Central heat pump
Ducted heat pump
A ducted (central) heat pump replaces your air conditioner — and often most of your furnace's work — with one electric system that moves heat instead of burning fuel. It connects to the ductwork you already have, so every room gets heating and cooling through the same vents.
How it works
Collects heat outside
The outdoor unit pulls heat from outdoor air — even when it's well below freezing — using refrigerant.
Moves it inside
Refrigerant carries that heat to an indoor coil at your air handler or furnace.
Delivers through ducts
Your blower pushes warm air through the existing vents. In summer the cycle reverses and it cools like an AC.
Is it right for your home?
Great for
- Homes with existing ductwork in good condition
- Replacing an aging AC or furnace
- Whole-home comfort from one system
- Homeowners aiming to cut gas use or go all-electric
Think twice if
- Homes without ducts (see ductless)
- Ducts that are undersized, leaky or in poor shape
Pros
- Heating and cooling in one system
- Uses ducts you already have — no wall units
- Much more efficient than electric resistance heat
- Eligible for Home Renovation Savings rebates
Cons
- Ductwork may need upgrades for the right airflow
- May need an electrical panel or circuit upgrade
- Needs correct sizing for Toronto winters
Cold-climate heat pumps for Toronto winters
Cold-climate air-source heat pumps (ccASHP) are designed to keep producing heat at low outdoor temperatures. For Home Renovation Savings rebates, the model must be on Natural Resources Canada's qualified products list. Proper sizing matters more than the brand — your installer confirms it with a heat-loss calculation.
Home Renovation Savings
Qualifying cold-climate heat pumps earn a rebate per ton of heating capacity. Pre-approval is required before installation, and the model must be on Natural Resources Canada's qualified products list.
What affects the cost
- Heating capacity (tons) from a heat-loss calculation
- Condition and size of your ductwork
- Electrical upgrades
- Whether you keep your furnace as backup (hybrid)
- Equipment brand and cold-climate rating
Every home is different — installers quote after a site visit and heat-loss calculation.
Keeping it running well
- Replace or clean the filter every 1–3 months
- Keep 60 cm clear around the outdoor unit; clear snow and ice
- Annual professional check-up
Common questions
Will it keep my house warm in January?
A properly sized cold-climate model is designed to heat through Toronto winters. Some homeowners keep their gas furnace as backup for the coldest days (a hybrid setup).
Do I need new ducts?
Usually not. Your installer checks whether your ducts can carry the airflow the heat pump needs, and may recommend modifications.
How much rebate can I get?
Under Home Renovation Savings: $1,250 per ton up to $7,500 for homes heated with electricity, oil, propane or wood, and $500 per ton up to $2,000 for Enbridge gas-heated homes. Pre-approval is required before installation.