Frequently Asked Questions

Do heat pumps work well in cold BC winters, especially in places like the Interior or the North?

How efficient are heat pumps compared to electric baseboards or gas furnaces?

Can a heat pump both heat and cool my home?

Efficiency & Performance – Heat Pumps on Vancouver Island

Do heat pumps work well in cold BC winters, especially on Vancouver Island?

Yes — heat pumps are an excellent choice for Vancouver Island’s mild coastal winters. Even in colder inland areas like Duncan, Parksville, or Nanaimo, modern cold-climate heat pumps perform efficiently down to -25°C.

Unlike older systems, today’s inverter-driven heat pumps are designed for year-round comfort, with smart defrost cycles and variable-speed compressors that adapt to changing island temperatures — from Sooke’s wet coastal chill to the occasional cold snaps in the Cowichan Valley.

Sasquatch Heat Pumps installs only high-efficiency systems that are built for Island climates — keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer, no matter where you live between Sidney and Parksville.

How efficient are heat pumps compared to electric baseboards or gas furnaces?

Heat pumps are up to 4x more efficient than electric baseboards and outperform even high-efficiency gas furnaces — especially on Vancouver Island, where they can run most of the year in optimal conditions.

Electric baseboards: 100% efficient (1 kWh in = 1 unit of heat out)
Heat pumps: Up to 400% efficient (1 kWh in = up to 4 units of heat out)
Gas furnaces: 80–95% efficient

That means lower energy bills, especially for homes running on BC Hydro’s clean, affordable electricity — common in communities like Victoria, Nanaimo, and Duncan.

Many of our Island customers see 30–60% energy savings after switching from baseboards or gas.

Can a heat pump both heat and cool my home?

Yes — all heat pumps offer both heating and cooling in one energy-efficient system. In winter, they pull heat from the outside air into your home. In summer, they reverse to act like an air conditioner — removing heat and humidity from inside.

This makes heat pumps the perfect year-round comfort solution for Vancouver Island homes — whether you’re dealing with chilly January mornings in Parksville or hot August afternoons in Victoria.

One system, total comfort — year-round.

Can a heat pump be installed in an older home?

Do I need to upgrade my electrical system to install a heat pump?

What size of heat pump do I need for my house?

Can I replace my existing gas furnace with a heat pump?

Installation & Compatibility – Heat Pumps on Vancouver Island

Can a heat pump be installed in an older home?

Yes — heat pumps can absolutely be installed in older homes, whether it’s a century home in Victoria, a rancher in Duncan, or a cottage in Sooke. Our team at Sasquatch Heat Pumps specializes in retrofitting all types of homes across Vancouver Island, even those without existing ductwork.

We offer:

• Ductless mini-split systems for homes without ducts
• Multi-zone systems to heat and cool multiple rooms
• Central ducted heat pumps for homes with existing furnace systems

We customize every installation to suit your home’s layout, age, and construction — no renovation required.

Do I need to upgrade my electrical system to install a heat pump?

Not always. Many homes from Victoria to Parksville have enough capacity to support a heat pump, especially if replacing an older electric furnace or baseboards.

However, if your panel is under 100 amps or nearly full, an upgrade may be needed.

Our team will:

• Perform a load calculation
• Coordinate with local electricians
• Handle CleanBC rebate paperwork if an electrical upgrade is required

We make the upgrade process simple — and often rebate-eligible.

What size of heat pump do I need for my house?

The size of heat pump you need depends on your home’s square footage, insulation, layout, and heating needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — a compact bungalow in Sidney has very different needs than a multi-level home in Nanaimo.

That’s why we provide:

• In-home assessments
• Proper heat load calculations (not just square footage estimates)
• Proper electrical load calculations to ensure the new system doesn’t overload your electrical panel
• Tailored system design for efficiency and comfort

Undersized units won’t keep you warm. Oversized ones waste energy. We size it just right.

Can I replace my existing gas furnace with a heat pump?

Yes — you can replace your gas furnace with a high-efficiency central heat pump, and many Vancouver Island homeowners are doing just that. Whether you live in Langford, Central Saanich, or Parksville, switching to a heat pump can lower your emissions and utility bills.

We offer:

• Full gas-to-electric conversions
• Rebates of up to $10,000–$19,000 for eligible households
• Hybrid options that keep your furnace as backup if desired

Go fully electric — or choose a dual-fuel setup for flexibility and savings.

How much can I reduce my carbon footprint by switching to a heat pump?

Is a heat pump more environmentally friendly than natural gas heating?

Environmental Impact – Heat Pumps & Sustainability on Vancouver Island

How much can I reduce my carbon footprint by switching to a heat pump?

