Ten years ago, most Lower Mainland homes didn’t have air conditioning. After the 2021 heat dome and several hot, smoky summers since, that’s changed fast. If you’re adding cooling, the first question is whether to install a traditional A/C or a heat pump. For most homes here, a heat pump is the better buy. It cools exactly like an A/C, it heats too, and it qualifies for rebates.
A heat pump IS an air conditioner
A central A/C and a heat pump use the same technology. Both move heat out of your home in summer. A heat pump has one extra part, a reversing valve, so it can also move heat in during the winter. The cost difference between them is small, and rebates usually only apply to heat pumps.
Your three main options
| Option | Best for | Typical installed range |
|---|---|---|
| Central A/C added to furnace | Homes with ducts, very tight budget, no rebate interest | $6,000 – $10,000 |
| Ducted heat pump (dual fuel) | Homes with ducts and a gas furnace | $9,000 – $16,000 before rebates |
| Ductless mini-split | No ducts, basement suites, bedrooms that run hot | $4,500 – $7,500 per zone; multi-zone systems cost more |
Ducted or ductless?
- You have a furnace with ducts: a ducted heat pump on top of the furnace is usually the cleanest choice. One outdoor unit cools the whole house.
- You have baseboard heat or a boiler: ductless mini-splits are the way to go. Each room or zone gets a wall unit.
- The upstairs gets hot but the main floor is fine: a single mini-split head upstairs can fix the problem at much lower cost.
- Townhome on strata: check rules on outdoor unit placement and noise. Ductless units are often easier to approve.
Sizing: bigger isn't better
An oversized A/C cools the room quickly, then shuts off before it removes humidity, leaving you cold and clammy. It also wears out faster. We size systems with a proper heat-loss and heat-gain calculation that considers your windows, insulation and which way the house faces. A west-facing Surrey home with big windows needs very different sizing from a shaded Tsawwassen rancher.
Lower Mainland considerations
- Heat waves are getting hotter. Choose a system that holds its capacity on 35°C+ days, not just 28°C.
- Wildfire smoke. Cooling lets you keep windows shut on smoky days. Pair it with a better filter (MERV 11–13) for cleaner air.
- Book early. Every heat wave brings a flood of calls and long waits. Spring installs are faster and sometimes cheaper.
- Noise. Place outdoor units away from bedroom windows and neighbours’ patios. Modern units are quiet, but placement still matters.
Running costs
In cooling mode, a modern heat pump or A/C running on a hot afternoon typically costs a few dollars a day in electricity. Proper sizing, a programmable thermostat and closing blinds on west-facing windows make a big difference.
FAQ
Can I just add A/C to my existing furnace? Yes, if the furnace blower is in good shape. Ask about a heat pump instead; the extra cost is often covered by rebates.
How long does an install take? One day for a single mini-split or a ducted system on an existing furnace.
Do I need a permit? Electrical work needs a permit. If gas work is involved, that’s permitted too.
What about portable A/C units? They’re fine for one room in an emergency, but they’re noisy, inefficient, and the hose leaks hot air back in.
Beat the summer rush
Book a free cooling quote now and be ready before the first heat wave. Call 778-903-2414 or request a quote.
Related: air conditioning Surrey · heat pump installation · heat pump rebates · HVAC Abbotsford
