Did You Know? 16 Facts About Kanartic Heat Pumps

A wall-mounted heat pump looks simple: one unit outside, one inside, a remote. Behind it, though, there is physics, technical choices and a few stubborn misconceptions. Here are 16 verifiable facts about heat pumps in general and Kanartic heat pumps in particular, each with a link to the page that goes deeper.

First fact, on video: with Kanartic, you can heat or cool with the same unit.

How a heat pump works

1. It moves heat instead of producing it

A baseboard heater turns electricity into heat, one for one. A heat pump uses electricity to move heat from the outdoor air to the inside. The ratio between the heat delivered and the electricity consumed is called the coefficient of performance, or COP: a COP of 3 means three units of heat for one unit of electricity. Learn more: what is COP?

2. There is heat in the air, even at −30°C

Cold air still contains energy that the refrigerant, much colder than the air, can capture. That is why a heat pump designed for cold climates keeps heating in the middle of winter. Kanartic heat pumps heat down to −30°C and below, without shutting off below −30°C. Read heat pump at −30°C: myth or reality?

3. The inverter compressor isn't "all or nothing"

A conventional compressor starts at full power, then stops. An inverter compressor continuously adjusts its speed to the demand. The result: fewer starts, a steadier temperature, to within about half a degree on Kanartic models, and better efficiency at part load. Details in how an inverter compressor works.

4. Defrosting is normal, even in mild weather

When the air is cold and humid, frost forms on the outdoor coil. The heat pump then briefly reverses its cycle to melt it: the display may show "DF" and the outdoor unit sometimes gives off steam. This cycle can occur around 0°C when humidity is high. See DF – Defrost: what is it?

5. You shouldn't turn it off in winter

Turning the heat pump off at night and restarting it in the morning forces the unit to bring the whole house back up to temperature, often at the coldest time of day. It is generally more efficient to keep a steady set point and let the inverter modulate. Read should you turn off a heat pump in winter?

6. It heats, cools and dehumidifies

The same unit reverses its cycle with the seasons. In cooling mode, air passes over a cold coil that condenses moisture, and a dehumidification mode dries the air without over-cooling. How to use it: using dehumidifier mode.

What's inside Kanartic heat pumps

7. R454B refrigerant has a much lower warming potential

Kanartic heat pumps use R454B. Its global warming potential is about 466, compared with about 2,088 for the R410A it replaces, based on IPCC reference values (Fourth Assessment Report). It is an A2L, mildly flammable refrigerant, which explains the precise installation instructions in the manual. Learn more: why choose R454B.

8. Indoor units go down to 22 dB

At 22 dB, a Kanartic indoor unit is at a level comparable to a whisper. That is what makes it possible to install one in a bedroom or office without disturbance. More answers in our FAQ.

9. The DIY system arrives pre-charged

All Kanartic heat pumps, single-zone and multi-zone, are pre-charged with refrigerant. The charge is in the outdoor unit and covers a line set up to 30 ft. So you don't need to add refrigerant for a standard installation. Full steps in the ultimate DIY installation guide.

10. DIY line sets contain no refrigerant

This is a common mix-up: Kanartic DIY line sets are vacuumed at the factory and contain no refrigerant. It stays in the outdoor unit until the valves are opened. That is why no vacuum pump is needed: see the list of tools for a DIY installation.

11. Quick connectors replace flaring

In a conventional installation, the technician flares the copper pipes, then pulls a vacuum on site. Kanartic DIY systems use quick connectors that screw onto the units. They still need to be tightened properly and checked for leaks: see the 7 DIY mistakes to avoid.

12. Models are ENERGY STAR Cold Climate and AHRI certified

ENERGY STAR Cold Climate certification targets heat pumps that keep good efficiency in cold weather. AHRI certification confirms the declared performance through an independent body. These numbers appear on the invoice required by rebate programs. Read what is AHRI certification?

What Kanartic guarantees

13. 10-year compressor and 5-year parts warranty

Kanartic heat pumps carry a 10-year warranty on the compressor and 5 years on parts. A DIY installation is covered if the installation instructions are followed. In Québec, the legal warranty of quality is added to this warranty. Full terms on the Limited warranty page.

14. Shipping is free everywhere in Canada

Kanartic ships free everywhere in Canada, from Saint-Eustache, Québec. A contribution may be requested for some remote regions. Browse the DIY heat pump collection.

What to know before buying

15. Heating savings can be significant

Hydro-Québec states on its LogisVert page that a heat pump can save up to 40% on heating costs during the winter period. Actual results depend on insulation, climate and use. Detailed comparison: heat pump vs. electric baseboard.

16. Bigger isn't better

A heat pump that is too powerful for the room starts and stops constantly: it dehumidifies poorly, wears faster and comfort suffers. One that is too small runs without reaching the set point. Sizing is done with the free BTU calculator, which accounts for insulation, windows and your region; the BTU guide explains the approach.

What about rebates for DIY?

In Québec, a self-installed heat pump can qualify for LogisVert when the commissioning is done at your home by an RBQ-licensed company that issues an official invoice. The full process is explained in DIY heat pump and LogisVert rebate. To choose by room, see Heat pump by use.

Last fact, on video: the four essential features of Kanartic heat pumps. For the full list, see Kanartic advanced features.