A Homeowner's Guide to Heat Pumps in Ontario
Heat pumps have become one of the most common questions homeowners in Durham Region ask us, especially with provincial and federal rebate programs making the upfront cost more manageable. Here's what a heat pump actually does, whether it holds up in an Ontario winter, and what rebates are currently available.
How Heat Pumps Work
Unlike a furnace, which generates heat by burning fuel, a heat pump moves heat rather than creating it, pulling warmth from outdoor air and moving it inside during winter, then reversing the process to cool your home in summer. That means one system handles both heating and cooling, which is part of why interest in them has grown.
Do Heat Pumps Actually Work in Ontario Winters?
This is the question we hear most, and the honest answer is that it depends on the equipment. Older heat pump models did lose efficiency in extreme cold, which is where their reputation for struggling in Canadian winters comes from. Cold-climate heat pump models, built specifically for colder regions, are designed to keep working through a Durham Region winter, typically paired with a backup heat source for the coldest stretches. If you're deciding between a heat pump and sticking with a furnace, our air conditioner versus heat pump comparison and a conversation with our technicians about your specific home are the best next steps before you decide.
Ducted or Ductless?
If your home already has ductwork, a heat pump can typically be installed as part of your existing system. If it doesn't, or if you're only trying to condition specific rooms or additions, a ductless mini-split is often the better fit. See our full breakdown of ductless mini-split systems for how they work and which homes benefit most.
2026 Heat Pump Rebates in Ontario
Two provincial and federal programs are currently relevant to Durham Region homeowners considering a heat pump: the Home Renovation Savings (HRS) program and the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program. Eligibility and rebate amounts vary depending on your current heating system and household, so the right move is to confirm your specific eligibility with us before you budget around a number you saw somewhere else. We can walk you through what you likely qualify for as part of your free in-home estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do heat pumps actually work in Ontario winters?
Yes, when the right equipment is used. Cold-climate heat pump models are built specifically to keep performing through a Durham Region winter, typically paired with a backup heat source for the coldest stretches. Older, non-cold-climate models are where the "heat pumps don't work here" reputation comes from.
What's the difference between a ducted heat pump and a ductless mini-split?
A ducted heat pump connects to your home's existing ductwork and heats or cools the whole house through it, the way a furnace does. A ductless mini-split doesn't need ductwork at all, it conditions individual rooms or zones directly, which makes it a good fit for additions, older homes without ducts, or homes only cooling specific rooms.
How much does it cost to install a heat pump in Ontario?
It depends on the size of your home, the type of system (ducted or ductless), and which rebate programs you qualify for, so there isn't one number that applies to every home. We can walk you through real, house-specific numbers, including rebate eligibility, as part of a free in-home estimate.
What heat pump rebates are available in Durham Region in 2026?
Two programs are currently relevant: the Home Renovation Savings (HRS) program and the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program. Eligibility and rebate amounts depend on your current heating system and household, so it's worth confirming your specific eligibility with us rather than budgeting around a number you saw elsewhere.
How long do heat pumps typically last?
With regular maintenance, a heat pump is generally built to last comparably to a central air conditioner, in the same range as other major HVAC equipment, though the actual lifespan depends on usage, installation quality, and how consistently it's serviced.
Does a heat pump replace my furnace, or work alongside it?
Both are options. Some homeowners replace their furnace entirely with a heat pump, while others keep their furnace as backup for the coldest days and let the heat pump handle most of the season, sometimes called a hybrid or dual-fuel setup. Which makes sense depends on your home and your comfort relying on electric heat in deep cold.
Is Walchuk Heating & Cooling licensed to install heat pumps?
Yes. Walchuk Heating & Cooling is TSSA licensed (#000229172), HRAI registered (#114449), and WSIB insured (#5318422), and has served Durham Region homeowners for close to 15 years.
Does Walchuk service heat pumps outside Whitby?
Yes. We service Whitby, Oshawa, Ajax, Courtice, Bowmanville, Port Perry, and Port Hope, with two Whitby locations for faster response across Durham Region.
Ready to Talk About a Heat Pump for Your Home?
Our technicians install and service both ducted and ductless heat pump systems across Whitby, Oshawa, Ajax, Courtice, Bowmanville, Port Perry, and Port Hope. Get a free estimate or call 905-622-5435.
