A promising solution is Cold Climate Air-to-Air Heat Pumps (CC AAHPs). But a systematic framework is needed to support their market adoption and ensure that systems are optimally integrated across the country. This is due to strong regional variations in both climate and utility rates, as well as electric grid implications of greater heat pump adoption.
The CC AAHP systems combine improved low temperature heating capacity with efficient modulation at milder conditions. This leads to higher seasonal efficiency. But there is a limit to this, and the performance is indeed affected by the sizing of the installation. A system sized for a full heating load is less efficient at milder temperatures. With current Canadian performance ratings, this is not easy for customers to understand. A new standard could be helpful for the CC AAHPs to reach their full market potential and support the decarbonization of the Canadian built environment.
Martin Kegel, Canada (Natural Resources Canada)
Solange Prud’homme, Canada (Natural Resources Canada)
Stephanie Breton, Canada (Natural Resources Canada)
Justin Tamasauskas, Canada (Natural Resources Canada)
The text has been shortened by the HPC team.
Read the full column in the HPT Magazine.