How do I plan electrical for a future NB heat pump?

Planning your electrical ahead of a heat pump installation is one of the smartest moves you can make as a New Brunswick homeowner — it saves you from costly retrofits later and ensures your system runs safely and efficiently.

What Electrical Does a Heat Pump Need?

Most residential mini-split or central heat pumps in New Brunswick run on a dedicated 240V circuit, typically sized at 30A to 60A depending on the unit. The most common residential heat pumps (single-zone mini-splits in the 12,000–24,000 BTU range) typically require a 30A dedicated circuit with 10 AWG wire. Larger multi-zone systems or central ducted heat pumps may require a 40A to 60A circuit with 8 AWG or 6 AWG wire.

The key word is dedicated — this circuit cannot share breaker space with other appliances. Before planning anything, pull the spec sheet for the heat pump model you're considering, as the manufacturer's minimum circuit ampacity (MCA) and maximum overcurrent protection (MOCP) ratings are what your electrician will size the circuit to.

Start with your electrical panel. A 100A panel serving a typical NB home may have limited space for a new 240V double-pole breaker, especially if you already have electric heat, a dryer, a water heater, or an EV charger. If your panel is running low on capacity, this is the time to plan a 200A upgrade — doing it alongside the heat pump installation saves on mobilization costs and a single TSANB permit covers both scopes of work. A 100A to 200A upgrade in New Brunswick typically runs $2,000–$3,500.

Think about wire routing now, even if you're not installing yet. If you're doing any renovations, finishing a basement, or opening walls for any reason, have your electrician rough-in the conduit or wire run to where the heat pump's air handler and outdoor compressor will sit. Running wire through finished walls later is the most expensive part of the job. The outdoor disconnect box (required by the Canadian Electrical Code within sight of the compressor) and the line set location should be planned together with your HVAC contractor.

NB-specific considerations matter here. New Brunswick's climate means your heat pump will work hard in January — sizing the electrical properly ensures the system isn't starved for power during peak demand. If you're in a coastal area like Saint John or Shediac, the outdoor disconnect and any exposed conduit should be rated for salt-air environments. Also worth noting: if you're adding a heat pump to reduce your dependence on oil heat, NB Power's rate structure may make off-peak charging or load management worth discussing with your electrician.

From a TSANB permit standpoint, installing a new dedicated circuit for a heat pump requires a permit and inspection — your licensed electrician handles this. Confirm they're TSANB-licensed and covered by WorkSafeNB before work begins. The dedicated circuit installation alone (assuming your panel has capacity) typically costs $300–$600 in New Brunswick.

The smartest approach is to have an electrician assess your panel capacity before you purchase the heat pump unit. They can confirm available breaker space, calculate your existing load, and tell you definitively whether a panel upgrade is needed. New Brunswick Electrical can match you with a local licensed electrician for a free estimate — getting that assessment early puts you in control of the project timeline and budget.