Heating Services

Heat Pumps

Heat Pump Repair Services in Kingston, Brockville, Smith Falls & surrounding areas

Heat (and cool!) Your Home with an Energy-Efficient Heat Pump

Heat pumps can be an excellent year-round heating source for your Brockville, Smiths Falls and Kingston area home or business. A heat pump looks very similar to an air conditioner, except that they can also be used for heating in the colder months.

In the summer, your heat pump will operate in the same way your air conditioner does, transferring the heat from inside your home via a system that combines refrigerant compression and expansion with a heat exchanger. In the cold seasons, heat pumps use a reversing expansion valve and control technology to reverse this process.

So Why Switch to a Heat Pump?

No Fossil Fuels! The compressor at the heart of a Heat Pump system is driven by electricity, which is a much cleaner fuel than the gas, propane, oil, or wood that fuels a typical Canadian furnace. This is why developed countries around the world are promoting the use of heat pumps to reduce our carbon footprint.
Energy Efficiency! A heat pump with current technology can operate cost-effectively down to -30 degree Celsius! A heat pump is good for the environment, but also is a cost-effective heating source.
Revolutionary 2-in-1 comfort solution! One of the greatest advantages of heat pumps is their dual functionality as both a heating and cooling system for your home. They keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, making them a convenient and versatile option.

Types of Heat Pumps

Air-to-Air

The majority of heat pumps currently being installed in Canada are air-to-air systems; in the summer they transfer heat from the air inside your home to the outside, and in the winter the process is reversed. Most systems are attached to your existing air duct system which distributes the heated (or cooled) air throughout your home. It’s a great solution for your whole home!

Ductless Systems

These are also air-to-air systems, but without the use of the air duct system. They are great for heating or cooling spaces that don’t have a duct system, like an addition or homes that are built on a slab. Single head units are used to heat or cool individual rooms, while multi-head units can manage temperatures throughout your home.

Air-to-Water

Air-to-Water systems are becoming more common, as they combine heat pump technology with radiant systems such as in-floor heat. The outside unit will transfer energy using an air exchange, while the inside unit will transfer energy to a water system. They are the Hybrids of the HVAC world. Toshack recommends Viessmann air-to-water units, as they are world leaders in this area.

Ground Source Heat Pumps

GSHPs are commonly referred to as Geo-Thermal, since their heat source (and heat sink) is the earth. At depths of four feet or more, the ground temperature is cool and stable (13-15C) and therefore provides a steady source of heat or cooling which is usually transferred to your home via a lengthy loop of buried pipe which circulates a water/glycol mix. These are the Cadillacs of the heat pump world! They are exceptionally energy-efficient however their installation cost is typically higher.

The experienced and knowledgeable Sales team at Toshack can help you select the best heating and cooling system for your home.

Book a Service Appointment

Toshack is always here to help with your heating, cooling, or plumbing service needs. You can book your repair or preventive maintenance work online by clicking the button below, or call to speak with us directly during regular business hours by calling 613-342-9381. Either way, we’re here to help!

Get a Free Quote

Your home may require more than a regular service repair call. Perhaps you are thinking about a major renovation, the installation or replacement of major equipment, or even a completely new system. Toshack provides free site visits and detailed written quotations to help you take the worry out of your project! Call 613-342-9381 or click the button below to start the conversation!

Protection Plans Available

Toshack’s very own Guardian Plan helps protect you against unforeseen equipment breakdowns by providing year-round insurance that covers the labour charges and most parts, with only a few exceptions. With this great coverage, no deductible, and an included annual maintenance, we believe that Toshack’s Guadian Plan is the best heating and cooling equipment protection plan available!

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a heat pump work?

A heat pump is a device that provides both heating and cooling for a home by transferring heat between the indoors and outdoors. It operates based on the principle of heat transfer rather than the generation of heat, making it distinct from traditional heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. In warmer weather, the heat pump functions similarly to an air conditioner, removing warm air from inside the home and expelling it outdoors, thereby cooling the interior. In contrast, during colder weather, the heat pump reverses this process, extracting heat from the outside air—even when it is cold—and transferring it inside to warm the home. This dual capability of both heating and cooling through the movement of heat makes the heat pump a versatile and efficient option for climate control in various weather conditions.

Do heat pumps save you money?

Heat pumps can lead to cost savings on utility bills due to their high efficiency. They are particularly efficient because they transfer heat instead of generating it by burning fuel. This energy-efficient operation often makes heat pumps and water heaters more cost-effective than traditional HVAC systems. However, the degree of their effectiveness and the potential for cost savings can be influenced by the local climate. In regions where temperatures frequently drop near or below freezing, heat pumps may struggle to operate efficiently, as extracting heat from very cold outdoor air requires more energy. In such climates, their efficiency decreases, and they may not be as cost-effective compared to other heating options.

Pros and Cons of Heat Pumps

The pros and cons of heat pumps are important to consider. On the positive side, their efficiency in transferring heat instead of generating it makes them environmentally friendly, as they do not require separate systems for heating and cooling. This efficiency is both energy-saving and cost-effective under the right climate conditions. However, the effectiveness of heat pumps is limited in very cold climates. When outdoor temperatures are near or below freezing, the energy required to transfer heat from a cold environment to a warmer one increases, making them less efficient. In such situations, additional energy sources may be needed to provide adequate heating, reducing their overall efficiency.

Does a heat pump need maintenance?

Yes, heat pumps require regular maintenance for effective operation. Regular upkeep is necessary to ensure they function optimally. If the heat pump is used frequently, its filter should be replaced about once a month, or every three months if used less frequently. Keeping fans and coils clean and free from debris is vital for maintaining efficiency and prolonging the life of the unit. Additionally, professional inspections are recommended twice a year, ideally before the heating and cooling seasons begin. Due to the complexity of heat pumps and the potentially hazardous chemicals they contain, most maintenance and repair work should be handled by professionals. This keeps the unit, your home, and your family safe and guarantees that the unit is maintained correctly for efficient and reliable operation.

Customer Experiences

"Will and his coworkers (Ward, Emilio, Caleb and Olly) are very hard working guys. We were impressed with the job they completed at our home. They installed a heat pump and propane furnace. They were all friendly and informative. They all seemed to genuinely like their jobs. They did an amazing job with the cleanup. Our system works great. Thanks to all of these guys."

"Brian and Matt came to our home today to clean ducts and do an annual maintenance check on our furnace. They were personable, kind and informative. They were thorough and they did a great job! I hope that they are the same fellows who return next year!"

"Brian and Carlos came out, they were so friendly and took their time cleaning out the ducts. They took such care, they showed me pictures of before and after. This is my first home and no experience with this kind of job. They answered all my questions, super happy. Will look at making this an annual thing. The whole team, from quote to service rendered, everyone has been so kind and went above and beyond to get this done. Highly recommend. Thank you team"

"The Toshack team replaced our lightning damaged 35 year old KeepRite heat pump/air handler with a new Trane. Installation went smooth with very professional technicians. They answered all of our questions and explained the new system. Would highly recommend Toshacks !!"

"Steve M. was efficient and courteous. He cleaned and serviced our furnace and air conditioner. When we first moved here, Toshack installed our furnace and air conditioner. Excellent and prompt service each and every time we have contacted them. 5 Star service."

"Brian and his partner were absolutely wonderful! They were just pleasant to deal with! They answered all our questions and were so professional! We would definitely recommend these gentleman to come into your home and clean your ducts - a 12/10 !!!!! Thank you gentleman!!"