building, a former train station built in 1912. The Senate will occupy this temporary location while Parliament’s Centre Block — the Senate’s permanent home — is rehabilitated. Centre Block’s mechanical, electrical and heating systems will be upgraded and the 100-year-old building will be brought up to current fire, accessibility, security and seismic standards.
The gaping pit that has opened up in front of Centre Block is half again as big as a football field and 23 metres deep. It will eventually contain the three-storey, 32,000-squaremetre Parliament Welcome Centre where an anticipated three million annual visitors will begin their tours of the Parliament buildings and where the mechanical systems that heat and cool the complex will be housed.
What you can’t see is what’s taking shape underneath: a geoexchange field one hectare in area honeycombed with 92 pipes extending 250 metres down into the bedrock, three times deeper than the height of Centre Block’s Peace Tower. This network of geoexchange boreholes holds the key to efficiently heating and cooling the new Centre Block — an area of nearly 93,000 square metres.
Construction crews from the consortium of PCL and EllisDon drill geoexchange boreholes on Parliament Hill in November 2023.
A massive excavation pit in front of Centre Block on Parliament Hill
SET IN STONE CLOSED-LOOP SYSTEM
Geoexchange is not a new technology, but its scale is increasing. Across the country, universities, civic centres, apartment buildings − even entire neighbourhoods − are connecting to geoexchange fields. It’s a technology that promises to turn the bedrock under Parliament Hill into what is essentially a giant air conditioning and heating unit while transforming Centre Block from one of the least energy-efficient government buildings in the country to one that meets stringent net zerocarbon standards.
“We are using it as seasonal storage,” explains Martin Sing, team lead for energy and sustainability for CENTRUS, the consortium in charge of architectural and engineering design for the Centre Block rehabilitation project. “During the summertime, when we need to cool the building, we extract heat out of it. Rather than simply vent that heat, we’ll store it in the ground. During the wintertime, we can pull that heat out and use it to warm the building.”
For 100 years, a nearby heating and cooling plant kept Centre Block comfortable for users. If a room was too cold, radiators kicked in and hot water drove the cold out. If it was too hot, cold water circulating through coils cooled the room. In parts of the building that lacked air conditioning, windows were simply left open. Hot and cold air were not treated as resources to be captured and reused but simply as waste to be expelled.
Geoexchange technology, by contrast, offers an economical, convenient way to store and reuse what used to be waste energy. It takes advantage of the fact that, at depths of 10 metres or more, bedrock maintains a constant temperature of 10°C to 13°C year-round, unaffected by surface temperatures. “Water flowing through the system in the wintertime will be colder than the bedrock, so it will suck the heat out of the bedrock and bring it into the building,” Sing explains. “In the summertime, the water will be warmer than the bedrock, so it will lose that heat to the bedrock and store that heat energy for us.”
Within the geoexchange field, a network of boreholes perforates the bedrock. Each borehole contains a pair of polyethylene pipes — one going down and one coming back up — connected with a U-joint at the bottom and filled with a mixture of water and glycol that circulates between the building and the bedrock. The system forms a closed loop that channels waste heat from the building to where it can be stored in the bedrock and retrieved as needed.
“It’s similar to sub-floor heating, just at a bigger scale,” Sing says. “Instead of heating a floor you’re heating a big chunk of bedrock.”
Centre Block will be heated and cooled almost entirely with electricity, relying primarily on an industrial-scale heat pump. The heat pump will direct hot or cold water to the parts of the building that need it and redirect any surplus to the network of underground geoexchange pipes for storage.
CENTRE BLOCK’S CARBON-NEUTRAL FUTURE
Even with drilling nearing completion, years of work remain. “Once the shell of the Parliament Welcome Centre starts to go up, we’ll lay out the branch piping to connect those boreholes back to central points in the building,” Sing says. “As construction continues and equipment goes in, we’ll install the heat pump along with all the pipes and pumps that connect the entire system.”
With this geoexchange technology in place, Centre Block’s green future will be solidly grounded. A modernized, efficient Centre Block will demonstrate how heritage buildings can be made sustainable and even how the investment could save money over the long term.
“Any surplus heating energy that’s generated in the building, rather than throwing it away, we’re going to capture it, store it and reuse it,” Sing says. “In the long run, it’s a more efficient and costeffective way of doing things, and it helps us achieve carbon-neutral status.”
A mobile drilling rig lowers a drill into the ground. Sections of drill shaft are continuously added as the borehole deepens.
Hundreds of metres of polyethylene pipe are fed into the borehole from large spools.
1 Cliff Plant
The central heating plant for the Parliamentary Precinct provided all of Centre Block’s heat and air conditioning until 2018. Once the rehabilitation project is complete, the plant will service about 40 per cent of the cooling demand for Centre Block and the Parliament Welcome Centre and act as an emergency back-up system
2 District heating
A network of underground pipes connects the Cliff Plant to more than 50 buildings in the Parliamentary Precinct.
3 Centre
Block
Eventually, geoexchange will produce all of the heating demand for Centre Block and the Parliament Welcome Centre and about 60 per cent of the cooling demand.
