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TEK CLIMATE · HOMEOWNER Q&A
Practical answers about heat pumps, home sizing, efficiency ratings, maintenance and planning a good installation in British Columbia.
Reviewed October 12, 2026. General guidance for homeowners; the right design depends on your home and equipment.
Gather any plans and records you have for windows, insulation, air sealing, additions and other renovations. Tell the assessor about rooms that feel uncomfortable and any upgrades you are planning. A CSA F280 calculation depends on the home's actual construction, air leakage, ventilation and local design conditions. If details are unknown, say so: the assessor needs to verify inputs or explain assumptions. Accurate information helps the sizing reflect your home as it is today.
Tonnage is a nominal size category, so it does not describe every operating condition. Two models can have different heating output in cold weather, cooling output, airflow requirements and ability to reduce output during milder weather. Ask each contractor for the exact equipment combination and its performance data. A useful comparison checks those figures against your home's heating and cooling loads, rather than assuming two systems with the same tonnage will deliver identical comfort.
Ask for the exact indoor and outdoor model numbers and, where available, the AHRI certificate for each matched system. Compare SEER2 with SEER2 for cooling, and HSPF2 ratings using the same climate region for heating. Older SEER or HSPF numbers use different test methods. Check that each rating belongs to the combination on your quote. A product family's advertised maximum may describe a different combination from the one proposed for your home.
The minimum operating temperature tells you the lower limit at which the equipment is designed to run. It does not show how much heat it can supply there. Ask for heating capacity and efficiency at temperatures relevant to your location, including your home's winter design temperature. Your contractor should compare that capacity with the calculated heat loss and explain the supplementary-heating plan. A low operating limit alone cannot establish whether the system will keep your home comfortable.
Ask for an assessment of duct condition, airflow and static pressure, which is the resistance the blower works against. Existing ducts may have leaks, restrictive transitions or limited return-air capacity. A new heat pump can also need different airflow from the old furnace. Point out rooms with comfort problems before equipment is selected. The proposal should explain any duct changes and how the finished system's airflow will be checked against the manufacturer's requirements.
Start with an electrical load assessment by a licensed electrical contractor. The answer depends on your existing service, other household loads and the selected heat pump, including any electric supplementary heat. Mention future plans such as an EV charger or suite. If capacity is tight, ask about suitable load-management options as well as an upgrade. BC Hydro advises assessing these options before assuming every heat pump installation needs a larger electrical service.
Choose a filter your system can accommodate. A higher MERV rating generally means better particle capture, but the filter must also fit correctly and allow the required airflow. Ask your HVAC contractor to confirm the suitable size, thickness and efficiency for your system before changing filter type. Follow the manufacturer's replacement instructions and check for heavy dirt buildup. Do not bend or crush a filter to make it fit; gaps can let air bypass it.
Ask where defrost water will go and how the installation will keep drainage away from walkways, crawl spaces and other equipment. The outdoor unit also needs the manufacturer's airflow clearances, secure support and appropriate clearance from snow or ice buildup. Discuss bedroom windows and nearby sitting areas when considering sound. Have the contractor explain the proposed location and drainage route before installation begins so these details are agreed in advance.
Request the exact equipment details, heat-load summary, applicable permit records, manuals, warranty information and completed installation checklist. Ask the installer to demonstrate thermostat settings, filter care and any supplementary-heating controls. For a ducted system, ask for the recorded airflow or pressure checks used to confirm setup. Keep these records together for future service. A useful handover also explains the maintenance schedule and whom to contact if the system does not behave as demonstrated.
Ask who will perform each part of the job and request the applicable licence numbers. Technical Safety BC's contractor registry shows active licences within its scope and the work each licence authorizes. Check the business name and licence scope, including electrical or gas work where relevant. Ask separately about equipment-specific training and who will arrange permits. The registry is one verification step; it does not establish every training credential or guarantee the quality of an installation.
Talk with the TEK Climate team about your heating and cooling needs. An on-site assessment can help clarify equipment options and installation requirements.
Use the homeowner instructions supplied with your equipment. Leave electrical, gas, refrigerant and internal repair work to qualified professionals.
