A new national survey suggests Canadian homeowners who have installed heat pumps are largely happy with the decision, with 91 percent saying they would recommend them to a friend or neighbour.
The findings come from a report released by Clean Energy Canada, in partnership with Summerhill, that was based on responses from nearly 3,800 heat pump owners surveyed in late 2025 and early 2026.
The report, Heat Pump Owners Have Their Say, found satisfaction levels were consistent across regions, age groups, income levels, housing types and genders.
Lower Bills and Better Comfort Drive Demand
Respondents said the most common reasons for installing a heat pump were to reduce energy costs, improve home comfort and gain access to cooling during warmer months.
Those same benefits were also the most frequently reported after installation.
According to the survey, 64 percent of respondents said they had only positive experiences with their heat pump, while 22 percent reported a mix of positive and negative experiences. Just 5 percent said they had only negative experiences.
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Heat pumps heat and cool buildings by transferring heat rather than generating it directly. They have gained attention across Canada as households look for alternatives to conventional furnaces and air conditioners.
Incentives Remain Key to Adoption
While satisfaction rates were high, the report also found upfront cost remains a major barrier for many households.
Three in five respondents said they used one or more federal, provincial, municipal or utility rebates to help cover installation costs. More than half said they would not have purchased a heat pump without financial support.
That finding may be significant for governments and utilities considering future rebate programs, particularly as provinces work to reduce emissions from buildings and improve household energy efficiency.
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Broad Appeal Across Canada
The survey suggests heat pumps are performing well across a range of climates and home types, countering concerns that the systems are only practical in milder regions or newer homes.
Researchers said the results point to a technology that has matured and can serve a wide variety of Canadian households.
Interest in heat pumps has grown in recent years due to energy inflation and extreme summer heat, which increases demand for home cooling. In many parts of Canada, the systems are being promoted as a way to cut emissions while lowering long-term energy bills.
Policy Debate Likely to Continue
The report is expected to add fuel to the ongoing debate over how governments should support home energy upgrades.
Supporters argue rebates and incentives can speed adoption of cleaner technologies and reduce energy costs over time. Critics have questioned the public cost of subsidy programs and whether households can still manage the remaining upfront expense.
For now, the latest survey indicates that once installed, most Canadian heat pump owners believe the switch was worthwhile.
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