Note to readers: To see an infographic on this project see the story online at mechanicalbusiness.com.
Built for Canadian winters
Powered by LG innovation. Proven to -35 ° C.
When temperatures plunge, performance matters most. The LG Residential Cold Climate Heat Pump delivers reliable heating down to -35°C, redefining comfort in extreme Canadian winters.
• 100% heating capacity at -25°C, reliable operation at 70% capacity down to -35°C
• Soft Air mode & Dual Vane design for faster comfort
• Built-in occupancy sensor for smarter operation
• Wireless control with LG ThinQ app
ENERGY STAR® Cold Climate Certified — engineered for efficient year-round comfort.
Winner of the 2025 Ontario Home Builders’ Association Innovation Award and the 2025 AHR Innovation Award – Sustainable Solution.
Gas absorption heat pumps: A high-performance solution
AsCanada advances toward a low-carbon economy, building energy consultants and HVAC professionals are increasingly tasked with identifying technologies that reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and perform reliably in diverse climates. One such solution gaining traction is the gas absorption heat pump (GAHP) − a thermally driven system that offers high efficiency, fuel versatility, and strong cold-weather performance. GAHPs are particularly well-suited for commercial and institutional facilities across Canada, where hot water demand is high and energy performance is a priority.
What are GAHPs?
Gas absorption heat pumps operate using a thermodynamic cycle that moves heat rather than generating it through combustion. GAHPs use an ammonia-water absorption process, where ammonia acts as the refrigerant and water as the absorbent. A gas burner − fuelled by natural gas, renewable natural gas (RNG), or propane − drives the cycle.
GAHPs can achieve seasonal efficiencies of 120 per cent or more. This is because they extract additional heat from ambient air or water, delivering more thermal energy than the fuel energy consumed. This makes them suited to high-demand commercial applications such as: domestic hot water in multi-unit residential buildings; process water heating in food and beverage facilities; healthcare and hospitality hot water systems; and institutional buildings such as schools and recreation centres.
Fuel versatility
A key advantage of GAHPs is their versatile fuel compatibility, allowing them to be deployed in a range of geographic and infrastructure contexts:
• Natural gas: Widely available in urban and suburban areas, natural gas remains a cost-effective and lower-emission fuel compared to oil or coal. It provides a stable and familiar energy source for commercial building operators.
By Glenn Wong
Glenn Wong is technical sales representative with Canadian Aqualine, a manufacturer’s representative agency in Delta, BC.
GAHPs are especially effective in facilities with consistent year-round hot water demand, where efficiency gains translate into substantial operational savings.
• Renewable natural gas (RNG): RNG is produced from organic waste sources such as landfills, agricultural residues, and wastewater treatment plants. It is chemically identical to conventional natural gas but has a much lower carbon intensity, and in some cases, even carbonnegative lifecycle emissions. Several Canadian utilities are expanding RNG supply and offering it as a clean energy option for commercial customers.
• Propane and renewable propane: For buildings in rural or off-grid areas where natural gas infrastructure is unavailable, propane offers a reliable and efficient alternative. It can be stored on-site and delivered by truck, making it suitable for remote installations. Renewable propane, derived from sustainable feedstocks, is emerging as a low-carbon alternative with the same performance characteristics as conventional propane.
This fuel optionality supports long-term energy planning, adaptability, and system resilience – all critical factors in both new construction and retrofit projects.
GREEN, TECHNOLOGICAL, SMART...
High Efficiency Dual-hole Design
With its dual-hole design for air intake and air exhaust, this Monobloc Heat Pump is a great solution that is easy to install and ideal for the user’s comfort in situations where placing a condensing unit outside the building is not possible or desirable.
HEATING
Cold climate performance
GAHPs are engineered to perform reliably in cold climates, a crucial consideration for Canadian installations. In fact, GAHPs can produce heat in temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C). This makes them a dependable solution for year-round heating in provinces such as Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Northern Ontario.
In pilot projects conducted by FortisBC across seven commercial buildings in British Columbia, GAHPs demonstrated:
• Up to 40 per cent energy savings compared to conventional gas boilers
• Significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions
• Stable performance across seasonal temperature variations
These results confirm that GAHPs are not only technically viable but also economically advantageous in real-world Canadian conditions.
Integration and design considerations
For HVAC professionals and energy consultants, GAHPs offer design flexibility and compatibility with existing systems:
• Hydronic integration: GAHPs can be easily integrated into hydronic heating systems, making them suitable for both domestic hot water and space heating applications.
• Hybrid systems: They can be paired with existing systems or renewable technologies to create hybrid energy solutions that further reduce emissions and operating costs.
• Infrastructure compatibility: GAHPs require standard gas piping and venting, and their electrical load is minimal − typically limited to controls and circulation pumps.
Proper system sizing and adherence to manufacturer specifications are essential to ensure optimal performance and long-term reliability.
Incentives and technical assistance
Some gas utilities are actively supporting the adoption of GAHPs through incentives and technical assistance programs. As an example, FortisBC offers rebates covering up to 75 per cent of project costs, capped at $200,000, along with feasibility study funding of up to $20,000.
