Orizon Energy
Why Heat Pumps Make Sense for Canadian Homes and Why Orizon Is Now Offering Them
Why Heat Pumps Make Sense for Canadian Homes and Why Orizon Is Now Offering Them
As more Canadian homeowners look for ways to make their homes more energy efficient, comfortable, and future-ready, heat pumps are becoming a bigger part of the conversation. You may have heard the term before, but if you’re like most people, you might still be wondering what a heat pump actually is, how it works in a Canadian climate, and whether it’s a good fit for your home.
At Orizon Energy, we’re focused on helping homeowners make smart, long-term energy decisions. That’s why we’ve chosen to begin offering heat pumps as part of our additional products and services. Not as a trend, but as a technology that aligns with our mission, works well in Canadian conditions, and pairs naturally with solar.
This blog will break down everything you need to know about heat pumps, in a clear, approachable way so you can understand their value and decide if they fit your energy goals.
What is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is an all-electric system that provides both heating and cooling for your home using a single piece of equipment. Instead of generating heat by burning fuel, a heat pump moves heat from one place to another.
That distinction is important, because transferring heat requires less energy than creating it.
Here’s how a heat pump works in simple terms:
- In winter, a heat pump pulls heat from the outdoor air, even when it’s cold, and moves it inside your home.
- In summer, the process reverses, the system removes heat from your home, working much like an air conditioner
Internally, this process uses a refrigeration cycle made up of key components like a compressor, indoor and outdoor coils, an expansion device, and a reversing valve. This is the same proven technology used in refrigerators and air conditioners, just applied at a whole-home scale.
Heat Pump vs. Traditional Heating Systems
Most Canadian homes are heated with systems that operate in an on-off cycle. A traditional gas furnace turns on, heats the home quickly, then shuts off until the temperature drops again. This cycle can create noticeable temperature swings throughout the day.
Heat pumps work differently.
Instead of blasting heat in short bursts, modern heat pumps are designed to maintain a steady indoor temperature. This leads to:
- More consistent comfort in your home
- Fewer hot and cold spots
- A home that feels evenly heated rather than constantly changing
This steady operation is one of the first things homeowners notice after switching to or adding a heat pump.
Do Heat Pumps Actually Work in Canadian Winters?
One of the biggest misconceptions about heat pumps is that they don’t work well in cold climates. That may have been true when the technology was first being implemented, but modern cold-climate air-source heat pumps are specifically engineered for environments like Canada.
The heat pump Orizon Energy offers is designed to deliver strong heating performance even during very cold outdoor temperatures, providing a level of comfort comparable to traditional systems.
Rather than being a summer-only solution, today’s heat pumps are built to handle Canada’s long heating season while still operating efficiently.
Why Orizon Energy Chose to Offer Heat Pumps
At Orizon Energy we don’t add products unless they genuinely fit our energy philosophy.
Heat pumps simply checked every box.
They Align With Long-Term Energy Efficiency
Heat pumps use electricity to move heat instead of burning a fuel source to create it. That makes them one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat and cool a home.
They’re Future Ready
As homes continue to move toward electrification and smarter energy systems, heat pumps are already aligned with where the industry is going, not where it’s been.
They Pair Naturally with Solar
Because heat pumps run on electricity, they work seamlessly with solar systems. We’ll dive deeper into this shortly.
We Chose Proven, High-Quality Equipment
The heat pump model Orizon Energy installs is manufactured by Lennox, a well established name in HVAC technology. This system is:
- ENERGY STAR® Qualified
- Rated up to 19 SEER2 for cooling efficiency
- Rated up to 10 HSPF2 for heating efficiency
- Built with variable-capacity operation for better comfort and efficiency
- Designed with cold-climate performance in mind
- Quiet, compact, and well suited for space constrained homes.
Understanding Energy Efficiency Without Getting Technical
You may see efficiency numbers like SEER2 and HSPF2 when researching heat pumps. While the acronyms sound technical, the idea behind them is simple.
- SEER2 (number) reflects how efficiently a system cools your home
- HSPF2 (number) reflects how efficiently it heats your home
Higher numbers mean the system delivers more heating or cooling for the electricity it uses. Over time, this efficiency can translate into lower overall energy consumption compared to less efficient systems.
The SEER scale goes up to 20, while the HSPF scale goes up to 10. With these numbers in mind you can see how heat pumps, especially this model, are extremely efficient in the heating and cooling of your home.
Everyday Comfort and Lifestyle Benefits
Beyond efficiency, heat pumps offer practical day-to-day advantages that homeowners often appreciate.
Consistent Comfort
Variable-capacity operation allows the system to adjust output smoothly, much like a dimmer switch. This helps maintain a steady temperature rather than overshooting and correcting.
Better Humidity Control
More precise operation allows for improved humidity management, which can make the home feel more comfortable year-round.
Quiet Operation
The slim, side-discharge design helps reduce sound levels, making heat pumps a quiet addition to the home.
Low Maintenance
With fewer combustion-related components, heat pumps are generally reliable and require less routine maintenance similar to other HVAC systems.
Why Heat Pumps and Solar Work so Well Together
One of the main reasons Orizon Energy sees heat pumps as a natural addition to our offerings is how well they pair with solar systems.
Electricity Meets Electricity
Solar panels generate electricity. Heat pumps use electricity. That synergy allows homeowners to use their own solar power to support heating and cooling needs.
Seasonal Balance
- In summer, solar production helps offset cooling demands.
- In shoulder seasons (spring and fall), heat pumps operate extremely efficiently
- In winter, heat pumps provide efficient heating while solar continues to contribute when possible
Long-Term Energy Planning
Together, solar and heat pumps support:
- Reduced reliance on fossil fuels
- More predictable long-term energy usage
- A home that’s better prepared for the future of energy in Canada
Sizing and Design Matter
While general sizing guidelines exist, heat pumps are never a one-size-fits-all solution.
Factors such as:
- Square footage (including the basements)
- Insulation levels
- Home layout
- Energy usage patterns
All play a role in determining the right system requirements. This is why Orizon Energy takes a whole-home approach when evaluating whether a heat pump is a good fit, and what size is needed.
Who Should Consider a Heat Pump
Heat pumps can be a strong option for homeowners who:
- Want to improve energy efficiency
- Are planning for the long-term
- Value consistent comfort in their home
- Are looking to maximize the use of their solar system
- Want a modern, future-ready energy solution
They aren’t the right solution for every home, but for many Canadians, they offer meaningful benefits when designed and installed correctly.
Why Heat Pumps are a Part of Orizon Energy’s Future
Heat pumps aren’t just another product, they’re a reflection of where home energy is headed. Efficient, electric, adaptable, and well suited to Canada’s climate, they fit perfectly alongside solar as part of a smarter energy system saving you money.
At Orizon Energy, our goal is to help homeowners understand their options clearly and choose solutions that align with their energy goals. If you’re exploring ways to make your home more efficient or are curious how a heat pump could fit into a solar-powered future, we’re here to help guide you through that conversation.
