Heat Pumps
Cold-climate, ducted, ductless and hybrid systems for Ottawa homes.
Heating and cooling, all year
Compare heat pumps for your Ottawa home
Replacing an older air conditioner? Looking for an alternative to electric baseboards? We’ll help you choose a system that makes sense for your home.
At AirZone HVAC Services, we install ducted, ductless and cold-climate heat pumps across Ottawa. Some work alongside a furnace. Others use an electric air handler or deliver heating and cooling directly to individual rooms.
We’ll explain the differences and help you make the most of available rebates. Our trained team reviews eligible equipment, application timing and the expected rebate alongside your written installation quote, so you can compare the full cost before deciding.
Have a question? Call 613-592-5770.

Start with the home you have
Ducted, ductless or hybrid?
Your existing heating system is a useful starting point. The best choice also depends on your room layout, winter heating needs and plans for the home.
A ducted system moves air through your vents; a ductless system serves rooms through indoor units. “Hybrid” describes a heat pump working with a fuel-burning furnace. Cold-climate equipment can be used in either a hybrid or fully electric design.
Heat pump options for different home layouts
| Your home | An option to compare | What matters most |
|---|---|---|
| You have a furnace and working ductwork | A ducted hybrid heat pump that replaces the AC and works with a compatible furnace. | Equipment matching, duct airflow and controls that coordinate the two heat sources. |
| You want to move to electric heating | A cold-climate heat pump with an electric air handler and backup heat where needed. | Winter heat loss, available electrical capacity and a complete backup-heating plan. |
| You heat with baseboards or radiators | Single-zone or multi-zone ductless heat pumps. | Indoor-unit locations, closed bedrooms, air circulation and remaining heating needs. |
| You have ducts, but certain rooms stay uncomfortable | A separate ductless system or our central-plus-ductless ComfortSpan system. | Whether the problem comes from airflow, heat loss or the room’s distance from the central system. |
These are starting points for a conversation. We assess the home before recommending equipment or a particular system size.
Replacing your AC? Compare the heating benefit, too.
A central heat pump can take the place of an air conditioner while adding electric heating. In summer, it removes heat from your home. In heating mode, it reverses that process and brings heat indoors.
If your furnace is in good condition, a compatible hybrid system may let you keep it. The furnace remains available when the controls call for it, and the heat pump supplies heating under the conditions chosen for your home.
We compare the complete installed system with a replacement AC. Cooling efficiency, sound, controls and winter capacity vary by model, so the heat-pump label alone doesn’t tell you which option offers better value.
Explore our heat pump installation and replacement services or compare central air conditioners.


Lennox air-conditioning installations by AirZone.
Cold-climate heat pumps in Ottawa
How cold-climate heat pumps perform in winter
Look beyond the lowest operating temperature
A unit may continue running in very cold weather without producing enough heat to meet the home’s full demand. We compare its heating output at low temperatures with the building’s heat loss. That matters more than a single temperature claim in a brochure.
Set backup heat to suit the system
There isn’t one furnace switchover temperature for every Ottawa home. Available heat-pump output, fuel and electricity costs, equipment limits and comfort requirements influence the setting. A fully electric system also needs its backup-heating requirements assessed.
Understand normal winter operation
Inverter-driven equipment can run for longer periods at a lower output to maintain a steady temperature. Outdoor units also defrost periodically; a brief change in sound or a plume of water vapour can be normal. Persistent ice or a home that won’t warm up calls for a service assessment.
For a technical introduction, see Natural Resources Canada’s heat pump guide.

What we check before recommending a system

- Heating and cooling needsInsulation, windows, exposure and room layout affect the load. We consider both winter heating and summer cooling rather than choosing capacity from floor area alone.
- Ductwork and room airflowA larger outdoor unit won’t solve undersized ducts. The indoor equipment must move the required air without creating avoidable noise or leaving rooms short of heating and cooling.
- Electrical capacityThe equipment, backup heat and other household loads determine what is required. A 100-amp or 200-amp panel label by itself doesn’t confirm whether an upgrade is needed.
- Outdoor placement and drainageWe consider snow, airflow, defrost drainage, nearby bedrooms, neighbours and future service access when planning the outdoor location.
- Controls and equipment compatibilityThe outdoor unit, coil or air handler, furnace and thermostat must work together. We explain the proposed combination and how you’ll use it.
Comfort without adding ducts
Ductless heating and cooling
Ductless heat pumps are worth considering in homes with electric baseboards, boilers or rooms that the central system doesn’t reach well. One outdoor unit can serve a single indoor unit or several compatible zones.
The layout matters. An indoor unit in a hallway may not keep every closed bedroom comfortable. We plan where the air will go, where indoor units can be mounted and how they can be reached for cleaning.
If winter comfort is your priority, explore ductless heating systems. For summer cooling, see our mini-split air conditioners. Learn what to expect from ductless mini-split installation.