While not all utilities publicly list GAHP-specific incentives, many offer custom or high-efficiency retrofit programs that may support these systems. Energy professionals are encouraged to contact their local utility’s commercial energy efficiency or technical services team to inquire about eligibility, custom project support, or pilot program participation.
Off-grid and rural applications
In remote or underserved areas, propane-fuelled GAHPs offer a practical and sustainable solution for commercial water heating. Advantages include energy independence through on-site fuel storage, reduced reliance on diesel or electric resistance heating, and improved resilience in areas with limited or unreliable grid access.
Units can be installed on rooftops or at grade, depending on space and access.
These systems are particularly well-suited for Indigenous communities, remote healthcare facilities, rural schools, and tourism operations such as lodges and resorts.
Why GAHPs make sense for your clients
From a consulting and engineering perspective, GAHPs offer a compelling value proposition:
• High return on investment through energy savings and utility incentives
• Regulatory alignment with federal and provincial climate policies
• Design flexibility for both retrofits and new builds
• Reduced emissions without full electrification, easing pressure on the electrical grid
• Versatile fuel compatibility that enhances long-term energy planning and system resilience
Whether your client is looking to reduce operating costs, meet sustainability targets, or future-proof their building systems, GAHPs provide a scalable and proven solution.
Discover 100% capacity and 100% performance down to -30°C.
The new Orion XLTH+…a star performer in extreme weather.
Like the Orion Constellation brightening the winter night sky, the Fujitsu AIRSTAGE Orion XLTH+ Series stands out as a brilliant star for heating performance...even in the harshest climates. While others fade in extreme cold, Orion shines brighter, delivering more than 100% capacity even at -30°C.
Beyond 100% Performance at -30°C – No derating, just powerful, consistent heating. No Lockout Temperature – Unlike other systems, Orion keeps running in relentless cold.
ProCore™ Corrosion-Resistant Technology – Built to endure and perform.
Advanced Defrost Cycle – Reduces downtime, maximizing comfort and efficiency.
Flexible Installation – Designed for seamless integration into a variety of applications.
Orion XLTH+...the stellar performer in low-temperature heating.
Fujitsu
DEEP ENERGY RETROFIT
Vancouver pilot project incorporates gas absorption heat pumps
Manor House in North Vancouver, BC has undergone a deep energy retrofit that will help lower gas use, energy costs, and greenhouse gas emissions, while making the building more comfortable for residents. The project was a collaboration between Metro Vancouver Housing, Pembina Institute and FortisBC Energy Inc.
Manor House, a 50-unit, wood framed, non-market rental residential building built in 1972, underwent a range of energy efficiency upgrades including installing new air barrier and exterior wall insulation; new roof membrane with added roof insulation; gas absorption heat pumps (GAHP) for space heating and domestic hot water; in-suite heat recovery ventilation units; in-suite units that provide heating and cooling; upgraded control systems; and new triple-glazed windows.
By Carolyn Cooper
Based on project modelling, energy savings are estimated at 55 per cent, gas savings at 69 per cent, and emissions reductions at about 68 per cent. FortisBC is undertaking deep energy retrofit pilot projects in 20 residential homes and four commercial buildings in BC, including Manor House. The retrofits will take a whole building approach that improves the building envelop first to prevent heat loss and reduce heating demand.
All four commercial buildings will install GAHPs to help improve energy efficiency. Data from the pilot projects will help establish ways to lower energy use in existing buildings, and will help guide future incentive programs.
metrovancouver.org pembina.org fortisbc.com
Affordable Comfort. Built Canadian Tough.
From coast to coast, Canadian homes demand heating and cooling solutions built for year-round comfort. The LG Builder Series Heat Pumps deliver reliable performance at a price that fits today’s market—without compromising on quality or innovation. Whether for retrofits or new builds across Canada, the LG Builder Series Heat Pumps provide an affordable, reliable solution for builders and simplify installation for contractors. Available in capacities of 9,000, 12,000, 18,000, and 24,000 Btu/h.
The Manor House retrofit is the first of four commercial building pilot projects completed by FortisBC in Vancouver.
INTRODUCING AEROTHERM® SERIES G2
HYBRID ELECTRIC HEAT PUMP WATER HEATER
UP TO $818 SAVINGS ON ANNUAL ENERGY BILL***
H 75% MORE EFFICIENT* H ULTRA QUIET OPERATION H MULTILINGUAL SMART CONTROL H EXCLUSIVE LED DIGITAL DISPLAY
INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING:
• Up to 4.20 UEF** – ENERGY STAR® Certified
• Built-in Bradford White WaveTM Connectivity for easy diagnostics and remote-control access via mobile app
• Zero clearance requirements on sides & rear
• English, Spanish, and French languages
• Exclusive Vitraglas® tank lining with Microban® antimicrobial technology
ROAD WARRIOR
Anthony Woo: Growth builder
“Consumers don’t understand the heat pump technology, so you have to be able to explain it to them as well as work on it. That’s really key,” says Anthony Woo. “A lot of contractors are still box changers. Back 10 years ago, you could put in the box, flip it on, and that’s okay. But nowadays this technology is not just an on/off thing. And if you don’t understand what you’re doing, and if you’re not commissioning the machines, they’re bound to fail eventually.”
