Many Edmonton homeowners are switching from a solo furnace to a dual-fuel system. These innovative heating systems pair furnaces with heat pumps to create an HVAC setup that is more energy-efficient, cost-effective, and safer during intense cold and heat waves.
If you’re considering installing a heat pump in your home, partner with our team at Weiss-Johnson! For nearly 50 years, we have been Edmonton’s trusted HVAC specialists across every local neighbourhood, and we’re here to help you find a more efficient heating system for your home. Keep reading for our full 2026 guide to heat pump installation and dual-fuel systems.
Is a Heat Pump Really Worth It in Edmonton’s Climate?
Heat pumps have become the go-to system for homes in milder climates like Vancouver Island, but how effective are they in cold, dry Alberta? It’s a common belief that heat pumps don’t work in colder climates, but the opposite is quite true!
Modern heat pumps are designed to accommodate colder temperatures (CC-ASHP), with the latest models capable of operating down to -31°C. In Edmonton, we typically experience temperatures ranging from -15°C to -27°C during the winter, which allows a cold-weather heat pump to operate optimally through much of the season.
The Advantage of a Dual-Fuel System
This is where we recommend installing a heat pump that works in conjunction with your furnace, rather than replacing it. A dual-fuel system will switch off your heat pump during extreme cold temperatures and switch to your furnace to ensure your heating system is working optimally.
This setup will prevent your furnace and heat pump from being overworked, maintaining their lifespan and your home’s energy efficiency.
The Benefits of Installing a Heat Pump In Your Home
Installing a heat pump alongside your furnace can offer a lot of advantages to your home’s heating and cooling. Some key benefits include:
Save on Energy Costs: One of the biggest advantages of heat pumps is their superior energy efficiency compared to traditional furnaces. Heat pumps operate on electricity and rely on similar technology to air conditioners. Rather than relying on fossil fuels to generate heat, these systems extract thermal energy from the air, ground, or local water sources, and move it inside to cycle through your home.
Create a More Eco-Friendly Home Environment: More and more homeowners are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and live more sustainably, and installing a heat pump is a great place to start! You can reduce your energy consumption, which in turn cuts down on the release of carbon emissions.
(You can combine cost savings and eco-conscious efforts by applying for the Canada Greener Homes Grant, which you can learn more about here.)
Enhanced Comfort Year-Round: Despite their name, heat pumps aren’t only useful for heating your home; they also have a built-in AC function that automatically switches to cold cycling once the weather gets warmer. If you’ve been considering getting an air conditioner, a heat pump is a great alternative.
What Type of Heat Pump Should You Install?
Heat pumps come in many makes and models, but like any HVAC system, you need to choose one that fits the needs of your climate (because, as Edmonton locals know, our winters can be a challenge).
You can find a variety of cold climate heat pumps specially designed for use in regions like Alberta. At Weiss-Johnson, we like working with the Resolute™ Cold Climate Heat Pump from Trane. This heat pump is an outdoor system that can handle temperatures from -30°C to 54°C, ideal for our fluctuating Alberta temperatures!
The Resolute™ Cold Climate Heat Pump unit is ductless, making it simple to install anywhere on your property. This heat pump has a SEER2 rating up to 20 and an HSPF2 up to 10.5, ensuring its durability and reliability.
Brace the Cold with Expert Heat Pump Installation in Edmonton
Looking for quality heat pump installation? Contact our team at Weiss-Johnson. Whether you’re looking for a single unit or a dual-fuel system, our technicians are ready to provide expert service and assistance. Let’s get through Edmonton’s cold winters together!
