Understanding Heat Pumps

Curious about how a heat pump could benefit your home? This tool is here to help you explore the possibilities, tailored to your specific conditions.

How It Works

A traditional furnace generates roughly the same level of emissions per gigajoule (GJ) of heat, regardless of weather conditions. In Alberta, Canada, the average home consumes approximately 10 GJ of natural gas each month for heating. But what if you could achieve the same warmth with less environmental impact?

By entering a few details below—such as your furnace’s efficiency and the type of heat pump you’re considering—we’ll calculate the potential benefits for your home. Using your location, we estimate emissions from your local electrical grid and evaluate the heat pump’s efficiency under current weather conditions.

Why Use This Tool?

Personalized Insights: Get results tailored to your home and local conditions.
Compare Emissions: See how your current furnace stacks up against a heat pump.
Make Informed Choices: Understand the potential environmental and efficiency benefits before making the switch.

Take the first step toward a more energy-efficient future. Try it now!

Natural Gas Furnace Efficiency

Natural gas furnaces will have an advertised efficiency which varies substantially based on age (and price). Electric furnaces, baseboard heaters, and space heaters are all roughly the same efficiency and results are shown automatically below.

Heat Pump Type

What type of heat pump do you have, or are considering?

Country

Country and City help determine your approximate location. This allows us to understand your weather and electrical grid.

City

We'll be using the city you enter to determine the current outdoor temperature.

At CWM, Transparency Comes First

We don’t believe in hype or oversimplifications. Instead, we focus on transparency and backing up our insights with solid data. Below, we provide a clear explanation of the sources and information that power this tool.

How We Use Data

The Coefficient of Performance (COP) data is derived from a representative cross-section of real-world examples for each type of heat source. While the data is presented as a straightforward line for simplicity, it’s important to remember that performance exists on a spectrum.

Several factors can influence a heat pump’s performance, including:

Variations in models and vendors.
Differences in air handling units and ducting in your home.
Environmental factors like whether the unit is installed in a sunny or shaded location.

Got Feedback? Let’s Talk!

We strive for accuracy, but no system is perfect. If you think we’ve missed the mark or have suggestions for improvement, we’d love to hear from you. We’re passionate about the details and always eager to dive deeper into the data.

Let us know how we can make this tool even better!

Disclaimer

This tool is designed to provide general insights into the potential differences in CO₂ emissions between various heat sources. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional advice or decision-making.

Important Notes:

No Design or Operational Guidance: This tool does not provide recommendations or specifications for the design, installation, or operation of any heating systems.
Consult the Experts: If you are considering a heat pump or any other heat source for your home, consult a qualified HVAC professional with experience in heat pump systems. A knowledgeable technician can provide tailored advice and ensure proper installation.
Installation Matters: The quality of installation plays a significant role in system performance and customer satisfaction. For the best results, always work with reputable and experienced professionals.

By using this tool, you acknowledge that all decisions regarding heat source selection and installation are your responsibility and should be made with the assistance of qualified professionals.