Neighbours for the Planet
Tackling Climate Change, One Action at a Time
Heat Pumps
Opting for a heat pump as a replacement for your furnace and air conditioner contributes to a greener environment by lowering your carbon footprint.
The Richmond Hill climate groups Targeting Climate Change (TCC), Drawdown Richmond Hill (DDRH) and Neighbours for the Planet (NftP) have joined forces and rebranded as
Climate Action Richmond Hill, emphasizing the imperative to ACT NOW against climate change.
Climate Action Richmond Hill hosted an event on December 2, 3023 dedicated to heat pumps.
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If you were unable to attend, please see below for details, a link to watch the recording and fill out the survey to guide us on future endeavours.
Please note that the Home Efficiency Rebate is currently suspended. Nevertheless, the Canada Greener Homes Loan remains accessible. Despite the rebate pause, the webinar is still valuable, featuring extensive information on heat pumps.
Contact Information of Speakers:
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Erik Janssen: Erik.Janssen@trca.ca
Myles O'Brien: myles.obrien@richmondhill.ca
Marta Ecsedi: mj.ecsedi@sympatico.ca
Sarah Grant: sgrant@goldfinchenergy.ca
Bob McKeraqghan: bob@cancoclimatecare.com
Esther Collier: targetclimatechange@gmail.com
Useful Resources for the Heat Pump event
The Step by Step document is being updated and will be posted shortly.
Links to City of Richmond Hill Resources
Save Money on Home Energy Costs
Heating and cooling our buildings and homes accounts for 1/3 of Richmond Hill’s greenhouse gas emissions. Improving the energy efficiency of your home can not only reduce emissions, but also lower energy costs!
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Curious about heat pumps? Tired of chilly winter drafts? Homeowners can learn more about options, resources and incentives to improve the efficiency and comfort of your home by watching the recorded webinars below.
Richmond Hill, in partnership with Humber College and Enbridge Gas, offered two FREE educational webinars:
Sealing Energy Leakages (SEL) - Free Webinar
This 2-hour session offers DIY demonstrations of how to locate and correct problematic air leaks in the home, showing how simple, low-cost sealing strategies can reduce monthly energy bills. These sessions will also provide information on rebates that can help further save you money.
A link to the recorded webinar will be coming soon.​
Home Efficiency Retrofit Orientation (HERO) - Free Webinar
This 2-hour session provides insights on heating/cooling systems, insulation, windows, hot water heating and reducing air leakage, as well as eligible rebate programs. It is geared toward single-family homeowners (i.e. detached, semi-detached, townhome house types). Jointly presented with the City of Markham.​
A link to the recorded webinar will be coming soon.​
The Benefits of Replacing your Furnace and Air conditioner with a Heat Pump
1. Energy Efficiency
Heat pumps are highly energy-efficient as they move heat rather than generate it. They can provide heating and cooling at a fraction of the energy cost compared to traditional furnaces and air conditioners.
4. Environmental Benefits
Heat pumps typically produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel-based heating systems. If the electricity used to power the heat pump comes from renewable sources, the system can be even more environmentally friendly.
7. Improved Air Quality
Heat pumps can help improve indoor air quality by filtering and circulating the air in your home, reducing dust, allergens, and pollutants.
10. Enhanced Home Value
Upgrading to a heat pump system can increase the value of your home, especially if energy efficiency and sustainability are important factors for potential buyers.
2. Cost Savings
Due to their energy efficiency, heat pumps can lead to significant cost savings on your utility bills over time, especially in regions with moderate climates where a heat pump's performance is optimal.
5. Consistent Comfort
Heat pumps distribute air evenly throughout your home, providing a more consistent and comfortable indoor temperature. They can maintain a steady temperature without the fluctuations often associated with traditional heating and cooling systems.
8. Quiet Operation
Heat pumps are known for their quiet operation compared to traditional HVAC systems. This is especially beneficial for maintaining a peaceful indoor environment.
3. Dual Functionality
Heat pumps can provide both heating and cooling, making them a versatile solution for year-round comfort. They can extract heat from the air to warm your home in winter and reverse the process to cool your home in summer.
6. Long-Term Durability
Heat pumps are built to last and require minimal maintenance. With proper care and regular servicing, a heat pump can have a long lifespan, providing reliable heating and cooling for many years.
9. Incentives and Rebates
Depending on your location, there may be government incentives, tax credits, or rebates available for installing energy-efficient heat pump systems, making the initial investment more affordable.
Before making the decision to replace your furnace and air conditioner with a heat pump, it's important to assess your specific climate, energy costs, and home needs to determine if a heat pump is the best solution for you. Consulting with a professional HVAC contractor can provide valuable insights and help you make an informed decision.