Heat PumpBuying Guide2025-10-12
Cold-Climate Heat Pumps Explained
Cold-climate (ccASHP) heat pumps keep efficient output at low temperatures — ideal for BC.
Cold-climate heat pumps use advanced compressors to deliver strong heating well below freezing, making them a year-round solution for most BC homes.
How they differ
Cold-climate models use inverter-driven, variable-speed compressors that maintain capacity and efficiency at low temperatures where older heat pumps faltered, reducing reliance on backup heat.
Choosing one
Look for a high HSPF rating and verified low-temperature capacity, and ensure correct sizing so the unit covers your design heating load efficiently.
Key takeaways
- Look for high HSPF and low-temp capacity data
- Inverter/variable-speed compressors are key
- Right-size to your design heating load
- Most qualify for the largest rebates
Need help with your heat pump?
Licensed, gas-certified technicians serving Greater Vancouver since 1999. CombiBoiler.ca — A division of ROMA Heating Ltd..
Frequently asked questions
More Heat Pump articles
Heat Pump Not Heating: Causes and FixesA heat pump that won't heat can be a thermostat mode, dirty coils, low refrigerant or a defrost issue.Heat Pump Frozen or Iced Up: What to DoSome frost is normal; a fully iced outdoor unit that won't defrost signals a problem.Heat Pump vs Furnace in the BC ClimateBC's mild coast is ideal heat-pump territory — but hybrids cover the coldest snaps.Heat Pump Cost and Rebates in Greater VancouverHeat pumps cost more upfront than furnaces, but rebates and lower running costs change the math.Heat Pump Maintenance GuideHeat pumps run year-round — regular maintenance keeps efficiency, comfort and warranty intact.Understanding the Heat Pump Defrost CycleSteam and a brief pause in heating are normal defrost behaviour — not a fault.
More from our knowledge base
Furnace Won't Turn On? Causes and FixesFurnaceFurnace Blowing Cold Air: What to CheckFurnaceWhy Your Furnace Short-Cycles (and How to Stop It)FurnaceNo Heat? Emergency Furnace Repair GuideFurnaceFurnace Making Strange Noises: A Sound-by-Sound GuideFurnaceAnnual Furnace Maintenance ChecklistFurnaceAll ArticlesBrowse the full library