Switching to a heat pump can cut your home’s heating-related carbon emissions by up to 100%, especially if you’re replacing an oil or gas furnace. That’s because BC Hydro’s electricity is over 98% renewable, sourced mostly from clean hydroelectric power.

Here’s what that means for homeowners from Victoria to Parksville:

• Switching from natural gas: up to 3–5 tonnes of CO₂ saved annually
• Switching from oil: up to 6+ tonnes of CO₂ saved annually
• Switching from baseboards: no emissions difference, but major efficiency gains

A heat pump powered by BC’s clean electricity is one of the biggest carbon-reducing upgrades you can make for your home.

Is a heat pump more environmentally friendly than natural gas heating?

Yes — heat pumps are significantly more environmentally friendly than natural gas furnaces. While natural gas is a fossil fuel that emits CO₂ and methane, heat pumps run on clean electricity — especially here on Vancouver Island where hydro power is the norm.

• Gas furnaces burn fuel = direct emissions
• Heat pumps move heat, not burn fuel = no onsite emissions
• Powered by BC Hydro = nearly zero-carbon

Switching to a heat pump reduces your home’s reliance on fossil fuels and supports a greener, more sustainable Vancouver Island.

How long does a heat pump last in BC’s climate?

What maintenance is required for a heat pump?

Are repairs expensive or frequent?

Maintenance & Support – Peace of Mind with Sasquatch Heat Pumps

How much maintenance does a heat pump require?

Heat pumps are low-maintenance, but like any mechanical system, they perform best with regular servicing. To stay efficient and extend the system’s life, we recommend:

• Cleaning or replacing filters every 1–3 months
• Washing outdoor units and clearing debris
• Professional maintenance once per year

That’s where our Sasquatch Club makes it easy.

Members get annual maintenance included, so your system runs at peak performance without the stress of remembering schedules or dealing with surprise issues.

What happens if my heat pump breaks down?

If your heat pump ever has an issue, we’ve got your back — fast.

• Call our team and we’ll dispatch a certified tech
• Sasquatch Club members pay no diagnostic fee
• We stock common parts and service all major brands
• Priority response for members in high season

Whether you’re in Nanaimo, Sidney, Duncan, or Victoria, we offer full-service support from Sooke to Parksville — with a smile.

Our goal is simple: no surprises, no stress, and no cold nights.

How long do heat pumps last?

A well-installed and well-maintained heat pump typically lasts 15 to 20 years. That lifespan depends on:

• Equipment quality
• Proper sizing and installation
• Regular maintenance (covered in our Sasquatch Club!)

Our technicians design each system for long-term reliability, with warranties and maintenance plans to match.

Invest once, stay comfortable for decades.

What’s the Sasquatch Club, and why does it matter?

The Sasquatch Club is our exclusive membership program for customers who want:

• Annual system tune-ups and filter checks
• No diagnostic fees if your system ever needs service
• Priority booking and faster response times
• Peace of mind that your system is protected, clean, and efficient year-round

It’s like having a heat pump safety net — so you can relax, knowing we’re on it.

Are heat pumps noisy?

Can I install a heat pump without affecting the look of my home?

Noise & Aesthetics – Heat Pump Design & Placement on Vancouver Island

Are heat pumps noisy?

Modern heat pumps are generally quiet, but like any mechanical system, they do make some sound — particularly from the outdoor compressor unit.

• Most units operate between 45–60 decibels (about as loud as a conversation or a dishwasher)
• They can produce a low-frequency hum, especially during heating mode or defrost cycles
• Some people are more sensitive to this tonal hum, particularly at night

At Sasquatch Heat Pumps, we install ultra-quiet cold-climate models and use strategic placement to minimize noise impact.

Important note:

Many municipalities on Vancouver Island — including Victoria, Saanich, Nanaimo, and Parksville — have specific noise bylaws and setback rules for heat pump installations. Even if your system meets code, we recommend:

• Avoiding placement near bedroom windows
• Talking to neighbours ahead of time to ensure everyone is comfortable
• Choosing sound-absorbing fencing or landscaping, if needed

Can I install a heat pump without affecting the look of my home?

Yes — we specialize in installing heat pumps that are efficient, discreet, and visually low-impact.

If you’re concerned about the look of wall-mounted indoor units (heads), you’re not alone. Many homeowners in heritage homes or modern builds across Victoria, Sidney, and the Cowichan Valley prefer to keep the mechanical equipment out of sight.