Woo is co-owner with Kar Young of Notre-Dame-de-l’ÎlePerrot, QC-based Climatisation ACG. The company was established in 2022, focusing strictly on residential heat pumps, and servicing the Vaudreuil-Soulanges area and the West Island of Montreal. Although just four years old, Climatisation ACG has grown significantly, and recently won the National Comfort Institute’s (NCI) Small Contractor of the Year award for companies earning under $2 million in annual sales.
“Something that I did not even realize until this past year is how much we’ve grown. I’ve been just so boots on the ground in it,” adds Woo. “I really started recognizing it this year, how far we’ve come, especially after we won the NCI award. But it’s just because we’re consistent. We’ve got grit. We learned something, we deploy it. So the growth has been tremendous.”
Name: Anthony Woo
Company: Climatisation ACG
Job title: Co-owner/Operator
Born in: Edmonton, AB
Lives in: Montreal, QC
Age: 39
Woo believes that embracing new technology and continual training, including through manufacturers, the NCI and in-house programs, has given the company a competitive edge, especially as heat pump technology continues to advance. “With the increase in engineering of technology, it’s been crazy to see the knowledge gap, and one of our strongest things is that we are very adaptive, and we are constantly training and learning. So we’re solving issues that other contractors cannot solve because of the huge gap between technologies. Technology and electronics have advanced so fast that you need the know-how to measure sensors and understand control boards. This gap in technology has spiked, and that’s why, if we stay ahead and focus on training, we are going to survive the test of time.”
Woo began his career as an electro mechanic in the foodservice industry, but found the work too repetitive. He returned to school to study refrigeration, and soon joined an HVAC company working alongside Young on everything “from air conditioning to refrigerators to commercial walk-ins.” The pair eventually moved to another company to gain experience in residential air conditioning and heat pumps while planning to open their own business, and by 2022 launched Climatisation ACG, with Young as lead installer.
Although Woo says finances were their earliest challenges, the two-man operation grew quickly thanks to their already established reputation. “I spent a lot of time building my reputation, and I think a lot of people underrate it in terms of long-term planning,” explains Woo. “At every job I’ve had I’ve treated customers with respect and as if it was my own company. It wasn’t just a job for me. And I think that is where it really helped me translate to being able to operate my own business.”
Today the company has 10 employees, including six technicians on the road, and Woo says customers are now asking exclusively for cold climate heat pumps. “Definitely there were a lot of issues that we’ve had to learn with first generation cold climates, but we worked through it, we learned it. And we are very close with our distributors and they take the feedback seriously, and updates and repair modifications are constantly being deployed to update those heat pumps.”
Woo also admits to enjoying the troubleshooting, as well as meeting customers and building relationships. “I love getting to know people and learning about what people do. I’ve seen some crazy homes, crazy hobbies, crazy vehicles. So those are all things that drive me – the rewards are seeing people’s satisfaction. Just getting to build relationships with our community and the people who live in our community, it’s phenomenal.”
In the mechanical industry since: 2006
Schools and programs: DEP in electromechanics, Rosemount Technology Centre 2006; DEP in HVAC, Dalbé-Viau, 2008
Favourite teacher: John Ellis
Favourite class: Indoor air quality
Best advice you’ve ever received: Never stop learning
By Carolyn Cooper
(L-R) NCI CEO Dominick Guarino (left) presents the NCI Awards Small Contractor of the Year award to Anthony Woo and Kar Young, co-founders of Climatisation ACG, during the NCI High-Performance HVAC Summit in Austin, TX. The awards recognize the accomplishments of NCI member contractors and their companies.
The most useful tool in your toolbox: My phone
Your favourite tool in your toolbox: ChatGPT
If you were granted one wish: Knowing where to invest
Favourite outdoor activity: Beach volleyball
Favourite performer: I’m more of a podcast guy. I listen to anything to do with personal development, HVAC skills, and more recently, business leadership and building.
Advice for young people considering entering the trades: You get what you put in. You can give your minimum, but expect the minimum. You can put in more effort and get more.
The current work ride: 2025 Ford F-150 Lightning
Service area: Montreal, west suburbs
Favourite part of the job: Meeting and getting to know the people in my community
Last book you read: Unconformed: An Unbound and Unbridled Path to Unstuck Growth by Bryan Orr
Best live event you ever attended: Tony Robbins’ Unleash the Power Within
Favourite car of all time: 1990s Acura NSX
Favourite video game and preferred gaming system: Mario Kart, Switch
Favourite food: Birria
Favourite snack: Chocolate
Favourite restaurant or local lunch hang out: Sushi Taketa
Favourite place to be: A Royal Caribbean cruise ship
Hobbies: I recently started 3D printing
Easy add-on retrofit, maximum comfort, all year round.
DUAL FUEL. DONE RIGHT.
The Moovair Central-Moov Add-On heat pump system provides an easy retrofit coil-and-condenser solution to most existing indoor furnaces. Or now also available with an AHRI-rated matched furnace systems to optimize performance and utility costs.
