FAQ

Everything You Need to Know About Dawn

Explore our frequently asked questions to learn more about how Dawn’s solutions can make your home more energy-efficient, comfortable, and eco-friendly.

What is electrification?

Electrification means replacing systems that run on fossil fuels (like natural gas or oil) with ones that run on electricity. In homes, that can mean switching from a gas furnace to a heat pump, from a gas water heater to an electric one, or even adding solar panels and batteries so you can generate and store your own clean power.

Electrification is the way of the future. It is important for the planet but also improves comfort, control, and long-term savings. And we’re here to help you figure out if it’s the right move for your home.

Dawn helps Canadian homeowners make smart decisions about upgrading their homes. From heating and cooling, to hot water, solar panels, batteries, and even insulation. We don’t install everything ourselves, but we give you the clarity, data, and trusted connections you need to confidently move forward.

Think of us as your electrification co-pilot, helping you figure out what upgrades make sense, what they’ll cost, what rebates you can get, and who can get the job done right.

No problem at all. Our mission is to help you make the best decision for your home, even if that means sticking with a traditional furnace or air conditioner.

We’re here to provide unbiased information, not pressure. If electrification makes sense, we’ll walk you through it. And if not, we’ll still help you understand your options and connect you with trustworthy professionals who can help.

A heat pump is like a magic trick for your home’s temperature, but backed by solid science. It uses electricity to move heat, rather than generate it. In the winter, it pulls warmth from the outside air (yes, even cold air has heat!) and brings it indoors. In the summer, it flips the script and removes heat from inside your home, keeping you cool and comfortable.

It’s a two-in-one system that can replace both your air conditioner and furnace (or just your air conditioner while supplementing your furnace) and it’s been quietly keeping buildings comfy for decades. Think of it as an energy-efficient way to heat and cool your home year-round, all with one sleek system.

Want to go deeper on how heat pumps work?

Let’s start with the big picture: heat pumps are energy overachievers. Unlike furnaces or boilers that burn fuel to create heat, heat pumps move existing heat using electricity (which is way more efficient). In fact, for every unit of electricity a heat pump uses, it can deliver 3 or more units of heating or cooling. That’s like getting triple the value for what you pay. While heat pumps save money for many homeowners, they don’t save money in every situation. That’s where Dawn comes in. We help you figure out exactly what’s right for your home — no guesswork, just clarity. Curious what electrifying could mean for your energy bills?

Yes. Modern cold-climate heat pumps are specifically designed to keep homes cozy even when the temperature drops well below freezing. These systems are built with advanced compressors and refrigerants that allow them to extract heat from outdoor air, even in the dead of a Canadian winter.

So no, you won’t be shivering in your parka indoors. Cold-climate heat pumps are already being used successfully across Canada (including in places like Ottawa, Winnipeg, and even the Yukon).

Don’t trust us?

Heat pumps have a use case in virtually every Canadian home — from downtown condos to rural farmhouses. But the right solution depends on *your* home’s layout, current system, and energy use. That’s why we built the Home Energy Upgrade Tool: a free, quick, no-obligation way to see what a heat pump could do for your comfort, your wallet, and your carbon footprint.

We’re a proudly Canadian company, and our free Roadmap Tool is available to homeowners across the country.

Even if we don’t currently offer installations in your area, we’re always here to help you find a solution that works for your home. Whether that means connecting you with a trusted local contractor or simply helping you understand your options, we’re happy to support you on your electrification journey.

The short answer: it depends on your home. Every Dawn project is customized based on the size of your home, your existing systems, and what upgrades make sense for you — whether that’s a heat pump, solar panels, batteries, insulation, or all of the above.

For example, after government rebates, a typical heat pump installation costs between $10,000 and $15,000. Solar, batteries, and other upgrades will vary, but that’s exactly what the Roadmap Tool is designed to help you figure out.

We use academic models and real-world data to estimate your home’s heating and energy needs without a site visit. Our system predicts your load and demand based on factors like your home’s size, age, location, and existing equipment. The result? A surprisingly accurate estimate of what your electrification journey could look like.

Of course, every home is unique. So once you’re ready to move forward, one of our trusted installers will visit your home to confirm the details and make sure everything lines up before any work begins.

It depends on what kind of upgrade makes the most sense for your home. In some cases, a heat pump can supplement your existing heating or cooling system — handling things like summer A/C and shoulder-season heating, while keeping your current system for the coldest days of winter. In other cases, a heat pump can fully replace your furnace or air conditioner.

Whether it’s a full swap or a hybrid setup, Dawn will help you figure out the best fit — and manage the entire process from start to finish.

Have more questions? Reach out anytime.

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