When summer heat hits Metro Vancouver or the chill of winter rolls into Burnaby, most homeowners find themselves asking one simple question: “Should I get a heat pump or air conditioner?”
On the surface, they look almost identical—and they even cool your home in the exact same way. But here’s the kicker: one does a lot more, and the other might cost you more long term, depending on how you heat your home.
Let’s break down the real differences between a heat pump and air conditioner—no fluff, no sales talk—just smart, BC-specific insights from your local HVAC experts at Eco Pro.
See how heat pumps qualify for local rebates
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Before we talk about what separates them, let’s cover what makes them similar:
So, when comparing a heat pump or air conditioner, the cooling process is virtually identical. If you only need cooling, they’re neck and neck.
Contact us for a side-by-side product comparison
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Here’s where things get interesting: a heat pump can also heat your home.
In winter, it runs in reverse, pulling warmth from the outdoor air and transferring it inside—even in near-freezing conditions. This is thanks to a component called a reversing valve, which air conditioners simply don’t have.
That means one unit, two functions:
For BC homes looking to reduce fossil fuel use or ditch old baseboard heaters, a heat pump offers an all-in-one HVAC solution.
See how a heat pump could reduce your winter heating bill
When considering a heat pump or air conditioner, budget often leads the conversation.
Thanks to CleanBC and Greener Homes rebates, the price gap is narrowing fast.
Typical Costs:
Check your rebate eligibility now
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Heat pumps shine in regions like Greater Vancouver where winters are mild and summers are moderate. In these conditions, they operate at 300%+ efficiency, producing 3 units of heat for every 1 unit of electricity.
An air conditioner, on the other hand, can’t provide heat at all—meaning you’ll also need a separate furnace or electric heater to stay warm in winter.
That makes the heat pump or air conditioner decision more about long-term savings and whole-home performance than just summer comfort.
That makes the heat pump or air conditioner decision more about long-term savings and whole-home performance than just summer comfort. And if you’re curious how much energy a heat pump actually uses day to day, this breakdown on how many watts a heat pump uses is a great starting point for understanding real-world consumption.
Talk to an Eco Pro advisor about dual-fuel setups
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While both systems require annual service to maintain efficiency, there’s one key difference:
Maintenance costs are similar, but heat pumps pull double duty—so scheduling professional servicing is even more important.
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Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Choose an air conditioner if:
Choose a heat pump if:
Remember, BC’s climate is ideal for heat pump performance, especially in urban areas like Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey, and North Van.
Get a personalized HVAC recommendation from Eco Pro
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Q: Can a heat pump replace an air conditioner?
Yes. A heat pump can cool your home just like an air conditioner and also heat it, making it a more versatile choice for BC’s climate.
Q: Can an air conditioner replace a heat pump?
Not entirely. While an air conditioner can keep your home cool in the summer, it can’t provide heat during winter—so you’ll still need a furnace or another heating system.
Q: Which is more cost-effective over time: a heat pump or air conditioner?
For most BC homeowners, a heat pump is more cost-effective because it combines heating and cooling in one system and qualifies for rebates, especially when replacing older electric baseboards or oil heating.
Q: Are installations disruptive for either system?
Not usually. Both systems are straightforward if you have existing ductwork. Ductless heat pumps are also clean to install with minimal disruption.
Q: Do heat pumps work in freezing temperatures?
Yes. Most modern heat pumps function efficiently down to -20°C. In extremely cold weather, they may use auxiliary electric heat to maintain comfort indoors.
Explore ductless and hybrid systems
Still stuck between a heat pump or air conditioner? Here’s the bottom line:
If you're just looking for reliable summer cooling and already have a solid heating system, an air conditioner does the job.
But if you want an all-in-one solution that cuts your energy use, lowers your carbon footprint, and qualifies for major rebates in BC—a heat pump is the smarter long-term play.
Eco Pro has helped hundreds of homeowners across Greater Vancouver upgrade their HVAC systems with confidence.
Book your free in-home assessment today
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Your home should feel comfortable year-round—and your HVAC system should never leave you second-guessing. Whether you're installing a brand-new system or repairing one that’s lost its edge, Eco Pro Heating brings over 20 years of expertise to every job. With over 42,000 homes served across Vancouver and the Sunshine Coast, we’ve seen it all—and fixed it all.
We’ll meet you for a no-pressure, on-site assessment, provide a transparent quote (no hidden fees, ever), and install your new system within 7–14 days—so you can get back to comfort, fast.
And with a 3-year extended warranty on every installation or repair, your peace of mind is built in.
👉 Book your free estimate today
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Your comfort is our craft. Let’s get started.
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