From 2023 to 2024, the AEA conducted the first phase of a study to test the performance and cost effectiveness of cold-climate air-source heat pumps in Yellowknife’s unique climate. This phase of the study tested mini-split heat pumps, which use individual head units attached to indoor walls to distribute heat.
We are working on a second phase of the study, which will look at central-split heat pumps. This type of system connects to a furnace to distribute heat throughout an entire home.
We published the results of phase 1 in mid-2026. There are two reports that show those results:
- A more technical report, produced by RDH Building Science Inc., which conducted monitoring during the study period and provided technical analysis to the AEA.
- A more plain-language report, produced by the AEA, which summarizes the report from RDH and provides some additional analysis.
Downloads
Cold-Climate Air-Source Heat Pump (Phase 1) - AEA Report
Cold-Climate Air-Source Heat Pump (Phase 1) - RDH Report (Technical)