Heat pump size is calculated via load analysis. Too small won’t keep up; too large wastes energy.
Heat Pump in Greater Vancouver
ROMA Heating & Cooling provides complete heat pump services across Greater Vancouver — repair, installation, replacement and maintenance — backed by licensed, insured technicians and over two decades of local experience since 1999.
What Our Heat Pump Service Covers
Here’s what our licensed technicians take care of:
- Refrigerant charge and defrost-cycle verification
- Coil cleaning and airflow optimization
- Thermostat and reversing-valve checks
- Cold-climate performance tuning for the Lower Mainland
Frequently Asked Questions
Are ROMA’s heat pump technicians licensed?
Yes. ROMA Heating & Cooling is a TSBC-licensed gas contractor (Gas LGA0202903) and our technicians are licensed, bonded, insured and Red Seal-trained — serving Greater Vancouver since 1999.
Do you offer free estimates for heat pump work in Greater Vancouver?
We provide free, no-obligation estimates on new heat pump installations and replacements across Greater Vancouver, with upfront flat-rate pricing and no hidden fees.
How soon can you come out for heat pump service?
We serve Greater Vancouver seven days a week and aim to schedule visits quickly — call (604) 704-0300 and we’ll find the soonest available time.
Should I repair or replace my heat pump?
Our technician gives you an honest assessment based on the age, condition and efficiency of your system — we recommend replacement only when it genuinely makes sense.
How to Size a Heat Pump for a BC Home
Heat-pump sizing is about matching the system’s capacity, measured in tons or BTUs, to your home’s actual heating and cooling loads. Bigger is not better: an oversized heat pump short-cycles, controls humidity poorly, and wears out faster, while an undersized unit runs constantly and struggles on the coldest nights. The only reliable way to size a system is a load calculation that accounts for the specifics of your home, which is why ROMA performs one before recommending equipment.
What Goes Into the Calculation
- Square footage and ceiling height of the conditioned space.
- Insulation levels in walls, attic, and floors, which vary a lot across Greater Vancouver’s housing stock.
- Windows: their number, orientation, and glazing affect both heat loss and solar gain.
- Air leakage and the age and tightness of the building envelope.
- Climate design temperature for the Lower Mainland and whether you choose a cold-climate model.
Rough Starting Points (Not a Substitute for a Load Calc)
As a very general guide, many homes need roughly one ton of capacity per 400 to 700 square feet, but that range is wide precisely because insulation, windows, and air sealing move the number significantly. A well-sealed newer home needs less capacity per square foot than a drafty older one. Treat any rule of thumb as a sanity check only; the actual specification should come from a Manual J style load calculation.
Ducted vs. Ductless Sizing
For a ducted central heat pump, the ductwork must be able to move the required airflow, so ROMA checks duct sizing along with capacity. For ductless, each zone is sized to its own room load, and multi-zone systems are matched so the outdoor unit supports the combined indoor heads. ROMA balances all of this and provides upfront flat-rate pricing with a free estimate. Explore the heat pump hub, see air conditioning for cooling-focused options, or book your free in-home assessment online.
Why Correct Sizing Pays Off in BC
Sizing matters more for heat pumps than for old-style furnaces because a heat pump runs best when it modulates steadily rather than cycling on and off. A right-sized inverter system holds a comfortable, even temperature, dehumidifies well in summer, and sips energy, while an oversized one blasts and stops, leaving rooms clammy and the equipment stressed. In the Lower Mainland’s relatively mild climate, careful sizing also lets many homes rely on the heat pump for the large majority of the year, with backup heat used only on the coldest stretches. ROMA’s free assessment captures the data needed to land on the right capacity, so you are not paying for unused tonnage or fighting an undersized unit on a cold January night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I size a heat pump just by square footage? Square footage is only a starting point. Insulation, windows, and air sealing change the answer, so a proper load calculation is the accurate method.
What happens if my heat pump is oversized? It short-cycles, manages humidity poorly, and wears out sooner, often while costing more to buy and run. Correct sizing avoids these problems.
Does ROMA do a load calculation for free? ROMA provides free estimates on installations, including the assessment needed to size your system correctly across Greater Vancouver.
What Greater Vancouver Homeowners Say
“Nelson worked hard to get the NTI unit fixed. He was always polite, courteous and on time.”
“As always Nelson was super efficient. Showed up on time and was quick to work. I had a full maintenance done on the fireplaces and furnace. He was awesome. I won’t use anyone else.”
“Excellent service. Andy had a spare Carrier inducer with him which saved us time.”
“Was very prompt to respond to our issues. Technician was scheduled for the day following my initial call.”
“Very professional heating company. Price is reasonable, excellent work.”
“Highly recommend this company. It was a pleasure dealing with Shawn and Nelson.”
“Professional and courteous technicians with attention to detail and customer needs.”
“Always great, friendly service. Serviced the hot water on-demand system. Honest and informative. Thanks!”
“Speedy response time, honest, and professional service from start to finish.”
Why Greater Vancouver Trusts ROMA Heating & Cooling
ROMA Heating & Cooling has installed, repaired and maintained heating and cooling systems across Metro Vancouver since 1999. Our team are TSBC-licensed gas fitters (Gas LGA0202903) and Red Seal-trained technicians — licensed, bonded and insured — and we back every job with upfront, flat-rate pricing and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We hold a 4.8★ rating from 221+ Google reviews.
- Authorized for 30+ brands (Lennox, Carrier, Viessmann, Navien, Rheem & more)
- Upfront flat-rate pricing — no overtime or hidden fees
- Free, no-obligation estimates on new installations
- Locally owned & operated in Burnaby, BC
No Hidden Fees
Our service rates are transparent and easy to understand. You approve upfront, flat-rate pricing before we start — so you never get a bill you didn’t expect.
Licensed & Bonded
ROMA is a TSBC-licensed gas contractor (Gas LGA0202903). Our technicians are bonded, insured and Red Seal-trained — qualified for any heating or cooling system.
Free Estimates
We offer free, no-obligation estimates on new installations — furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, air conditioners, tankless and hot-water tanks.
ROMA Heating & Cooling is a trusted HVAC contractor serving Metro Vancouver since 1999. We specialize in furnace repair, heat pump installation, boiler services, air conditioning, and emergency heating solutions for residential, commercial, and government clients. Available 24/7, our certified technicians deliver fast, reliable, and affordable HVAC services across Greater Vancouver.