Today is your day Boomer! Want to stay toasty warm in the winter and cool in the summer? Boomers, maybe the way to go is a new heat pump. I have one of these units in my house, and we like it for the most part. Here are some pros and cons. Positives: it is an energy effecient system that provides both warm and cool air, so you do not need a separate summer air conditioner. How effecient? According to BC Hydro PowerSmart, a heat pump system is up to 300 per cent more efficient than electric baseboard heaters, up to 50 per cent more efficient for cooling than a typical A/C unit, and they reduce greenhouse household gas emissions compared to fossil fuel heating. Also your house needs a duct system, although some systems can work in non-duct homes. Negatives: they are expensive, but like EV cars, you can get government rebates of up to $11,000. Personally, I find the heat does not feel as "warm" as a regular gas furnace or wood stove.....but it does the job. Also our furnace kicks-in when it gets too cold outside and the heat pump can't do what it is supposed to do. It also runs on electricity, which has been going up in cost recently. By the way, the air conditioning works fine as long as you start it in the morning as you prepare for a hot day. Boomers, do the research....talk to experts and other people that have the system. It is a big investment....but is good for house resale value. Cheers!

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