AirZone ComfortSpan™
Central comfort, with extra help where you need it
Does your bedroom stay hot while the main floor feels fine? Or does an addition need its own heating and cooling? ComfortSpan combines a compatible central system and selected ductless zones using one outdoor heat pump.
Some homes need more heating than their existing ducts can comfortably deliver. Our in-house HVAC designer can send part of that heat through the central system and the rest directly to rooms that need it.
The central furnace/plenum connection counts as one zone, with up to four additional ductless zones. Each part is sized for the spaces it serves. This can let the complete system provide more heating without forcing all the airflow through the existing ducts.
You get central comfort for the main living areas, with individual control in the additional zones. We’ll compare the design, installed cost and rebate potential with your other options.
Choosing a heat pump brand and model

We offer a range of heat pumps because different homes need different solutions. AirZone’s selection includes equipment from Lennox, Rheem, Moovair, Mitsubishi Electric, Bosch and Midea.
Heating capacity in cold weather, cooling efficiency, sound levels, controls and warranty terms all deserve attention. Ratings apply to specific indoor and outdoor combinations, so we compare the matched equipment proposed for your home.
SEER2 describes seasonal cooling efficiency; HSPF2 describes seasonal heating efficiency. Neither rating alone tells you what your energy bill will be or whether a system can meet your winter heating load.
See our HVAC equipment brands and dealer credentials and browse the heat-pump models below.
What affects heat pump cost in Ottawa?
A single-room ductless installation and a complete electric-heating conversion involve very different work. A useful quote explains the equipment and what is needed to install it properly.
- System capacity and heating performance
- The number and location of indoor units
- Furnace or air-handler compatibility
- Electrical work, controls and duct changes
- Refrigerant piping, drainage and access
Operating cost is a separate question. It depends on the home, weather, utility rates, system efficiency and use of backup heat. We’ll discuss those factors alongside your current fuel use and comfort goals.
Financing options can help spread the installation cost, subject to approval and the financing terms. We show the equipment price, expected rebate and financing details separately so you can make an informed comparison.
Request a quote and rebate reviewLocal people behind the work
Local installation and support since 2005
We’ve served Ottawa homeowners since 2005. Our installation and service technicians are directly employed by AirZone, so the team you choose for the equipment is also here to support it.
We’re a licensed and insured HVAC contractor, TSSA registered and an HRAI member. We provide written quotes, explain our recommendations and give you time to make a decision.
Our service area includes Ottawa, Kanata, Barrhaven, Orleans, Nepean, Gloucester, Stittsville, Riverside South, Manotick, Greely and Cumberland. Visit our service areas or meet the AirZone team.





