Technical, economical, and environmental feasibility of air source heat pump in cold climate for residential houses -Canada

With increasing concern towards global warming and the deadline of the Paris Agreement 2030 coming up, Canada is struggling to meet the desired greenhouse gas emission reductions. As new energy-efficient technology emerges, heating systems in Canada starts to move away from natural gas heating systems to efficient electrical heating systems such as air source heat pump. Though there are many studies related to reducing space heating, there are few studies performed on transitional technologies that are designed to slowly shift from natural gas-dependent society to an electrically powered society. This study analyses a smart switching system for a natural gas and air source heat pump dual system, and a cold climate air source heat pump water heater. These systems can significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to a typical natural gas-fired heater. With these technologies Canada’s residential sector could potentially meet Canada’s Paris Agreement goals.