Wall-mounted heat pump or electric baseboard heaters: which costs less in Québec?
Updated on October 21, 2026
Why a wall-mounted heat pump heats up to 3 times more efficiently than baseboard heaters, and provides cooling in summer too.
Heating: the largest share of the bill
In Québec, heating can account for more than 50% of the electricity bill, according to Hydro-Québec. That is where the biggest savings can be found.
Up to 3 times more efficient
A baseboard heater turns 1 kWh of electricity into 1 kWh of heat. A heat pump moves heat from outdoors to indoors: Hydro-Québec says it is up to 3 times more efficient than baseboard heaters. LogisVert mentions savings of up to 40% on winter heating costs.
The Equinox Signature 12,000 BTU has a COP of 4 at 8 °C: it produces about 4 times as much heat as the electricity it consumes under these conditions.
What about very cold weather?
Choose an ENERGY STAR Cold Climate certified unit. The Equinox Signature heats down to -35 °C and maintains 12,000 BTU/h at -15 °C. Your baseboard heaters can remain as backup during extreme cold.
Bonus: air conditioning
The same heat pump cools in summer (SEER2 25 for the Equinox), without a window air conditioner.
Frequently asked questions
Is a heat pump more economical than electric baseboard heaters?
Yes. According to Hydro-Québec, a heat pump is up to 3 times more efficient than baseboard heaters for heating a home.
Can you keep your baseboard heaters with a wall-mounted heat pump?
Yes, they often serve as backup during extreme cold.
*Amounts are subject to change without notice. Rebates are offered by third parties; Equinox and its dealers are not responsible for them.