If you’re deciding between a heat pump and an air conditioner, there’s more to consider than just the upfront price. When it comes to home comfort in Ontario, most homeowners want two things: reliable cooling in the summer and affordable heating in the winter.
At Handy Bros., we’ve helped thousands of homeowners in Chatham-Kent, London, Windsor, and across Southwestern Ontario figure out what makes the most sense for their space, budget, and goals. And today, we’re laying it all out to help you do the same — Home Comfort Done DIFFERENTLY means full transparency and real education.
Installation Cost: AC Is Cheaper Upfront — But That’s Not the Whole Story
Let’s start with what most people ask us first: “What’s it going to cost me right now?”
- Heat pump installation cost in Ontario: $8,000–$15,000+
- Air conditioner installation cost in Ontario: $4,000–$8,000
- But remember: a heat pump heats and cools — an AC only cools.
So if you choose an air conditioner, you’ll still need a furnace or another heating system — and that adds thousands more in total system cost.
Handy Bros. Advantage:
Our AAA Certified teams are trained to build custom systems based on your home’s design. We also use our POD System to cut installation time to one day — lowering labour costs and minimizing disruption.
Energy Efficiency: Heat Pumps Save More Long-Term
This is where heat pumps start to shine — and where the long-term return on investment gets real.
A heat pump is up to 3X more energy efficient than a furnace and AC combo.
Why? Because it moves heat instead of creating it, which uses far less energy. That means lower utility bills, year-round. And in Ontario, where we battle both cold winters and hot summers, that adds up fast.
Heat Pump vs AC Energy Cost Breakdown (Based on Ontario Averages):
| System | Yearly Heating + Cooling Cost | 10-Year Total |
|---|---|---|
| AC + Natural Gas Furnace | $2,000 | $20,000 |
| Electric Heat Pump | $1,350 | $13,500 |
Savings: Over $6,500 in 10 years — not including rising fuel prices or carbon taxes.
When Does a Heat Pump Make the Most Sense?
Not every home is the same, and not every homeowner has the same priorities. But here’s where heat pumps tend to deliver the most ROI:
- Homes with electric baseboard heat — HUGE energy savings
- Anyone replacing both furnace and AC at once
- Environmentally conscious homeowners looking to reduce carbon use
- Smaller to mid-size homes (under 2,500 sq ft)
Not sure? Our Comfort Experts will assess your current system, ductwork, and energy use — then provide a clear recommendation that fits your home.
Maintenance & Lifespan: What Are You Getting Long-Term?
Let’s compare system longevity and upkeep:
Air Conditioner
- Lifespan: 10–15 years
- Annual maintenance: $100–$200
- Still need to service furnace separately
Heat Pump
- Lifespan: 12–20 years
- Annual maintenance: ~$150
- One system = one maintenance visit
Handy Bros. AAA Certification Guarantee
When we install a heat pump or air conditioner, it’s backed by the highest standard in the industry — our AAA Certification. Every technician receives 200+ hours of annual training, and every install is video-verified for quality before we leave the site.
You’re not just buying equipment — you’re investing in craftsmanship, efficiency, and peace of mind.
Why Handy Bros. Does It DIFFERENTLY
Other companies sell equipment. We engineer complete comfort systems built to last. And we do it all with:
- AAA Certified Technicians trained in our Handy Bros. Academy
- Our exclusive POD System that cuts install time from 3 days to 1
- 24/7 Emergency Response for peace of mind — because HVAC shouldn’t keep you waiting
- A commitment to education-first service — so you can make informed decisions
We’re proud to serve communities across Chatham-Kent, London, Windsor-Essex, Sarnia, Leamington, and St. Thomas — and we’re just getting started.
Final Verdict: Is a Heat Pump Worth the Cost?
If you’re looking for the lowest upfront cost, an air conditioner might seem like the way to go. But if you’re planning to stay in your home long-term and want to save on energy, a heat pump is one of the smartest investments you can make.
At Handy Bros., we’ll help you figure out what’s best — not what’s popular.
Ready to Find Out What Makes Sense for YOUR Home?
- Call us today to schedule your free in-home consultation
- Get expert guidance from Ontario’s most trusted HVAC team
- Learn what heat pump vs AC costs look like for your space
Because comfort should be custom — and at Handy Bros., we do home comfort DIFFERENTLY.