We offer solutions such as:

• Ducted mini-split systems that run through attics, crawlspaces, or closets, keeping vents flush with the ceiling or floor
• Slim-profile line set covers that match your siding
• Outdoor units installed out of view behind fencing, hedges, or on the side of the home

Even without existing ductwork, we can create a clean, concealed installation that maintains your home’s aesthetic — inside and out.

Will natural gas heating be phased out in BC?

Are heat pumps required in new home construction?

Do I need a permit to install a heat pump?

Regulation & Policy – Heat Pumps & Policy Trends on Vancouver Island

Will natural gas heating be phased out in BC?

Yes — BC is actively moving toward eliminating fossil fuel heating in favour of high-efficiency, low-carbon systems:

• BC’s CleanBC roadmap requires that by 2030 all new space and water heating equipment sold and installed in BC must be at least 100% efficient—such as electric or gas heat pumps or dual‑fuel systems. Natural gas-only furnaces will not meet that standard technicalsafetybc.ca+12Province of British Columbia+12Prince George Citizen+12.
• While existing natural gas systems can still be used and repaired until end of life, no new conventional gas furnaces or boilers will be permitted in new construction starting in 2030 Province of British Columbia.

Are heat pumps required in new home construction?

Under BC’s proposed regulations, new homes built after 2030 will need to install heating systems that meet the 100% efficiency standard — meaning heat pumps or hybrid systems will be effectively mandatory Prince George Citizen+1Efficiency Canada+1.

There is no province-wide ban on natural gas yet, but several municipalities are adopting stricter codes and electrification policies. Some cities even aim to go gas-free in new builds sooner theenergymix.comPembina Institute.

Across Vancouver Island, local building policies and BC Energy Step Code adoptions vary by jurisdiction, but the trend is clear: high-efficiency electric heating is becoming the standard.

Do I need a permit to install a heat pump?

Yes — installing a heat pump in BC typically requires proper permits:

• An electrical permit (through Technical Safety BC or some local authorities) are required for residential heat pump installs docs.communityenergy.ca+3Pembina Institute+3en.wikipedia.org+3City of Vancouver+3Shape Your City Vancouver+3YouTube+3YouTube+5technicalsafetybc.ca+5docs.communityenergy.ca+5.
• If you are removing or altering a natural gas furnace, you may also need a gas permit.
• In many BC municipalities (including Victoria), contractors installing heat pumps must hold a Municipal Heat Pump Certification (MHPC or MHPCR) to complete permitted work technicalsafetybc.caCity of Vancouver.

We handle the permitting process end‑to‑end — coordinating with local authorities and ensuring full compliance, so you don’t have to worry.

What’s the difference between ducted and ductless heat pumps?

Are there geothermal (ground-source) heat pump options in BC?

Which brands or models work best in BC’s climate?

System Types & Options – Finding the Right Heat Pump for Your Island Home

What’s the difference between ducted and ductless heat pumps?

Ducted heat pumps use a system of air ducts (typically in the attic, crawl space, or basement) to distribute air through vents in each room — similar to a traditional furnace setup.

• Best for whole-home heating and cooling
• Sleek and hidden — no visible indoor units
• Ideal if your home already has ductwork (or if you want it added)

Ductless (mini-split) heat pumps use one or more indoor air handlers (heads) mounted on walls or ceilings. Each head connects to a shared or dedicated outdoor unit.

• Great for zoned comfort (heat/cool individual rooms)
• Minimal renovation needed — no ducts required
• Fast, flexible installs — perfect for older homes or additions

At Sasquatch Heat Pumps, we also offer concealed ducted systems that fit into attics or crawl spaces — perfect for homeowners who don’t want wall-mounted heads but don’t have existing ductwork.

Are there geothermal (ground-source) heat pump options in BC?

While geothermal (ground-source) heat pumps are available in BC, they’re rarely installed on Vancouver Island due to:

• High upfront cost
• Limited yard space for ground loops in urban areas
• Longer installation timelines and permit requirements

For most homeowners in Victoria, Nanaimo, and surrounding areas, an air-source heat pump is the most practical and cost-effective option — especially with today’s cold-climate technology and available rebates.

We specialize in air-source systems that perform in all Island conditions — without the complexity of drilling or excavation.

Which brands or models work best in BC’s climate?

We only install heat pump brands that are proven in Vancouver Island’s coastal and inland conditions, including:

• Daikin – Global leader in high-performance, cold-climate ducted and ductless systems
• Fujitsu – Ultra-efficient and whisper-quiet, ideal for year-round comfort
• Moov Air – Affordable and rebate-eligible, great for ductless and ducted applications

All models we install are ENERGY STAR® certified, and selected for your home’s size, layout, and insulation levels.

We design every system based on your unique space — from a compact home in Sooke to a larger family house in North Nanaimo.