Retrofit Advisors
We recommend talking to Retrofit Advisors A LOT.
In case study after case study, and from our team's experience getting heat pumps installed, Retrofit Advisors are the difference between success and stress.
What are they, exactly?
Retrofit Advisors are home comfort experts who specialize in heating and cooling solutions. Their whole business is coaching homeowners through heat pump sizing, model selection, reading Energy Audits, finding reliable contractors, getting money back on rebates...you name it. They’re like the friend who you beg to come with you to the dealership—they'll tell it to you straight!
After that strong recommendation, you might be curious if we get commissions from Retrofit Advisors. We do not. Our funding is transparent. We recommend them because they save people from “I wish we would have known that sooner!” surprises that pop up during home improvement projects. If you want a home comfort update done right the first time, talk to a Retrofit Advisor.
Retrofit Advisors have different business models with some offering free advice to the homeowner get paid through a successful referral to one of their HVAC contractors. Others will offer products or services (like energy audits) that the homeowner pays for directly. These services will range from $500 to $1,000. In the case of energy audits often there are rebates for the cost of them if required by incentive programs.
The Bottom Line
All Retrofit Advisors have solid networks of honest contractors, experience getting you money back through rebates, and outstanding customer service. They split into two main business models:
Connectors
Product Based
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Free upfront for you—the contractor you eventually hire will pay a fee* to the Retrofit Advisor for connecting them to the job.
*This fee usually replaces the commission paid to a sales rep, so overall project costs are typically not affected.
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They offer products like Heat Pump Sizing, Energy Assessments, Net Zero Plans, and Electrification Roadmaps.
You usually pay something upfront, but the cost is often made up—they call BS on unnecessary add-ons and help you avoid costly mid-project surprises.
👋 Say hello!
Finding Qualified Contractors
Here's the thing about heat pumps—they're amazing when they're installed properly. But a rushed or poorly done job? That's how you end up with a noisy system that doesn't keep you comfortable. The right contractor will take time to properly size your system, handle any electrical work, and be there when you have questions down the road.
HRAI Heat Pump Champion Advocates
The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) maintains a directory of Heat Pump Champion Advocates - contractors who have demonstrated expertise and commitment to heat pump technology.
Find HRAI Heat Pump Champions →
These contractors have received specialized training and are equipped to handle the latest cold-climate heat pump installations.
Toronto Hydro's Cleantech Services Directory
Toronto Hydro's Cleantech Services Directory connects homeowners with pre-qualified contractors experienced in electric heating systems and energy efficiency upgrades.
Browse Toronto Hydro's Directory →
This directory includes contractors who understand the local electrical requirements and rebate programs available to Toronto homeowners.
A much more comfortable and quiet home...
"The result of my renovation is a much more comfortable and quiet house with energy costs reduced by 25%. We went with a hybrid system that uses our boiler only during the winter and heat pumps the rest of the year."
~ Phillip, for Goldfinch Energy
Have Questions?
Discover answers to the frequent questions we hear about heat pumps.