Heat Pumps – A Popular Topic in the Bruce and Across North America!

On Feb 24, 2024, the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association, in collaboration with the municipality’s Climate Action and Waste Diversion Committee, hosted a workshop to explain how heat pumps work and the benefits to both our climate and to users. More than 50 people attended the workshop at the Rotary Hall in Lion’s Head, an outstanding turnout!

Local experts shared their knowledge on energy audits, heat pump uses and the installation process along with local users who shared their own case studies. The audience was very engaged and had many questions for our presenters.

In Canada, more than 700,000 heat pumps are installed nationwide (Global Newswire) and throughout the U.S., heat pumps are now surpassing gas furnace sales (New York State Energy and Development Authority).

What is an Energy Audit?

Dan Blenkinsop from Greenbrain Inc., shared detailed information about energy audits and grant programs.

An energy audit includes calculating the heated volume of your home, determining the heat resistance of the building envelope, counting the number of rough openings in the house, documenting the HVAC system, and performing a blower door test to calculate the home’s air tightness. Once these audits are completed, a homeowner will know how to increase the efficiency of the home to save on energy costs and reduce greenhouse emissions. This is a key step in understanding how a heat pump system can help.

For more on home energy efficiency, electric vehicles and climate action, visit the biosphere climate action Hub