What To Know Before Choosing To Install A Heat Pump, According To Mike Holmes

Mike Holmes is big on heat pumps. He recommends them as being one of the best HVAC systems for your home. But given that heat pumps are relatively new and the internet is rife with incorrect or outdated information about heat pumps, he took to his YouTube channel to answer some common questions. Holmes explains, "A heat pump does not use as much energy as other units because it simply transfers heat from one space to another rather than burning fuel to produce heat." Heat pumps work the same way an air conditioner or refrigerator works – by using a refrigerant to capture heat from one space and move it to another. One of the biggest values of heat pumps is that they are bi-directional. They work both to heat your home in the winter and as a mini-split air conditioner to cool your home in the summer.

In the summer, they also act as dehumidifiers. Holmes explains in his video, "Heat pumps can actually dehumidify your home better than standard central air conditioners. When the heat pump is in cooling mode, it will remove moisture from the air. It works with your thermostat to automatically adjust to your preferences and keep your humidity in check." 

And they can work in any size home. In response to a questioner worrying that heat pumps don't really work well for small homes, Holmes assures them, "Heat pump systems come in different sizes so you can find one that suits your needs." It's no surprise, then, that Holmes calls heat pumps "a great, energy-efficient way to heat your home."

One of the most common questions is whether heat pumps work in cold climates, and it's the first question Mike Holmes addresses in his YouTube video. Holmes suggests, "For colder climates, you might want to invest in a heat pump with a dual fuel backup to go with it."

Keep in mind that "colder" is a relative term. Today, air source heat pumps can absorb heat from the atmosphere at temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Maybe that's why in Canada, nearly half a million heat pumps were purchased in 2024, according to a report from Mark & Spark Solutions. In Europe, Norway installs far more heat pumps per capita than any other European country, nearly five times the number installed in Spain or Portugal, according to the European Heat Pump Association. Finland and Sweden come in second and third. Indeed, heat pumps work in very cold climates.

Still, Holmes' advice may be a smart option in some situations. If you live in a climate where it remains extremely cold for a significant portion of the year, it may be worth considering a hybrid system that burns a fuel to produce heat as a backup. But a hybrid system may not be worth the extra cost if you need it for only a few days a year. In all but the most extreme cold environments, if you need backup heat during a cold snap, a smart space heater may save you money in the long run.