- Performance: Today’s technology allows heat pumps to pull warmth from the air even in freezing Alberta winters.
- Reliability: A hybrid setup ensures you have a gas backup when temperatures drop below the heat pump's limit.
- Savings: You can save significantly on cooling in the summer and take advantage of federal and local rebates to offset the higher upfront cost.
Do Heat Pumps Work in Calgary? What Homeowners Need to Know
If you have lived in Calgary for more than one winter, you know the drill. One week it is a balmy +5°C Chinook, and the next, it is a bone-chilling -30°C. For a long time, the word on the street was that heat pumps just could not hack it here. In 2026, that has changed.
Modern technology has made heat pumps a viable, smart choice for Albertans. Here is the breakdown of how they work in our unique climate.
1. They Do Not "Create" Heat, They Move It
Unlike a furnace that burns gas to create fire, a heat pump works like a reversible air conditioner. In the winter, it finds tiny amounts of heat energy in the outdoor air and "pumps" it into your home. It sounds impossible when it is -15°C outside, but modern refrigerants are designed to boil at extremely low temperatures, making this heat transfer possible.
2. The Magic Number is -25°C
Standard heat pumps from a decade ago would quit as soon as the frost hit. Today, "Cold Climate Air Source Heat Pumps" (ccASHPs) are rated to work efficiently down to -25°C. Some premium models can even push through to -30°C. For about 85% of a typical Calgary winter, a high-quality heat pump can handle the entire heating load on its own.
3. The Hybrid (Dual-Fuel) Advantage
Because Calgary does see those "deep freeze" weeks where the mercury stays below -30°C, most local HVAC pros recommend a hybrid system. The heat pump handles the spring, fall, and most of the winter. The gas furnace kicks in automatically only when it gets too cold for the heat pump to run efficiently. This gives you the energy savings of electricity with the reliability of natural gas.
4. Two-in-One Comfort
One of the biggest perks often overlooked is that a heat pump is also a world-class air conditioner. Instead of buying a furnace and then adding a separate AC unit, a heat pump handles both. With Calgary summers getting hotter, having high-efficiency cooling built-in is a major upgrade for home comfort.
5. Cost and Incentives
While a heat pump costs more upfront than a basic furnace, the gap is closing thanks to incentives. Programs like the Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) in Calgary allow you to finance the cost through your property taxes. While natural gas is still relatively cheap in Alberta, the carbon tax and rising delivery fees make the 300% efficiency of a heat pump much more attractive over the long term.
6. Is Your Home Ready?
Before you switch, you need to check two things. First, a heat pump works best in a well-sealed home. If your windows are drafty, you might not feel the full benefit. Second, most heat pumps require a 200-amp electrical service. If you live in an older neighborhood, you might need a panel upgrade first.