Installation, repair or regular service?
We can help whether you’re choosing new equipment or looking after the heat pump you already own.
Heat pump installation
Compare new systems and replacements, with sizing, equipment matching and a clear installation plan.
Explore heat pump installationHeat pump repair
Get help with poor heating or cooling, unusual noises, persistent icing and equipment that won’t run.
Arrange a heat pump repairHeat pump service
Arrange routine care for coils, filters, drains, airflow, controls and overall system operation.
Plan heat pump maintenanceA closer look
Learn more about heat pumps
Watch our video for an introduction to heat pumps. If you’re unsure which type suits your home, tell us what you currently use for heating and which rooms you’d like to improve.
We’ll help you compare central, ductless and hybrid choices and provide a free, no-obligation quote.
Heat pump questions from homeowners
Do cold-climate heat pumps work in Ottawa winters?
Yes. Cold-climate models are designed to provide heating at low outdoor temperatures. The amount of heat they deliver varies by model and conditions. We compare the equipment’s winter output with your home’s heat loss and plan any backup heating needed for reliable comfort.
Can I keep my gas furnace with a new heat pump?
Often, yes. A compatible ducted heat pump can work with a gas furnace in a hybrid system. We check the furnace, indoor coil, airflow and controls before recommending the combination. The furnace operates when the system’s control strategy calls for it.
Can a heat pump heat my whole house?
A properly designed ducted system can serve the home through its vents. Ductless systems can also serve multiple rooms, but indoor-unit placement and closed doors affect coverage. Whole-home heating needs a complete assessment of room loads, air distribution and backup requirements.
Does a heat pump replace an air conditioner?
A heat pump can replace a central air conditioner when paired with compatible indoor equipment and controls. It provides cooling in summer and adds heating capability. We compare the installed cost and performance of both options when you’re planning a replacement.
Will I need a 200-amp electrical panel?
Not necessarily. The selected heat pump, any electric backup heat and other household electrical loads determine the requirements. Panel size alone is not enough to decide. We review electrical needs as part of the project and identify when further electrical assessment or upgrades are required.
Will a heat pump cost less to run than my furnace?
It depends on your current fuel, utility rates, the home’s heating demand and the equipment’s efficiency at different temperatures. A hybrid system can use the furnace when that suits the design and control settings. We discuss operating costs without promising a fixed saving for every household.
Is ductless suitable for a home with baseboard heating?
It can be a good option for adding efficient heating and summer cooling without new ductwork. The number and location of indoor units matter, especially in bedrooms that are kept closed. Existing baseboards may remain useful in spaces the new system doesn’t fully serve or as backup.
How many zones can ComfortSpan serve?
ComfortSpan can provide up to five total zones: one central furnace/plenum connection and up to four additional ductless zones. The supported combination depends on the selected equipment, the home’s heating and cooling loads and available duct airflow.
What maintenance will my heat pump need?
Check filters as directed and keep the outdoor unit clear of airflow obstructions. Professional maintenance reviews the indoor and outdoor equipment, drains, electrical components, controls and performance. The service schedule depends on the manufacturer’s instructions, operating conditions and system layout. AirZone offers annual service and Family Plans.
Can AirZone help me get a heat pump rebate?
Yes. Our team has completed in-house training on heat pump rebates and helps homeowners check eligibility, compare approved equipment and understand the application process. For eligible Home Renovation Savings projects, we prepare the pre-installation submission and confirm approval before work begins. We also help with the equipment and installation documentation. The program administrator determines final eligibility and payment.
Can ComfortSpan qualify for a larger heat pump rebate?
It can when your home needs the additional heating capacity and the approved system qualifies. ComfortSpan combines a central connection with separate ductless zones, allowing some heating to reach rooms directly instead of passing through the existing ducts. Where this supports more eligible heating capacity than a central-only option, the Home Renovation Savings rebate may be higher, within program limits. We compare the design and anticipated rebate for your home.
Do you install and service heat pumps in my area?
We install, repair and maintain heat pumps throughout Ottawa and nearby communities. Our own local technicians handle both new installations and ongoing service. Share your postal code when you contact us and we’ll confirm coverage, whether you need a quote, a repair or regular maintenance.
Let’s compare the options for your home
Tell us how you heat your home, whether you have ductwork and what you’d like to improve. We’ll help you choose a practical next step and provide a clear written quote.
Browse Heat Pump Models
Explore the equipment below, then ask us to compare the models that suit your home. Availability, compatible indoor equipment and warranty terms are confirmed with your quote.

Central MOOV Add On
Central-Moov add-on systems were built for epic performance thanks to energy-saving and Inverter drive technology. Its outstanding operation has earned a best-in-class ranking as well

Rheem RD17AZ
The Rheem Endeavor™ Line Classic Plus® Series Universal Heat Pump RD17AZ is your eco-friendly, energy-efficient solution to year-round home comfort. Certified by ENERGY STAR® for

Mitsubishi ZUBA Central
The Mitsubishi ZUBA Central is widely regarded as the pinnacle of heat pump technology. This unit offers incredible performance numbers, an incredibly reliable track record

Lennox SL22KLV
The Lennox SL22KLV Heat Pump is one of the most advanced home comfort systems available in Canada—offering elite-level efficiency, quiet

Midea EVOX(G3) R454B
Midea EVOx G3 R-454B Heat Pump – Efficient, Quiet, and Built to Last The Midea EVOX is the next generation

Midea Evox HYPER HEAT R410A
Midea EVOx Hyper Heat Heat Pump – Powerful, Cold-Climate Comfort to -30°C The Midea EVOx Hyper Heat is built for

Midea EVOX Regular Heat (R410A)
Midea EVOx Regular Heat Pump – Budget-Friendly, Quiet, and Versatile The Midea EVOx Regular is a smart choice for homeowners

Lennox EL18KSLV
Lennox EL18KSLV Cold Climate Heat Pump Introducing Lennox’s first side discharge cold climate heat pump! Finally you can enjoy the

Kinghome Ultranixx ECO
Kinghome UltraNixx ECO Central Heat Pump The Kinghome UltraNixx ECO is a central heat pump designed to tackle Ottawa’s winter

Kinghome Ultranixx
Kinghome UltraNixx Cold Climate Heat Pump The Kinghome UltraNixx is a high-efficiency cold climate heat pump built for Ottawa’s demanding

Rheem RD17AZ
The Rheem Endeavor™ Line Classic Plus® Series Universal Heat Pump RD17AZ is your eco-friendly, energy-efficient solution to year-round home comfort.