10-year limited parts & compressor warranty
Best Pick MOOVAIR
Compact, quiet, and cold-climate ready.
Central-Moov provides:
• ENERGY STAR® Cold Climate certification
• Heat pump heating down to -30 °C
• Efficiencies up to 16.1 SEER2 / 8.0 HSPF2 region V
• Inverter-driven variable capacity compressor
• Whisper-quiet operation ranging from 57-64 dB(A)
• Environmentally friendly R-454B with built-in LDS
• Heat pump and coil models available from 18 to 60 MBH
• 60 & 80 MBH furnace AHRI matched with 18-36 MBH Central-Moov
HEAT PUMP PRODUCTS 2025 Technology
Heat pump water heater
A. O. Smith’s Voltex connected heat pump water heater achieves up to a 3.45 UEF, cutting energy use by up to 70 per cent compared to standard electric models. Designed for coldclimate operation, it maintains reliable output in ambient temperatures as low as 5°C. The unit features dual 4.5 kW backup elements, stainless-steel components, and Wi-Fi connectivity for remote diagnostics and monitoring through the iCOMM app. www.
hotwatercanada.ca
Two-wire thermostat
The tekmar Invita Wi-Fi thermostat 564 is a two-wire hybrid solution for heat pumps and conventional and hybrid HVAC systems that can be installed without pulling new wires, patching walls or replacing batteries. The ENERGY STARcertified thermostat is installed using two wires from any living space, and connects to the included HVAC Interface Module. Watts Home app allows users to adjust temperature and humidity, monitor the system remotely, and control different zones and systems. Watts Home can also be linked to Alexa or Google Home for voice command operation.
www.
watts.ca
Split system
Amana brand S-series AZV9S split-system heat pumps are engineered for traditional ducted applications in all climates, providing indoor comfort with heat pump, gas furnace or dual fuel options. The units deliver up to 10 HSPF2, plus 21 SEER2. Features include customizable humidification, advanced watershedding drain pan, Intelligent Defrost Mode, and anti-corrosion coil coating. Units are available in 2 to 3 tons, up to 36,000 BTU/hr. www. amana-hac.com
Gas absorption heat pumps
Anesi's Heat-Chain modular, highefficiency hydronic heating system is built around multiple Anesi HP80 gas absorption heat pumps (1.4 CoP/140 per cent AFUE), using natural or LP gas. Designed for commercial water and space heating, the system is available in two skid-mounted models – HC802x (160K BTU/hr) and HC80-3x (240K BTU/hr). Each skid includes factorymounted components and consolidated connections for gas, power, condensate, and hydronic fluid.
www. anesicomfort.com
Air to air heat pump
Navien introduces NAZ Series air to air heat pumps, which automatically adjust output to match residential HVAC system load. The electric units integrate with Navien air handlers and cased coils, and include an inverter-driven compressor, sound-dampening technology, and integrated Bluetooth diagnostics with the Navien Multikit app. The units operate in environments between -20°C and 51°C, while gold-fin coil coating sheds water for efficient frost cycles. Other features include dualfuel compatibility, R-454B low GWP refrigerant, and up to 19.5 SEER2. www.
navieninc.ca
DAIKIN OTERRA 115V SINGLE ZONE HEAT PUMP SYSTEM
Your 115V
Single Zone Heat Pump Solution
The Daikin OTERRA 115V single zone heat pump is powered by inverter technology that provides an ideal solution for applications that may be unable to accommodate a 208/230V circuit. Single zone systems are designed to ease both installation and maintenance with Daikin’s SIGNA flareless adaptor, while providing excellent efficiency.
Features and Benefits:
Compact and Lightweight
Available in 0.75 - 1 ton sizes.
Quiet Operation
Indoor units: As low as 25 dB
Outdoor units: As low as 46 dB
Low Ambient Cooling Cooling from 50°F -115°F
Ambient Heating Heating from 5°F -65°F
DAIKIN
HEAT PUMP PRODUCTS
Hybrid heat pump
A2W monobloc
Chiltrix by Unico offers the CX35 and CX50 series of smart residential heat pumps, providing optimized heating performance and capacities ranging from 2 to 3.5 tons cooling, and 3.4 to 4.8 tons heating. The CX35 has an Integrated Part Load Value (IPLV) of 23.27, and the CX50 has an IPLV of 21.2, ranking these units as highly efficient hydronic units. www.
Rheem’s ProTerra hybrid electric heat pump water heater offers up to a 4.07 Uniform Energy Factor. Key features include universal water connections to reduce set-up times and allow for installation in tight spaces; an on-unit display to give plumbers detailed alerts; advanced diagnostics and alarm codes for faster troubleshooting; and a built-in LeakGuard system with a 360° leak detection and auto water shut-off valve (available in select models). It operates at 45 dBA.
www.
