You’re doing a $1M reno in a home worth about $3.5M and it will not have the most basic and important element as you defined it - Comfort.

That’s not an outcome I would accept. You’re working with some of the wrong people. You have a GC that sounds like they know nothing about the latest, most efficient and comfortable distribution systems available - modern hydronics.

I would suggest that you take control of the HVAC component and find the right contractors for hydronic distribution that will work with your GC to give you the system you’re asking for.

I would further suggest that it might also be beneficial to split the HVAC system into 2-parts requiring 2-separate contractors, 1 to install the heating/cooling source, a heat pump and its back up and possibly another to design and install the distribution system comprised of hydronic heating, hydronic air-conditioning, extensive zoning, as well as Domestic Hot Water (DHW).

This can all be done with only 1-heat pump and no ductwork if that is what you want.

The Canadian federal government says they will be spending in the next few years over $2B-CND to ‘green’ our homes and buildings. I’m sure there’s something in there for you as well.

I would also be looking into a geothermal Liquid-To-Water heat pump or at least an Air-To-Water heat pump.

A properly designed and installed, efficient integrated modern hydronic system (heating, air-conditioning & DHW) with a geothermal heat pump will provide the greatest comfort, highest efficiency and lowest operating costs by far for years to come.

SpacePak Hydronic Heat Pump

Nordic Air-To- Water Heat Pump

Nordic Water-To-Water Heat Pump

IMPO

SR