The 2026 Heat Pump Buyer’s Guide

An Action Furnace technician carefully installs a new heat pump outside a Calgary home.

Get the benefits of both heating and cooling in one efficient package with Action Furnace’s expert heat pump installation service! Are you ready to make the switch? Here’s what you need to know.

As heat pumps continue to gain traction across Alberta, more and more homeowners are discovering their efficiency, versatility and eco-friendly benefits. But with so many to choose from and plenty of considerations to weigh, where do you start?

Well, our 2026 Heat Pump Buyer’s Guide is here to help!

Today, our Home Comfort Advisors will explore the different models available in the market, the benefits of installation and the perks of professional service and ongoing maintenance. This specialized customer experience sales team has the insight you need to make an informed decision for your home comfort this year.

Action Furnace has been Alberta’s premier choice for home comfort since 1975. With the most experienced technicians, the best equipment options and the most-cutting edge materials, we’re standing by to get the job done right.

Heat Pumps: What Are They & How Do They Work?

Heat pumps are a versatile, two-in-one heating and cooling option for your home comfort system. 

In heating mode, it extracts heat from the outside air—even in cold conditions—and compresses this heat to a higher temperature before releasing it inside a building. In cooling mode, it reverses this process, extracting heat from the interior of the building and releasing it outside, thereby cooling the interior space. This cycle is facilitated by an outdoor unit (containing a compressor and a condenser coil) and an indoor unit (with an expansion valve and an evaporator coil), connected by a circuit of refrigerant.

By moving heating instead of generating it, heat pumps significantly reduce energy consumption and long-term costs.

Heat pumps also come in a variety of different types, suitable for various climates and applications, such as: cold climate, air source and ducted heat pumps (but more on this later).

Evaluating Your Unique Needs

For a heat pump to truly benefit your home, it must be properly sized and designed to meet your specific heating and cooling demands. This makes a professional evaluation and installation absolutely essential.

Luckily, Action Furnace is leading the way in installation techniques and we’ve perfected the design and set-up of modern, residential heat pump systems. Plus, providing world-class customer services is the focus of everything we do, so you can rest easy with our reputation for quality workmanship.

Here’s a little bit of what you can expect when you call us in for your heat pump installation consultation:

Home Analysis

When you book a heat pump installation with our team, a knowledgeable Home Comfort Advisor will visit your home to begin the home analysis process.

During the assessment, they will carefully examine your home’s size, insulation, and heating and cooling demands to determine the best heat pump options for your needs.

Your advisor will take precise measurements of your home’s square footage, assess for potential heat loss, and inspect vents for any clogs or damage that could impact performance. This thorough evaluation ensures your new heat pump operates at peak efficiency, keeping your home comfortable in Alberta’s ever-changing climate.

Recommendation

Heat Pump recommendations are thorough and made with your heating/cooling needs, space and budget in mind. Every equipment recommendation will also be appropriately sized for your home, which is crucial for performance and efficiency.

Finally, with Action Furnace’s no surprise guarantee, we guarantee that the investment quoted is what you will pay. There will be no additional charges during or after the installation.

Installation

We arrive on schedule and will install your new heat pump as soon as possible and get you back to living more comfortably. Our priority is to take the time needed to complete the installation to the highest standard, ensuring your heat pump runs at peak efficiency and delivers reliable heating and cooling year-round.

Before we leave, we’ll walk you through your system settings, maintenance tips, and warranty details, so you feel confident in your new heat pump’s performance.

And with Action Furnace’s Customer Respect Guarantee you can rest assured our installation technicians are the best in skill, attitude, and workmanship.

The Best Types of Heat Pumps For 2026

The Home Comfort Advisors at Action Furnace specialize in a variety of heat pump equipment options. Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the most popular choices on the Alberta market:

Ducted vs. Non-Ducted Heat Pumps

The main difference between ducted and non-ducted heat pumps comes down to their installation. Ducted heat pumps use the existing air ducts in your home to distribute the heated or cooled air, while non-ducted heat pumps rely on wall or ceiling mounted units to improve comfort. 

Ducted heat pumps are also better for moving the air throughout the home, while non-ducted are best for small spaces.

Air vs. Ground Source Heat Pumps

Air and ground source heat pumps have their operation in the name! Air source heat pumps extract heat from the surrounding air, while ground source heat pumps, you guessed it, extract it from the ground. 

Air source heat pumps are generally more popular, less expensive and easier to install than ground source. However, ground source heat pumps are extremely efficient and operate well in cold climates, long term.