Rooftop units
Multi-position airflow
The MRCOOL VersaPro central ducted air handler and condenser series has a SEER2 rating of up to 18.8 and an HSPF2-4 rating up to 9.7. The system offers versatile installation options, such as multi-position airflow orientations. It can be paired with optional MRCOOL No Vac Quick Connect pre-charged line sets for faster installation and is available in sizes from 18,000 to 60,000 BTUs. www. mrcool.com
The Lennox Enlight dual-fuel heat pump rooftop units are available in 3- to 25-ton models. Dual-fuel operation intelligently shifts between electric and gas heat, providing reliable performance in cold climates. Equipped with the Lennox CORE control system, units feature a lead two-speed compressor, variable-speed indoor blower, and fully modulating ECM outdoor fans. Standard BACnet MS/TP and IP and a mobile service app enable flexible integration and easy diagnostics.
www.
lennox.com
Ductless heat pump
Viessmann’s air to air ductless heat pump systems are suited to residential and light commercial applications, delivering energy savings, year-round comfort, and quiet operation. Inverter technology continually adjusts the compressor speed as conditions change to maintain consistent comfort while reducing energy consumption. Enjoy year-round comfort with powerful low ambient heating and cooling down to -30°C and as high as 50°C.
www.
viessmann.ca
Residential cold climate unit
The LG residential cold climate heat pump delivers heating down to -35°C, with 100 per cent heating at -25°C. The unit offers Soft Air mode and Dual Vane design for faster comfort, wireless control with the LG ThinQ app, and has a built-in occupancy sensor for smarter operation. www.
lghvac.com
Intelligent sensor
The Senville AURA Series heat pump is ENERGY STAR certified with SEER2 ratings up to 27.4 to deliver up to 50 per cent annual energy savings and reliable heating even in extreme -30°C temperatures. The heat pump features quiet operation, an intelligent sensor for optimal comfort, leak detection self- cleaning.
www.
senville.ca
WINTER COMFORT STARTS WITH CONFORTO
Conforto heat pumps keep your home cozy and comfortable even on the coldest winter days—without sacrificing energy efficiency. Choose the Cold Climate Centrally Ducted System for whole-home heating or the Maximum Ductless Mini-Split for targeted comfort in any room. Both systems are whisper-quiet, and built to perform year-round.
Built for harsh climates. Engineered for efficiency.
HEAT PUMP PRODUCTS
Quiet and compact
The Daikin FIT AURORA Cold Climate Certified split system is quiet and compact, with just a 4-in. clearance needed. It heats down to -23.3°C, cools up to 46.1°C, delivering up to 10 HSPF2 and 21 SEER2 efficiencies. The unit also includes a built-in drain pan heater. Available in 2 to 3 tons with up to 36,000 BTU/hr, it can use existing line sets with ducted gas furnace, heat pump or dual-fuel capabilities. www.
daikincomfort.com
Wall-mounted models
Fujitsu General America offers the AIRSTAGE Altair wallmounted mini split models with R-32 refrigerant. The Altair single-zone series offers capacities from 9,000 to 36,000 BTU/hr and efficiencies of 30 SEER2. Select models up to 12,000 BTU/hr are also available with 115V power supply. The compact outdoor unit, slim wall-mounted indoor unit, and extended line set lengths up to 164 ft. simplify installation. Altair systems have indoor sound levels as low as 19 dB (A), and offer built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and remote monitoring via the AIRSTAGE app. www.
fujitsugeneral.com
Variable speed heat pump
Carrier’s 27VNA3 23 SEER2 Infinity Heat Pump with Greenspeed Intelligence has a variable-speed compressor which makes tiny adjustments between 20- to 100-per cent capacity. The Quiet Mode allows homeowners to limit sound levels from the wall control. Advanced defrost technology runs only when needed and stops when the coil is frost-free. www.
carrier.com
Smart thermostat
Central ducted system
The TOSOT central air ducted heat pump system is a two-stage heating system with variable speed ECM motor and 96 per cent AFUE. Offering optimal performance from -30°C to 54°C, quiet operation, and 24V AC compatibility, the high-efficiency dual-fuel system includes a small footprint and side discharge for flexible installation and easy maintenance. Two to three-ton outdoor units are available, and are onsite adjustable. www. tosot.ca
The Honeywell Home ElitePRO smart thermostat, powered by Pro-IQ services, offers one-touch configuration templates and remote updates to reduce installation errors. Suitable for standard or advanced air source heat pumps, including multi-stage, auxiliary heat or dual fuel, the thermostats offer real-time system alerts, and the ability for contractors to add a company logo and contact details. Units include a 5-in. touchscreen with customizable displays and compatibility for indoor air quality monitoring and control, and are compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple Home for voice control. www. resideo.com
EVI heat pump
Inverter driven
Samsung’s Hylex heat pump is a universal, inverter-driven solution that replaces traditional air conditioning units without requiring a full system overhaul. It is compatible with existing coils and infrastructure. Its compact, energyefficient design makes it suited to today’s space-conscious homes. www.
