I got many quotes to have a heat pump installed, and everyone wanted to sell me the Mitsubishi brand. However, we wanted one that is compatible with the Google Nest, and the Mitsubishi really isn't. Also other contractors said we would need a backup heat source, and wanted to install electric resistive heating for that backup. Their quotes were really expensive.
We met Michael from McKinnon in Toronto, and he said he has had great success with the Enermaxx heat pumps, which are considerably less expensive and can work with the Nest thermostats. He also said for the size of our house, the heat pump he recommended was more than sufficient without a backup heat source. He has previously used it in larger houses than ours with no backup, and it worked fine.
They don't normally serve Kitchener, but he said he would make an exception for us since we had such a discussion and he knew we were serious about having the work done. We applied for the Canada Greener Homes Grant and Loan, and had the install done.
The two guys who did the install were great. Polite and professional, they wore masks without complaint and worked hard. The install was expected to take 2 days, but there was some difficulty and they returned on the third day, a Saturday, and stayed into the evening to ensure we didn't have to spend the night without heat, as the temperature had dropped and it was now snowing. These guys worked nonstop with only a short lunch break each day. They took away all the old equipment for recycling, and left the work area cleaner than they found it.
Communication with their office was easy too. They are easily reached by phone and e-mail. I would definitely recommend their services to anyone!