Cold Climate vs Regular Heat Pumps

Cold climate heat pumps are heat pumps that are optimized for colder climates. They’re designed with advanced efficiency and defrost options that help them operate in harsher climates.

They tend to be priced higher than a regular heat pump, due to their advanced features, but you can typically make up for that in the long term due to their efficiency over time. 

A standard heat pump is a good choice for year round comfort. While they do drop efficiency slightly in the winter, you can easily avoid that with supplemental heating options, or by installing a “full system” which includes a furnace. 
Contact us today to learn more about which equipment options are right for you.

Our Equipment Recommendations – Options & Price Ranges

The two most popular heat pump options we offer are from Action Furnace’s well-known and trusted, private label brand, Comfortec.

Comfortec 15.2 SEER2 Heat PumpStarting as low as $7,933.

Superior energy efficiency
Quiet operation

Comfortec 20 SEER2 Heat Pump
Starting as low as $10,111

Superior energy efficiency
Quiet operation
Suitable for larger homes

Both models offer superior energy efficiency, quieter operation and enhanced comfort. 

Technically speaking, high-efficiency heat pump systems need a SEER of at least 12 to receive ENERGY STAR status in Canada. However, some cooling systems may require a SEER much higher than that (hospitals, for instance). The specific SEER required depends on indoor air demands and the climate where the system will be used.

SEER2 is the updated efficiency standard. It’s tested under more realistic conditions, where a unit must be rated at least at 14 to be considered energy efficient. Both of these popular models greatly exceed that threshold.

Features Leading The Way

Here are some of the coolest features included with many heat pump models.

Energy Efficiency

Variable speed compressors adapt to your heating and cooling needs, saving energy and dollars on your monthly utility bills, all while improving your comfort.

Cold Climate Capability

Advanced defrost mechanisms prevent icing and maintain your heat pumps functionality in even the most frigid conditions.

Smart Technology Integration

The majority of heat pumps on the market today are compatible with smart thermostats for better control, energy monitoring and scheduling. Plus with wi-fi connectivity you can adjust your preferences on the go!

Environmental Benefits

Heat pumps are compatible with low GWP refrigerants, which is important to note with the upcoming EPA refrigerant regulations scheduled to take effect in 2025. 

Quiet Operation

Advanced heat pump design allows for low noise levels during operation, making them ideal for residential use.

Zoning Capabilities

Certain heat pumps allow for individual zoning, so you can get precise temperature control anywhere in your home and improved energy efficiency.

Longevity

When properly maintained, a heat pump can last anywhere between 15-20 years. Making them an ideal choice if you plan on staying in your home for a long time.

And while we’re on the topic of maintenance…

A new high-efficiency Comfortec heat pump is carefully moved into place.

The Importance of Regular, Professional Heat Pump Maintenance

To keep your heat pump running strong and efficiently, schedule regular maintenance from our tune-up experts!

Our exclusive service includes:

  • Inspect thermostat filter
  • Clean and inspect evaporator coil
  • Check fan speed
  • Inspect all drain lines
  • Check capacitor and motor amp draw
  • Ensure proper subcool/superheat settings
  • Check refrigerant levels

Once your tune-up is complete we’ll make recommendations for items that could increase efficiency, improve indoor air quality, and improve overall home comfort. At Action Furnace our goal is to provide you with a comfortable home all year long.

Embrace efficiency and reliability in 2026 with a new heat pump from Action Furnace. Installation starts as low as $14 per week, connect with us today!

Why Choose Action Furnace

Dedicated Customer Experience Team

Action Furnace has built the only dedicated customer experience support team in Alberta. This team is dedicated to our installation customers only and can answer any questions you could have about your new system. Our dedication to our customers does not end once you have purchased your new system.

Exceptionally Friendly, Well-trained & Highly-Skilled Technicians

Before being allowed to lead an installation team, our technicians are required to complete a comprehensive apprenticeship program. Our technicians are very respectful of you and your home – we leave it cleaner than we found it!

Up to 12 Years Warranty on all Equipment

Action Furnace stands out by offering up to 12 years of warranty on all equipment — one of the longest in the industry. This gives homeowners unmatched peace of mind, long-term protection, and confidence that their investment is backed by reliable products and exceptional service for over a decade.

Most Reliable Installation Guarantees

Action Furnace delivers unmatched peace of mind through real, no-nonsense guarantees backed by decades of reliability. From price transparency and installation date promises to comfort, energy savings, and property protection, every guarantee ensures homeowners receive exceptional service and accountability.