Are you thinking about switching from an oil furnace to a heat pump? 

There are many great reasons to convert. Heat pumps usually cost less to run and need less maintenance than oil furnaces. They use less energy to give the same heat in winter, which means lower energy use. The bonus is air conditioning in the summer.

Here are five benefits you’ll enjoy when you switch from an oil furnace to a heat pump:

  1. Enjoy steady, even warmth throughout your home - Heat pumps work by keeping a steady temperature all the time. This is different from oil furnaces that turn on and off to keep the house warm. A good rule to follow is to set your heat pump thermostat to your preferred temperature and then let it be.
  2. You’ll save energy with a heat pump - Overall, a heat pump is a less expensive, more efficient way to heat your home. Heat pumps use less energy than other heating systems—they’re up to 3 times more efficient than furnaces or baseboards. While your electricity costs will increase with a heat pump, you will have no more fuel bills (ex. no more oil bills). How much you save on your bills depends on the temperature you set the heat pump to and how well your home is insulated.
  3. Enjoy air conditioning in the summer - Heat pumps are efficient for cooling, but they still require energy to operate. To reduce your energy use for cooling in summer, follow these tips. This means your electricity use might increase, but you will be more comfortable.
  4. Less maintenance than an oil furnace - Heat pumps are usually easier to maintain than an oil furnace. Much of the maintenance required for a heat pump can be done by yourself. Regular tasks include filter cleaning every few months, keeping the outdoor unit clear of debris and snow, and scheduling annual professional maintenance.
  5. Better for the environment - Heat pumps use electricity more efficiently than burning oil. This means less energy waste and a smaller impact on the environment.

These benefits work together to make heat pumps a smart choice for New Brunswick homeowners, especially when you consider the long-term savings and improved comfort.

How to choose the best kind of heat pump for your home

A heating professional can provide guidance on the best option for your home. They will usually consider one of these two options:

  • Ductless mini-split systems are usually cheaper than ducted systems. They are the most popular choice for homeowners in New Brunswick because they’re easy to install and suitable for homes without an existing warm air ducting system.

  • A central ducted heat pump system is an efficient alternative for homes with an existing furnace that uses forced-air ducting. Homeowners choosing to switch from a furnace (for example, oil) to a heat pump can choose either a ductless or a ducted system. 

Heat pump efficiency depends on the size of the system, how often you use it, how well you take care of it, and how airtight and insulated your home is.  

If you switch to a heat pump and use electric baseboards as backup, remember to keep the baseboards set lower than the mini-split. Mini-splits are more efficient, so they should do most of the heating, while baseboards should only be used as backup when needed on extremely cold days.

If you set your thermostat higher with a heat pump than you did with an oil furnace, it will use more energy to keep your home warm.

What if my home has an oil-fired boiler with radiators or hot water baseboards?

If your home is heated by radiators or hot water baseboards, a heating professional may suggest ductless heat pumps. If you choose a ductless system, they will recommend the best heat pump sizing and placement for year-round comfort in your most-used spaces. On colder days you will want to be mindful of baseboards in lesser used spaces, keeping doors to these rooms open to ensure pipes don't freeze.

Will a heat pump keep me warm during a cold snap?

Heat pumps work well across Canada and are effective 90% of the time, but you will need a backup heating source for extremely cold days. Ducted central heat pumps often have a built-in backup electric heat strip that turns on when the heat pump can’t keep up with the temperature you set. With ductless mini-split heat pumps you need a separate backup heat source, like electric baseboards, or existing radiators.

What are the top benefits of heat pumps?

  • Heat pumps use less energy than other heating systems, making them a less expensive, more efficient way to heat your home.
  • Heat pumps also provide more comfort. Unlike forced air furnaces that blow hot air now and then, heat pumps automatically adjust to keep the temperature consistent. This makes your home feel more comfortable and evenly heated.

When you switch from an oil furnace to a central or mini-split heat pump, your home will feel more comfortable, with warmth in the winter and cool air in the summer. Also, you will save money since you won't need to pay for another heating source, like oil.

Need help making the switch? We offer incentives to reduce the upfront costs of upgrading your heating system. Get started today!