Heat pumps are a proven, highly energy-efficient solution for heating and cooling. When properly installed, they can improve comfort, lower energy bills, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions—even in Canada’s coldest climates.
This page brings together some of the most useful and credible publicly available resources to help you understand how heat pumps work, dispel common myths, and access design guidance and best practices.
1. Start Here: Busting the Myths
Best for: Everyone – especially those new to heat pumps or navigating common questions and concerns
Canadian Heat Pump Myth-Buster – Efficiency Canada
A clear, evidence-based rebuttal to 10 of the most common myths about heat pumps. Covers cold weather performance, costs, grid impacts, and more.
2. Learn the Basics
Best for: Everyone looking for a simple way to understand or explain heat pump fundamentals in the Canadian context
A plain-language overview of how heat pumps work, their benefits, and key considerations when choosing a system. While primarily geared toward homeowners, the concepts are applicable across all building types.
Want something more concise and shareable? These two printable brochures distill the essentials from the “Heat Pump Basics” page into clear, accessible formats:
Prefer a visual walkthrough? This explainer video (watch from 6:30 to 14:40) breaks down how air source heat pumps work in plain language—ideal for anyone without a technical background.
Prefer to listen and learn on the go? Try this engaging audio-based introduction to heat pumps in Canada:
3. For Residential Building Projects at Scale
Best for: Home developers, operators, designers, builders, and contractors involved in energy systems for multi-unit or large-scale housing projects
Residential Heat Pump Guide – NRCan
A practical backgrounder outlining heat pump technologies, system types, integration approaches, and efficiency considerations. While originally developed for homeowners, it’s a useful reference for project teams aligning around heat pump options during design, procurement, or retrofit planning.
4. For Professionals and Practitioners
Best for: Builders, Contractors, HVAC professionals, energy advisors, and technical consultants involved in the design, installation, and optimization of heat pump systems
Air-Source Heat Pump Sizing & Selection Toolkit – NRCan
A comprehensive package of worksheets and guidance to support proper sizing and system selection. Ideal for mechanical designers and renovation contractors working on both new construction and retrofit projects.
HVAC Professionals Heat Pump Resource Hub – NRCan
A centralized portal offering up-to-date tools, training videos, and incentive information for professionals and energy advisors across Canada.
Best Practices Video Series – NRCan
A case-based video series showcasing how contractors, energy advisors, and renovators apply heat pump best practices across Canadian climates and housing types.
Energy Efficiency in Buildings – Save on Energy (IESO)
A curated set of Ontario-based training materials, technical slide decks, and best practice guides focused on air-source heat pump design, installation, and post-performance review.
Next Steps & Related Reading
- Want real-world inspiration? Explore our Case Study to see how heat pumps and other energy-efficient systems are being implemented in projects across our region and beyond.
- Worried about high upfront costs? Visit our Funding & Financing Resources section to discover rebates, grants, and incentive programs that can support your next energy efficiency project.
- Know of another great heat pump resource? Contact us to share it—we’d love to optimize this page with your input.