samsunghvac.com
Arctic Heat Pumps can control the entire home heating and cooling needs, including domestic hot water. Using EVI technology, performance efficiency increases by 27 to 30 per cent, while allowing the heat pump to absorb more energy from the air, even at as low as -30°C. The heat pumps use intelligent defrosting to determine exact defrosting times and start pressures required based on real ambient conditions. With the use of EVI DC inverter compressors, no starting capacitor is required – the unit can start, stop and adjust its speeds to accommodate with minimal energy draw. www. arcticheatpumps.com
Window heat pump
The Midea packaged window heat pump is suitable for high-rise buildings, offering a compact solution for 120V/15A window mounted installation. The innovative saddle shape installs in hung windows, and combines indoor and outdoor sections so no refrigerant line or electrical connections are needed. With self-contained condensate management, quiet operation, and an enhanced vapour injection compressor, the unit works in cold climates to -30°C with continuous operation. It achieves a COP up to 2, CEER of 17.6 and HEER of 11.
www.
mideacomfortna.ca
Cold climate heat pumps
The Cold Climate centrally ducted heat pump with side discharge condenser from Conforto offers 100 per cent heating capacity at -20°C and operation down to -30°C. It has advanced inverter technology and is compatible with most third-party thermostats. For specific rooms or smaller zones, the Maximum ductless mini-split ensures precise comfort with advanced inverter technology. Both systems are quiet and ENERGY STAR certified.
confortohvac.com
CO₂ heat pump
The Simcoe2 heat pump water heater from Transom CO₂ is engineered for high performance in cold climates and for heating large volumes of domestic hot water up to 87.7°C from outside air as low as -28.8°C. The unit offers large capacities in a small footprint with sizes ranging from 20 to 40 tons, single unit capacities up to 600 MBH, and modular up to 12 units. It utilizes CO₂ refrigerant with a GWP of 1 and ODP of 0.
www. transomcorporation.com
By Tom Grochmal
Tom Grochmal, PhD, P.Eng. is founder and CEO of Trim Tab Energy Retrofits (trimtabretrofits.com), an energy contractor with a mission to renew housing and inspire better living.
Retrofit market transformation
As contractors, we live “in the weeds,” so-to-speak. Our world is a myriad of details surrounding selling, servicing and installing HVAC and plumbing systems. However, when the world around us is changing, it’s important to step back and take notice, because it’s an opportunity to stay ahead, stand out, and grow your business. In this column, I pull us out of the weeds for a moment to explain the transformation underway in our Canadian marketplace to retrofit more homes and buildings, using heat pumps in particular.
How did we get here?
The retrofit transformation I speak of is the “push” and “pull” to modernize existing homes and buildings to current (or better than current) standards for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
The “push” – Climate Action: In 2021, the Government of Canada legislated the Net Zero Emissions Accountability Act, which enshrines Canada’s commitment to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by 2050. This is climate change policy that will ultimately require all buildings to substantially reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Lately, the federal government is loosening its focus on some climate action measures, including repealing the federal carbon tax and ending the Canada Greener Home Loan program.
The “pull” – technology disruption: The surge in AI use is driving growth in data centres which in turn with electric vehicles are driving major growth for electricity. Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) forecasts a 75 per cent increase in annual energy demand by 2050. The IESO has announced a $10.9-billion funding commitment to electricity conservation in the province over the next 12 years. This includes measures to make homes and buildings more energy efficient.
A forecasted increase in electrical demand is driving greater focus on conservation in Ontario, and elsewhere. Commercial computing, driven by the surge in AI, is one of the causes.
Heat pumps lead the way
Of all energy retrofit opportunities, heat pumps are perhaps the most compelling because of their transformative potential. A lot has been done to advance their adoption in Canada over the last few years. Here is a quick summary of the pros, cons, and progress that has been made.
Pros: Heat pump technology has come of age for cold climates so they can perform during winter design conditions. Over a heating season, heat pumps are much more energy efficient compared to any other typical heating system.
• Compared to baseboard electric and oil, they represent a great cost savings opportunity.
• Compared to gas and oil, they can substantially decarbonize a home when paired with a low-emissions source of electricity.
• Heat pumps can introduce central cooling where it never existed before.
• Heat pumps can better match the comfort requirements of low load homes.
• Since many manufacturers of heat pumps are located in Asia and Europe, they aren’t subject to the crippling tariffs and counter tariffs rippling across products made in the United States.
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Cons: The switch to a heat pump, in most applications, comes at a higher up-front cost. Operating costs won’t appreciably go down in most cases where natural gas is the incumbent fuel (especially without a carbon tax).
• Heat pumps also represent load growth for the electricity grid when fuel switching is involved unless it is combined with envelope airtightness, insulation, and high-performance windows to reduce heating and cooling loads.
• Decarbonization isn’t realized if the local grid has high GHG emission factors, such as in Alberta.
Progress in the Canadian marketplace
Heat pumps have been at the centre of most retrofit market transformation initiatives to date. Over the last five years, there have been several government and utility programs targeting the adoption of heat pumps for existing homes. Significant progress has been made:
• Standards now exist which clearly define what a cold climate heat pump is so contractors, homeowners and landlords can have confidence in their performance.
• Sizing and selection tools have been established by Natural Resources Canada.
• 250,000 heat pumps were installed across Canada as a result of the Canada Greener Homes Grant.
• Ducted and ductless heat pumps are now available in stock through most large wholesalers.
