Which heat pump for a home in Toronto?
Updated October 24, 2026
In Toronto, a heat pump is sized for -18 °C in winter and 32 °C in summer. Here is the load for typical homes and the Kanartic system that fits.
- Winter design temperature-18 °C
- Summer design temperature32 °C
- Heating degree-days3,664
- Electricity15.57 ¢/kWh
Source: CNB 2020 (hiver) · HOT2000 Toronto Intl; NBC 2020 winter temperature where available.
Heating load in Toronto
| Home | After 2010 | 1990 to 2010 | Before 1970 | DIY system | Price | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Condo 900 sq ft | 13,500 | 13,500 | 13,500 | ZERO 18,000 wall unit | $2,895 | 100 % |
| Bungalow 1,100 sq ft + basement | 16,900 | 19,800 | 39,500 | Z-PRO 27,000 · 2 zones | $4,675 | 100 % |
| Two-storey 1,800 sq ft + basement | 27,000 | 27,000 | 51,200 | Z-PRO 36,000 · 3 zones | $5,475 | 100 % |
| Two-storey 2,600 sq ft + basement | 39,000 | 39,000 | 67,800 | Z-PRO 36,000 · 3 zones + ZERO 12,000 wall unit | $7,824 | 100 % |
For the typical bungalow, the heat pump carries the house alone all winter in Toronto.
Estimated savings
For this bungalow (10,200 kWh/yr heating need), the heat pump would save about $1,000 a year compared with electric baseboards, and $1,600 compared with heating oil ($1.80/L).
Rebates in your province (Ontario)
Here, rebates require a contractor: going DIY, your advantage is saving the installation cost.
- Home Renovation Savings Program – Heat Pump · IESO / Save on Energy + Enbridge Gas
$1,250 per ton, up to $7,500 (electric, oil, propane or wood heating); $500 per ton, up to $2,000 (Enbridge gas customers)
- Energy Affordability Program · IESO / Save on Energy
Cold-climate heat pump supplied and installed at no cost
- National Heat Pump Rebate (announced) · Gouvernement du Canada
$2,000; up to $10,000 for low- and median-income households
Install it yourself (DIY)
Kanartic DIY versions ship with pre-charged line sets and quick connectors. You mount the units, drill the wall, connect and plug in: no refrigerant handling.
How many BTU in Toronto by floor area
500 sq ft800 sq ft1,000 sq ft1,200 sq ft1,500 sq ft1,800 sq ft2,000 sq ft2,400 sq ft
Other cities
OttawaHamiltonLondonKingstonSudburyThunder BayAll cities
Frequently asked questions
What is the design temperature in Toronto?
-18 °C in winter (January, 2.5%) and 32 °C in summer (July, 2.5%). These are the temperatures used to size heating and cooling.
Can a heat pump heat a house in Toronto?
For a 1,100 sq ft bungalow built between 1990 and 2010, the Z-PRO 27,000 · 2 zones covers 100% of the load at -18 °C. Kanartic models keep heating at −30 °C.
Can I install a heat pump myself in Toronto?
Yes, with Kanartic DIY versions: pre-charged line sets and quick connectors, no refrigerant handling. Check your province’s rebate conditions, which often require a contractor.