What We Heard: Heat Pump Survey

The purpose of the Heat Pump Survey was to better understand local residents’ perspectives when it comes to home retrofits and climate change, to inform effective implementation of a potential heat pump program. Obtaining a shared understanding of homeowners’ attitudes towards air conditioning will enable us to campaign sensitively and respond to our residents’ needs as we work towards increasing heat pump adoption. Information collected through this engagement will also help inform potential scaling-up of the heat pump pilot over the long run.

In total, 182 community members completed the survey, and the high-level results are summarized below.

General thoughts and perspectives on air conditioning and undertaking home energy efficiency retrofits:

We heard that the key factors that influenced decision-making as it relates to home improvements, retrofits, or upgrades to improve energy efficiency are: costs/ fitting a budget, improved home comfort, and reduced emissions / concerns over climate change.

We also heard that the key barriers associated with adding air conditioning and making home retrofits/ upgrades are: concerns about increased energy use and emissions and costs, not being familiar about suitable retrofits that can be completed, and uncertainty about the return on investment or value of the retrofit.

Overall, a majority of respondents (85%) indicated that they would be interested in learning more about a heat pump pilot program that is anticipated to launch in 2022.

Click here to access the survey response report.

This survey was available at beheardnewwest.ca from September 1^st to September 13th, 2021. It is noted that the sample may not be fully representative of the general population given the existing interests of participants in heat pumps.