Installed a dual-fuel heat pump system in our 1985 North York home last spring. First full winter with it - posting real data.
Our Setup
Previous system: Lennox 96% efficiency gas furnace (2016), Lennox central AC (2013, failing).
New system: Bosch IDS Ultra-Quiet ASHP (2-ton, ducted whole-home), paired with existing furnace as backup. Dual-fuel thermostat (Ecobee Premium) set to switch to gas backup when outdoor temp drops below -15C.
Cost: $10,800 for the heat pump unit and installation. We kept the existing furnace (still in good condition) as the gas backup, which saved significant cost.
Rebates Received
Canada Greener Homes Grant: $5,000 (heat pump qualified under Tier 2)
Required: pre-installation EnerGuide evaluation ($400), post-installation EnerGuide ($400)
Net rebate after evaluations: $4,200
First Winter Data (Oct 2025 - Feb 2026)
Months where heat pump ran as primary source (above -15C most days):
October through December: heat pump handled ~90% of heating days
January 2026: mixed - heat pump primary for 18 days, gas backup for 13 days (cold snap)
February: mixed similar to January
Energy Bill Comparison
Oct-Feb 2024-25 (gas only): $1,240 total gas heating cost
Oct-Feb 2025-26 (dual fuel): $310 gas + $680 electricity for ASHP = $990 total
Saving: $250 over 5 months. Annual projection: ~$550-700/year savings.
Payback Calculation
Net system cost after rebates: $10,800 - $4,200 = $6,600
Annual savings: ~$600
Simple payback: 11 years (declining as gas prices increase, improving over time)
My Take
Very happy with the system. The Bosch is whisper quiet (noticeably quieter than the old furnace/AC). The house is more evenly heated. The payback is reasonable and will improve as energy prices change.