Do municipal by-laws affect the use of heat pumps?
Some municipalities have enacted by-laws that require heat pumps to have specific minimum clearances to lot lines and specify that they must maintain noise levels below 45 decibels (normal talking level). Check with your local municipal office to find out if such by-laws are in effect, or if there are any additional requirements. Your local electrical utility may offer technical advice and publications on heat pumps. For more information on earth-energy systems, you can obtain a copy of Residential Earth Energy Systems: A Buyer’s Guide from the Renewable and Electrical Energy Division of Natural Resources Canada, at www.canren.gc.ca/prod_serv/index.asp?CaId=163&PgId=910.
