Heating a cottage in Quebec with a heat pump: A complete guide 2026
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Do you own a cottage in the Laurentians, the Eastern Townships, Lac-Saint-Jean, or elsewhere in Quebec? Heating is likely your biggest expense after the purchase. Between wood, propane, heating oil, and electricity, the options are numerous—but heat pumps are increasingly emerging as the ideal solution.
Here's why and how to efficiently heat your cottage with a heat pump.
Why a heat pump is ideal for a cottage
1. Substantial savings
If your cottage is heated with electric baseboard heaters or propane, you're paying a lot. A heat pump can reduce your heating costs by 40 to 60% .
Concrete example:
- 800 sq ft chalet with baseboard heating: ~$1,500/year
- Same cottage with heat pump: ~$600-$800/year
- Savings: $700 to $900/year
2. Heating AND air conditioning
Summers are getting hotter and hotter in Quebec. A heat pump gives you air conditioning as a bonus — no more sweating nights in July.
3. Perfect DIY installation for cabins
DIY heat pumps are particularly well-suited to cottages:
- No need to have an installer come to a remote area
- Installation on the weekend while you are at the chalet
- Savings on technician travel expenses
4. Remote control
With the WiFi app, you can:
- Preheat the chalet before arriving
- Check the temperature when you're not there
- Receive alerts if the temperature drops too low
- Adjust the heating without moving
Supplemental heating or main heating?
The most frequently asked question: can a heat pump be the only heating system for my cottage?
Scenario 1: Chalet used all year round
If you regularly visit your chalet in winter:
- Heat pump as primary heating: Yes, it's possible
- Recommended supplementary heating: Electric baseboard heaters or a wood-burning stove for very cold weather.
- Ideal configuration: Heat pump + baseboard heaters as backup (set to 15°C)
Scenario 2: Three-season chalet (spring-summer-autumn)
If you close the chalet in winter:
- The heat pump is perfect as a standalone system
- Excellent for spring/autumn heating and summer air conditioning
- No need for auxiliary heating
Scenario 3: Heated chalet in your absence
If you maintain a minimum temperature throughout the winter to protect the plumbing:
- The heat pump can maintain 10-12°C very efficiently
- Preheat quickly before your visits
- Major savings vs. baseboard heaters that heat up 24/7
What size chalet should I choose?
Simplified sizing guide
| Chalet area | Recommended BTUs | Suggested model |
|---|---|---|
| 400 - 600 sq ft | 9,000 BTU | Kanartic ZERO 9K |
| 600 - 900 sq ft | 12,000 BTU | Kanartic ZERO 12K |
| 900 - 1,200 sq ft | 18,000 BTU | Kanartic ZERO 18K |
| 1,200 - 1,500 sq ft | 24,000 BTU | Kanartic ZERO 24K |
| 1,500+ sq ft or multi-room | Multi-zone | Kanartic Multi-zones |
Factors that increase needs
- Poor insulation: Old log cabins = +30% BTU
- Large windows: A lot of glass surface area = +20% BTU
- Cathedral ceilings: Larger air volume = +20-30% BTU
- Very cold region: Northern Quebec = +20% BTU
Factors that reduce needs
- Good recent insulation: Renovated chalet = standard calculation
- South-facing exposure: Passive solar gain = -10% BTU
- Three-season use: No intense winter heating = more flexibility
Calculate my BTUs precisely →
Settling into the chalet: Special considerations
Electricity
Check your electrical panel:
- 9000-12000 BTU: 15-20A circuit, 115V or 230V
- 18000-24000 BTU: 20-30A, 230V circuit required
Warning: Many older cottages have limited electrical service (60A or 100A). If your panel is full, you may need an upgrade.
Location of the outdoor unit
The chalets present particular challenges:
- Snow: Raise the unit at least 45-60 cm in areas with heavy snow accumulation
- Animals: Protect against rodents that love to nest in outdoor units
- Trees: Keep a distance to avoid leaves and sap
- Terrain slope: Ensure a level base
WiFi connection
Remote control requires an internet connection at the cabin. Options:
- Cable/fiber internet (if available)
- Satellite internet (Starlink)
- Cellular hotspot (if coverage is available)
Without the internet, the heat pump works perfectly — you just lose remote control.
Optimal use at the chalet
"Hold" mode when you're not there
If you keep the chalet heated in winter to protect the plumbing:
- Set the heat pump to 10-12°C
- Baseboards as backup at 8-10°C
- The heat pump will do 95% of the work at a lower cost.
"Arrival" mode — Preheat before arriving
With the mobile app:
- 2-3 hours before arrival, raise the thermostat to 20-21°C
- The chalet will be comfortable upon your arrival
- No waste by keeping it warm when you're not there
"Start" mode — Optimize from the start
- Lower the temperature setting to 10-12°C
- The heat pump will maintain efficiently
- Savings vs. leaving standard electric heating
Chalet without electricity or off-grid
For cottages powered by a generator or solar panel, a heat pump can still work, but with some considerations:
With solar panels
- A 3-5 kW solar system can power a 12,000 BTU heat pump
- Batteries recommended for nighttime operation
- Excellent for three-season cottages (maximum sunshine)
With generator
- A 3000W+ generator can start a heat pump
- Not ideal for continuous operation (noise, fuel consumption)
- Good for occasional use or one-off visits.
Comparison: Heat pump vs. other heating systems for a cottage
| System | Cost/year* | Benefits | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heat pump | $600-900 | Efficient, air conditioning included, remote control | Initial cost, requires electricity |
| Electric baseboards | $1,400-$1,800 | Simple, reliable, no maintenance | Expensive, no air conditioning |
| Propane | $1,800-$2,500 | Heats up quickly, no electricity needed | Delivery, variable cost, tank |
| Wood-burning stove | $500-1000 | Ambient, self-contained, radiant heat | Manual, attendance required, maintenance |
| Fuel oil | $2,000-$3,000 | Powerful, automatic | Expensive, polluting, delivery, tank |
*Estimates for an 800 sq ft cottage with moderate use. Your costs may vary.
The best combination for a chalet
For most Quebec chalets, we recommend:
Heat pump + Wood stove
- Heat pump: Efficient primary heating + air conditioning
- Wood-burning stove: Backup for extreme cold, power outages, and ambiance
Why this combination?
- Maximum savings (heat pump 90% of the time)
- Safety in case of power outage (wood)
- Authentic chalet atmosphere whenever you want
- Partial energy independence
Chalet FAQ
Can a heat pump protect my plumbing from freezing?
Yes! Set it to 10-12°C and it will maintain that temperature effectively. With the mobile app, you can monitor the temperature even remotely.
What happens in the event of a power outage?
The heat pump shuts down, like any electrical appliance. That's why a backup system (wood stove, baseboard heaters with a generator, etc.) is recommended for winter cottages.
Is a DIY installation realistic for a cabin?
Absolutely! It's even easier than in the city: no close neighbors, more flexibility for the placement of the outdoor unit. Plan for a full day's work.
My cabin is made of logs, will the heat pump be effective?
Log cabins often have less thermal insulation. The heat pump will work, but slightly oversize it (+20-30%) and keep a backup heating system for very cold weather.
Can I use the heat pump only for air conditioning in the summer?
Yes! But you'd miss out on the heating savings. You might as well use it all year round.
Conclusion
Heat pumps transform the cottage experience in Quebec: arrive at a pre-heated cottage, enjoy air conditioning in the summer, and reduce your bills by 40-60%. With DIY installation, it's a weekend project that pays for itself in 2-3 seasons.
