What Is a Heat Pump and Why It Works in Alberta

Continue reading to find out how a heat pump can help you stay comfortable all year round in Alberta.

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Posted by Glenn | July 16, 2025

Alberta's warm summers and cool winters make it ideal for an HVAC solution that uses heat transfer to control temperatures. A heat pump moves heat instead of creating it from fuel or using electrical power to cool your home.

In this post, you'll learn more about:

Definition and purpose of a heat pump
How a heat pump works year-round
Why heat pumps are effective in Alberta’s climate
Heating and cooling benefits for Alberta homeowners
Is a heat pump right for your home?

Continue reading to find out how a heat pump can help you stay comfortable all year round in Alberta.

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Definition and Purpose of a Heat Pump

Understanding the definition of a heat pump can help you decide on the best heating and cooling system for your home. Essentially, a heat pump is a two-in-one solution that heats your home in winter and cools it during the hot summer months.

Canadian homeowners increasingly turn to versatile, energy-efficient heat pumps as a year-round temperature control solution. If you're wondering what a heat pump is used for beyond basic home heating, there are a few other alternatives. Depending on your specific setup, heat pumps work for space heating, single-room cooling, and water heating.

How a Heat Pump Works Year-Round

Instead of generating heat like a furnace, a heat pump moves heat from one area to another. In practical terms, this means pulling warmth into the home during winter and pushing heat outside during the summer.

The question "how does a heat pump work?" often comes up when discussing home temperature control. Basically, a heat pump has three parts:

An indoor unit, often called an evaporator coil, that absorbs heat from indoor air in the summer, cools it, and circulates it within your home
An outdoor unit, also called the condenser unit, that absorbs heat from outdoor air to move it into your home in winter and releases heat to the outside in summer
Refrigerant fluid, which circulates through the system, absorbing heat and moving it in the right direction depending on the season

Even on the coldest days, hybrid or cold-climate heat pump models can efficiently heat your home.

Why Heat Pumps Are Effective in Alberta’s Climate

Heat pumps are an excellent choice for homeowners in Alberta, Canada. Cold-climate heat pumps are precisely engineered to handle sub-zero temperatures.

Modern technology, including heat pump inverters and variable-speed compressors, helps improve efficiency and makes heat pumps operate consistently even during cold Alberta winters.

In addition to being efficient and effective, heat pumps offer energy savings and environmental benefits compared to gas-only heating units. Provincial and federal incentives may be available to reduce upfront costs.

Heating and Cooling Benefits for Alberta Homeowners

With a heat pump, there's no need for separate AC and furnace units. A single heat pump provides consistent indoor temperatures and improves air quality through internal filters. Heat pumps are typically quieter than traditional HVAC systems, providing long-term cost savings via reduced energy usage. Both ductless and ducted heat pump systems are available.

Is a Heat Pump Right for Your Home?

While a heat pump system can be adapted to almost any home, they are especially good for newer homes with well-insulated spaces. Eco-conscious households often choose heat pumps for their environmental benefits. Because of the low winter temperatures, a heat pump is a good choice in Alberta, Canada.

If your home has an existing furnace, consider a hybrid system that combines your furnace with a heat pump to get even better heating efficiency in extreme cold conditions.

When you're ready to switch to a heat pump, consult a local expert like Always Plumbing & Heating. Locally owned and operated since 1998, we have the experience to outfit your Alberta home with a heating and cooling solution that works for your specific layout, location, and personal needs.

Schedule an in-home assessment with one of our trained technicians to get a personalized plan for improving indoor comfort year-round.

Explore the Benefits of a Heat Pump With Always Plumbing & Heating

Learn more about heat pump installation and how it can create a comfortable, consistent indoor environment for your Alberta home. Give Always Plumbing & Heating a call today to book your home heating and cooling assessment.