Heat pumps in Quebec City: Buying and installation guide for the National Capital Region
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Do you live in Quebec City or the National Capital Region? This guide covers everything you need to know to install a heat pump: from the local climate to the specific characteristics of different neighborhoods.
The climate of the Quebec City region
The Quebec City region has a slightly colder climate than Montreal, with longer winters:
| Characteristic | Quebec | Montreal (comparison) |
|---|---|---|
| Average temperature in January | -12°C | -10°C |
| Days below -20°C | 15-20 | 10-15 |
| Days below -25°C | 5-10 | 3-5 |
| Snowfall | ~300 cm/year | ~210 cm/year |
What this means: A cold-climate certified heat pump like the Kanartic ZERO is perfectly suited to Quebec City. Simply plan for supplemental heating during periods of extreme cold.
Specifics by sector
Upper Town and Old Quebec
- Housing type: Many condos and historic apartments
- Challenges: Strict heritage regulations in certain sectors
- Tip: Check with the city before installing a visible outdoor unit. Discreet locations (backyard, flat roof) are often preferred.
Lower Town, Limoilou, Saint-Roch
- Accommodation type: Mix of duplexes, triplexes and houses
- Advantages: Fewer restrictions than Old Quebec
- Tip: Back yards generally offer a good location for the outdoor unit
Sainte-Foy, Sillery, Cap-Rouge
- Housing type: Single-family homes, bungalows, newer condos
- Advantages: Larger plots, easy installation
- Tips: Standard configuration, ideal for DIY
Beauport, Charlesbourg, Les Rivières
- Housing type: Primarily single-family homes
- Advantages: Sufficient space, few restrictions
- Tips: Very easy DIY installation
Lévis and the South Shore
- Housing type: Houses, semi-detached houses, condos
- Climate: Similar to Quebec City, sometimes slightly colder
- Advice: Same recommendations as Quebec
Côte-de-Beaupré, Île d'Orléans, Portneuf
- Accommodation type: Houses, chalets, rural properties
- Climate: Colder and more snow
- Advice: Significant elevation (45-60 cm), supplementary heating recommended
Heritage and historic houses
The Quebec City region has many old houses. Here's how to install a heat pump while respecting their heritage character:
Discreet placement of the outdoor unit
- Backyard: First option to prioritize
- Side of the house: If not visible from the street
- Flat roof: Excellent for urban buildings
Unit cover
A decorative cover can conceal the outdoor unit while still allowing air circulation:
- Wooden or metal trellis
- Openwork fence
- Vegetation (at least 30 cm from the unit)
Indoor unit
The indoor unit can be integrated into any decor:
- Clean, discreet white design
- Installed high up, not very visible
- No impact on the interior heritage character
Delivery in the Quebec City area
From our warehouse in St-Eustache, delivery to the Quebec City region is simple:
- Delivery time: 3-5 business days
- Shipping costs: Free delivery or minimal fees depending on the area
- Carrier: Reliable delivery service with tracking
Tip: Order a few weeks before the planned installation date to allow for some flexibility.
Costs and savings for the Quebec City region
Installation costs
| Property type | Capacity | DIY cost |
|---|---|---|
| Condo / Apartment | 9,000 - 12,000 BTU | $2,250 - $2,750 |
| Standard house | 18,000 - 24,000 BTU | $3,100 - $3,600 |
| Large house | Multi-zone | $3,500 - $5,500 |
Estimated annual savings
For a typical 1,200 sq ft house in the Quebec City area:
- Current heating (baseboard): ~$2,600/year
- With heat pump: ~$1,200/year
- Annual savings: ~$1,400
- DIY return on investment: ~2-2.5 years
Specific recommendations for Quebec
1. Raising the outdoor unit
With 300 cm of snow annually, elevation is crucial:
- Recommended minimum: 45 cm (18 inches)
- Ideal: 60 cm (24 inches)
- Wall mount: Excellent option to avoid snow problems
2. Backup heating
With more cold days than in Montreal, backup heating is recommended:
- Keep your electric baseboard heaters (set to 15-17°C)
- Or a wood/pellet stove
- The heat pump will do 80-85% of the work
3. Sizing
The Quebec City region is colder than Montreal: enter your city in the free BTU calculator and it will adjust the recommended capacity to the local climate.
Available rebates
In Quebec, Hydro-Québec's LogisVert program is the main rebate for buying a heat pump. A DIY installation can qualify when commissioning is done by an RBQ-licensed company: see our article DIY Heat Pump and LogisVert Rebate. For an up-to-date list of provincial, federal and municipal programs, visit our Rebates page.
FAQ Quebec Region
Is the climate in Quebec too cold for a heat pump?
No! Kanartic heat pumps keep heating below −30 °C without shutting down. In Quebec City, even on the coldest days, your heat pump will contribute to heating. Backup heating covers the extreme cold snaps.
Are there any DIY installers in the Quebec City area?
DIY installation means you do the work yourself — no installer needed! If you prefer to hire a professional, several HVAC contractors in the area can install heat pumps.
How long will it take to receive my order in Quebec City?
Please allow 3-5 business days from our St-Eustache warehouse.
Can houses in Old Quebec have a heat pump?
Yes, but with precautions to respect the heritage character. Choose a discreet location for the outdoor unit and check municipal regulations.
Conclusion
The Quebec City region is perfectly suited to modern heat pumps. With proper elevation, backup heating for extreme cold, and correct sizing, you'll enjoy substantial savings and better comfort all year round.
