Heat pumps in the Laurentians: A guide for homes and cottages
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The Laurentians present unique heating challenges: colder winters than Montreal, numerous cottages, and sometimes significant distances. This guide covers everything Laurentian homeowners need to know about heat pumps.
The climate of the Laurentians
The Laurentians are generally 3 to 5°C colder than Montreal in winter:
| Region | Average temperature January | Days below -25°C |
|---|---|---|
| Montreal | -10°C | 3-5 |
| Saint-Jérôme / Blainville | -11°C | 5-8 |
| Saint-Sauveur / Morin-Heights | -13°C | 8-12 |
| Mont-Tremblant / Labelle | -15°C | 12-18 |
| Mont-Laurier / North | -17°C | 15-25 |
Good news: Kanartic ZERO heat pumps operate down to -30°C. Even in the northern Laurentians, they will function efficiently for the vast majority of winter.
Heat pump for primary residence
If you live in the Laurentians year-round:
Recommendations
- Choose the cold climate option: Make sure your heat pump is certified for cold climates (Energy Star cold climate).
- Oversize slightly: +10-15% BTU compared to the standard calculation
- Keep a backup heating system: Baseboard heaters or a wood-burning stove for very cold weather.
- Significant elevation: 45-60 cm minimum for the outdoor unit
Typical configuration
For a 1,200 sq ft house in the Laurentians:
- Heat pump: 18,000 - 24,000 BTU for the ground floor
- Supplementary heating: Baseboard heaters retained, set to 15-17°C
- Result: The heat pump does 85-90% of the work, resulting in savings of 40-50%
Heat pump for cottage
The Laurentians region has thousands of cottages. Heat pumps are ideal for them.
Specific advantages for chalets
- Remote control: Preheat before arrival via the WiFi app
- Frost protection: Maintains a minimum temperature to protect the plumbing
- Air conditioning included: Summers are hot even in the Laurentians
- Savings: Reduce your heating costs even for occasional use
3-season chalet vs. 4-season chalet
Three-season chalet (closed in winter):
- A heat pump is sufficient as a standalone system
- Perfect for spring/autumn heating and air conditioning
- Drain the plumbing or maintain a minimum temperature
Four-season chalet (used in winter):
- Heat pump + supplemental heating recommended
- Wood-burning stove: backup + ambiance
- Baseboards: automatic backup
Internet at the chalet
For remote control, you need an internet connection:
- Starlink: Excellent for remote cabins
- Cable internet: If available in your area
- Cellular: Hotspot if you have good coverage
Without the internet, the heat pump works normally — you just lose remote control.
DIY installation in the Laurentians
Advantages of DIY in the region
DIY installation is particularly advantageous in the Laurentians:
- Savings on travel: Installers often charge travel fees in rural areas
- No waiting: Contractors are often overloaded during peak season
- Flexibility: Settle in during your stay at the chalet
Delivery in the Laurentians
From our warehouse in St-Eustache:
- Saint-Jérôme, Blainville, Mirabel: Free delivery, 1-2 days
- Saint-Sauveur, Sainte-Adèle, Morin-Heights: Free delivery, 2-3 days
- Mont-Tremblant, Saint-Jovite: Free or minimal delivery fee, 2-4 days
- Mont-Laurier and beyond: Delivery fees may apply, 3-5 days
Note: Free delivery applies "where reasonable". Contact us to confirm charges for remote areas.
Considerations specific to the Laurentians
Snow accumulation
The Laurentians receive more snow than Montreal. For the outdoor unit:
- Minimum elevation: 45-60 cm (18-24 inches)
- Ideally: Wall mount if possible
- Clearing: Plan to clear snow after storms
- Roofing: Avoid locations under snow/ice accumulations on the roof
Power outages
Breakdowns are more frequent in rural areas, especially after storms:
- Non-electric supplemental heating: Wood or propane stove recommended
- Generator: Can power the heat pump during a power outage
- Monitoring: The WiFi app alerts you if the temperature drops (if the internet is working).
Wild animals
Mice and squirrels like to nest in inactive outdoor units:
- Operate the unit regularly, even in ventilation mode.
- Inspect in the spring before putting back into service
- Consider using a protective mesh screen (without blocking airflow).
Municipalities and sectors of the Laurentians
Lower Laurentians (Near Montreal)
Saint-Jérôme, Blainville, Boisbriand, Sainte-Thérèse, Mirabel
- Climate similar to the northern suburbs of Montreal
- Standard installation, no special considerations
- Easy access to services and fast delivery
Heart of the Laurentians
Saint-Sauveur, Sainte-Adèle, Val-David, Val-Morin, Morin-Heights
- A mix of primary residences and chalets
- In colder winters, plan for supplemental heating.
- Many sloping sites — pay attention to the placement of the outdoor unit
Upper Laurentians
Mont-Tremblant, Saint-Jovite, Labelle, La Conception
- Harsh winters, supplemental heating is essential
- Significant elevation of the outdoor unit
- Plan for power outages
Northern Laurentians
Mont-Laurier, Ferme-Neuve, Rivière-Rouge
- The coldest winters in the region
- Heat pump as a supplement, not necessarily as the sole primary heating source.
- Excellent return on investment nonetheless (significant savings)
Potential savings in the Laurentians
Despite the more intense cold, the savings remain substantial:
| Situation | Before (baseboards) | After (heat pump) | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|
| House 1200 sq ft (Saint-Sauveur) | $2,800/year | $1,400/year | $1,400 |
| 800 sq ft chalet (Mont-Tremblant) | $1,800/year | $900/year | $900 |
Note: These estimates assume that the heat pump provides 80-85% of the heating, with the remainder covered by supplemental heating during periods of extreme cold.
Laurentians FAQ
Is a heat pump sufficient in Mont-Tremblant in January?
It will do most of the work, but supplemental heating is recommended during periods of extreme cold (-25°C and below). A heat pump combined with a wood stove is ideal for this region.
How long does delivery to Mont-Laurier take?
Typically 3-5 business days from our St-Eustache warehouse. Delivery charges may apply to remote areas.
My cottage doesn't have internet, can I still install a heat pump?
Absolutely! The heat pump works perfectly without the internet. You only lose remote control via the app. You can still use the remote control.
Is a DIY installation realistic for a remote cabin?
Yes, and it's particularly advantageous. You avoid the cost of an installer's travel and waiting times. Allow a full day for the work.
Conclusion
The Laurentians are an ideal region for heat pumps, despite the colder winters. With the right equipment (certified for cold climates), proper installation (sufficient elevation), and supplemental heating for extreme cold, you'll enjoy substantial savings and improved comfort year-round.
