Two ways to get heat pump comfort
Heat pumps have become one of the most popular upgrades in Burnaby. They cool during summer heat waves and provide efficient heating through our mild, wet winters. The main decision most homeowners face is ductless vs central heat pump, and the answer depends more on your home than on the equipment itself.
A central, or ducted, heat pump uses an outdoor unit connected to an indoor coil and air handler or furnace, then pushes air through your existing ductwork. A ductless mini-split connects one outdoor unit to one or more wall, ceiling or floor heads, each serving its own room or zone.
When a central heat pump makes sense
If your home already has forced air ducts in reasonable condition, a central heat pump is often the most natural fit. Many detached houses in Burnaby Heights, Capitol Hill, Deer Lake and South Slope have gas furnaces with ducts to every room.
- Uses the ducts you already have, so there are no indoor heads on the walls
- Can pair with your gas furnace in a dual fuel setup for backup on the coldest days
- Filters and conditions air for the whole house in one place
- Works well with whole-home add-ons like UV purifiers and humidifiers
When a ductless heat pump makes sense
Ductless systems shine where ducts do not exist or would be hard to add. That covers a lot of Burnaby housing stock.
- Condos and townhomes in Metrotown, Brentwood, Edmonds and UniverCity, where strata rules allow
- Older homes with hot water radiators or electric baseboards
- Additions, converted garages and basement suites
- Homes with a few problem rooms, such as hot upstairs bedrooms
- Owners who want room-by-room control to save energy
Comparing comfort, efficiency and looks
Ductless systems avoid the energy losses that come with ductwork, especially ducts running through unconditioned crawlspaces or attics. Each head adjusts to its room, so you heat only the spaces you use. The trade-off is appearance: some people do not love seeing a wall-mounted unit, although ceiling cassettes and floor consoles are alternatives.
Central systems give even, whole-home comfort with discreet vents. Their efficiency depends heavily on the ducts, so leaky or undersized ductwork can hold them back. A technician should inspect the ducts before recommending a central heat pump, and sealing or adjusting them may be part of the job.
Special considerations for Burnaby condos and towers
Burnaby has a large number of high-rise and mid-rise condos, and that brings its own rules. Most stratas require approval before you install an outdoor unit on a balcony or drill through an exterior wall. Some buildings have specific locations, noise limits or appearance requirements.
Before booking an install, check your strata bylaws and ask the property manager about the approval process. An installer can provide equipment specifications, sound ratings and a placement plan to support your application. In some newer towers with in-suite fan coils, a different solution may be needed, and that is worth confirming early.
Questions to help you decide
If you are still unsure, these questions usually point toward one option or the other.
- Do you have ductwork, and does it reach the rooms where comfort matters most?
- Is your current furnace or air conditioner near the end of its life?
- Do you want to keep a gas furnace as backup?
- Are only a few rooms uncomfortable, or the whole house?
- Does your electrical panel have room for a new circuit?
- Are there strata rules to work within?
Rebates and next steps
Heat pump rebates are available from time to time through programs like CleanBC Better Homes, BC Hydro and FortisBC, and some municipalities add their own top-ups. Program rules, eligibility and amounts change often, so it is best not to plan around a specific number until it is confirmed. Able Pro will check what currently applies to your home during the quote and help with the paperwork.
We install both ductless and central heat pumps throughout Burnaby, from Lochdale to Edmonds. We will look at your home, explain the options in plain language and give a clear quote. Call (236) 222-2222 or book online to get started.