Heat Pump - FAQ

Hydro-Québec is committed to the energy transition and provides, in collaboration with the Gouvernement du Québec, financial assistance for the installation or replacement of an eligible heat pump.

To learn all the details on this program, visit Hydro-Québec website.

Reminder: Financial assistance for the installation or replacement of an eligible heat pump is also available through the Rénoclimat program. You must then register for the program before beginning the work.

Attention: You cannot apply for financial assistance from both programs for the same work. You should choose the program that is best for you.

Hydro-Québec’s Efficient Heat Pump Program allows you to obtain financial assistance for the installation or replacement of an eligible heat pump if you meet all program conditions.

If you are registered for the Rénoclimat program, the installation or replacement of an eligible heat pump is also eligible for financial assistance.

Attention: You cannot apply for financial assistance from both programs for the same work. You should choose the program that is best for you.

With the Rénoclimat Program, you may be eligible for financial assistance if the model installed currently appears on the list of eligible heat pumps.

No. You must install a complete new system for each housing unit.

The most common reason is when a manufacturer stops production of a specific model of heat pump.

To consult all the performance criteria of the models, go to transitionenergetique.gouv.qc.ca/thermopompe.

The list of heat pumps eligible for financial assistance is based on criteria pertaining to their installation and performance, including the following:

• Mini-split, air-air heat pumps are not eligible.
• Mini-split, air-air heat pumps “with ducts” are now eligible.
• The installation of at least one indoor unit per floor is no longer required. 
• The minimum output of 12,000 BTU/h at +8 °C is no longer required.
• ENERGY STAR^® certification is no longer required. However, the system must be NEEP certified.

Contact infotechnique@teq.gouv.qc.ca for questions regarding the eligibility of a model.
 

Yes. If two complete systems are installed and if they are on the list of eligible heat pumps, complete financial assistance will be paid for each complete system. 

A low temperature heat pump (also known as a "cold climate" heat pump) can heat a home even when the outside temperature is very low. It is an excellent heating solution that is perfectly suited to Quebec's wintry climate.

Like other heat pumps, a low temperature heat pump also provides air conditioning for the home.

Standard heat pump models are unable to meet your heating needs in extremely cold weather and another heating system (such as an electric system) has to take over. Just like its name says, a low temperature heat pump can heat a home even when the outside temperature is very low. It is a heating solution that is perfectly suited to Quebec's climate.

To maximize your heat pump’s performance, make sure that it is properly sized, or in other words, powerful enough to meet your heating needs. Although merchants tend to suggest an ideal sizing for summer weather, it is essential that you choose a model with a larger sizing that can heat your space in winter.

The objective of this change is efficiency. In fact, owners are being encouraged to install systems that deliver a better heating performance. Manufacturers are being encouraged to keep innovating so that heating output at low temperatures continues to rise.

With this change, the financial assistance amounts are divided up more equitably between the small systems (e.g. wall-mounted systems) and the large systems (e.g. central systems).

The models of heat pumps and eligibility criteria differ between the federal program and the Rénoclimat and Novoclimat programs.

Be sure to select a system that is on one of the eligible heat pump lists and meet all of the criteria of the program you have selected.

• List of eligible heat pumps in Québec under the Canada Greener Homes Grant
• List of eligible heat pumps under the Rénoclimat or Novoclimat program

Starting on January 1, 2020, heat pump models that are only ENERGY STAR certified will no longer be eligible for financial assistance from all our related programs.

Consult the list of eligible heat pumps.

• Single package air-air heat pumps are no longer eligible.
• Air-air heat pumps must not be installed outside of the plane of insulation (e.g. in the attic space).
• Mini-split air-air heat pumps “with ducts” are now eligible.
• The installation of at least one indoor unit per floor is no longer required.
• The minimum output of 12,000 BTUs/h at +8°C is no longer required. ENERGY STAR® certification is not required for the system; however, the system must be NEEP certified.

This is the heating output that a heat pump is able to deliver when the outdoor temperature is -8°C. This output is measured for each heat pump model using a standardized test and the test results are published in the AHRI directory.

You should take several variables into consideration, such as:

• the surface area and volume of the house;
• the configuration and orientation of the house;
• the geographical location;
• the type of construction;
• the degree of insulation and air tightness; the dimensions, type and orientation of the windows.

To properly calculate your heating needs, ask a heating profession who is accredited by the Corporation des maîtres mécaniciens en tuyauterie du Québec (CMMTQ). We suggest that you contact more than one professional to check and confirm the answers you receive.