• Heat pumps are now understood to be a viable alternative by many installing contractors.
• Mainstream homeowner awareness has increased thanks to marketing efforts by utility/government programs and acceptance by contractors.
Targeted opportunities
When you look at the capabilities of heat pump technology and the state of the heat pump market against the backdrop of an uncertain economy, uncertain climate policy, the push to build affordable homes, and surging electrical demand, the engineer in me sees a few possibilities:
1. Heat pumps are a great solution for electricity conservation – especially for homes and buildings heated with baseboard electric. This results in lower operating costs, grid strain, and GHG emissions (see Heat pump retrofits in rental buildings in MB’s July/August 2025 issue).
2. Heat pumps are a great solution for new construction and low-heating-load homes because of their load matching capability. This would also be true for renovations incorporating envelope improvements to reduce the heating and cooling loads to modern standards or better.
3. Where carbon reduction is concerned, heat pumps are the obvious choice for getting off oil. Hybrid dualfuel heating solutions will continue to be the practical path towards transitioning off fossil fuels, especially for mainstream users who reject uncertainty.
Natural Resources Canada has developed a sizing and selection guide for heat pumps. It is available for download, along with other tools
A building envelope that is well insulated, has low air leakage, and high-performance windows will have low heating and cooling loads. A variable capacity, cold climate heat pump is ideal in these situations because of its load matching capability.
Can-do attitude fuels success
Peter Inch and Associates (PI&A) from London, ON, serves the mainstream residential retrofit HVAC market − furnaces, air conditioners, boilers, IAQ and ventilation equipment. Not surprisingly, they have embraced heat pumps as they have entered the market and have participated in utility programs to build up their internal capacity to sell, install and service them.
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A ductless mini-split heat pump is a great solution to replace baseboard heating and an inefficient throughthe-wall air conditioner.
The key to their success is a can-do attitude to gain familiarity with new equipment and work through the installation challenges. In a recent project from earlier this year, my company Trim Tab hired PI&A as its HVAC installation partner for the deployment of “all-in-one” vertical stack heat pumps in a social housing retrofit project. These heat pump units are from Italy and new to Canada. The units are now operational and turned out to be an elegant solution for this multifamily building − especially when paired with envelope upgrades − as they allowed the units to transition off natural gas. PI&A earned great credibility with me and my client after that project.
How do I position my contracting business?
Having grown up at the dinner table of a heating contractor who has seen his share of change in the industry over multiple decades, I’ll offer the following three tips on how you might capitalize on these opportunities over time.
1. Know your customers: Some are more accepting of change and a value proposition tied to long-term benefits. You don’t want to miss the opportunity of offering a better solution to these folks.
2. Know your product: Understand where heat pumps make the best sense, from an application point of view. And know their limitations. There is a great deal of technical training available for heat pumps.
3. Know the resources that are available: Be aware of existing rebate programs in your area and how to use them. But never go all in on rebates and incentives to sustain your business. As we’ve seen recently with federal heat pump grants and loans, what the government gives, the government can also take away.
The installation of “all in one” vertical stack heat pumps, which provide heating, cooling, ventilation, and dehumidification in a single package with no outdoor unit. It’s a very elegant retrofit solution for situations with limited space.
Grow your business
The push of climate change policy and the pull of disruptive technology is driving change and, ultimately, greater demand for energy retrofits, with heat pumps leading the way. There is a great deal of substandard housing that needs to be addressed in the coming decades. Seek out opportunities to build up your capacity and heat pump know how so you are positioned to grow your business as the market for energy retrofits further develops.
Want to learn more or be part of the movement?
Efficiency Canada is Canada’s voice for an energy efficient economy. If you want to have your voice heard and be part of the movement, join its retrofit mission at efficiencycanada.nationbuilder.com/retrofitmissionsignup.
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Test your heat pump knowledge!
Match the terminology you hear in the field to the correct definition or function by January 7, 2026 and enter for your chance to win a YETI cooler, sponsored by NIBCO. This contest is open to Mechanical Business subscribers in Canada. Send your answers to kerry.turner@mechanicalbusiness.com or enter online at mechanicalbusiness.com.
EXAMPLE: 10) CSA C656 B) Performance testing standards for ASHPs harmonized with ANSI/AHRI 210/240-2008
Answer: 10,B
Thank you for participating!
A) In a variable speed compressor, it allows for a full range of operation and automatically adjusts output for optimal efficiency
B) Performance testing standards for ASHPs harmonized with ANSI/ AHRI 210/240-2008
C) Change the flow of refrigerant which determines if the interior space is cooled or heated
D) A reservoir that adjusts the refrigerant charge depending on seasonal needs
E) HWS temperature the unit can produce at the minimum ambient temperature; based on the compressor and refrigeration cycle
F) Equipment operational rating sets the unit’s minimum ambient temperature for operation
G) Accomplished by adding either ethylene glycol or propylene glycol to the fluid
H) Highest hot-water supply
I) Saturated refrigerant temperature in the outdoor heat exchanger is below freezing temperature, causing humidity to collect/freeze on the heat exchanger
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