Which heat pump for a home in Vancouver?
Updated October 24, 2026
In Vancouver, a heat pump is sized for -7 °C in winter and 28 °C in summer. Here is the load for typical homes and the Kanartic system that fits.
- Winter design temperature-7 °C
- Summer design temperature28 °C
- Heating degree-days2,825
- Electricity11.72 ¢/kWh
Source: CNB 2020 (hiver) · CNB/BCBC Vancouver; NBC 2020 winter temperature where available.
Heating load in Vancouver
| 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 | 16,500 | 16,500 | 28,900 | Z-PRO 18,000 · 2 zones | $3,625 | 100 % |
| Two-storey 1,800 sq ft + basement | 27,000 | 27,000 | 37,300 | Z-PRO 27,000 · 3 zones | $4,875 | 100 % |
| Two-storey 2,600 sq ft + basement | 39,000 | 39,000 | 49,400 | 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 Vancouver.
Estimated savings
For this bungalow (8,000 kWh/yr heating need), the heat pump would save about $600 a year compared with electric baseboards, and $1,400 compared with heating oil ($1.80/L).
Rebates in your province (British Columbia)
Here, rebates require a contractor: going DIY, your advantage is saving the installation cost.
- CleanBC Energy Savings Program · Province de la C.-B. / Better Homes BC
Single-zone mini-split: $5,000 (electric home, tier 1); up to $5,500 (gas) and $7,000 (oil); 2-head multi-zone up to $11,000; +$1,500 in the North
- Home Renovation Rebate · BC Hydro / FortisBC
Electrically heated home: $1,500 (single-zone mini-split, partial) or $4,000 (whole home); North: $6,000 for a gas/oil conversion
- Condo and Apartment Rebate Program · BC Hydro
Up to $5,500 for a mini-split in a condo or apartment
- 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.
All rebates in British Columbia
How many BTU in Vancouver 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
VictoriaKelownaPrince GeorgeAll cities
Frequently asked questions
What is the design temperature in Vancouver?
-7 °C in winter (January, 2.5%) and 28 °C in summer (July, 2.5%). These are the temperatures used to size heating and cooling.
Can a heat pump heat a house in Vancouver?
For a 1,100 sq ft bungalow built between 1990 and 2010, the Z-PRO 18,000 · 2 zones covers 100% of the load at -7 °C. Kanartic models keep heating at −30 °C.
Can I install a heat pump myself in Vancouver?
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.