Various home heating systems in Canada cater to different climates and home sizes. In addition to the popular furnaces and boilers, numerous other options are available to provide warmth to your living spaces.

Whether you’re looking for a new heating model or seeking to understand the differences between various systems, now is an ideal time to familiarize yourself with Canada’s full spectrum of heating options. We’ll guide you through the distinctions between each types of heating systems and recommend the best brands for every category.

Furnaces

A furnace is Canada’s most common heating system due to its affordability. This heating system works by absorbing cold air indoors, burning fuel to heat the air, and then distributing heated air through the home’s ductwork. Let’s explore the different types of furnaces:

Gas Furnace

Gas furnaces are the most affordable furnace type due to the abundance of natural gas. They combust the gas to produce heat. They are highly efficient, with some models reaching up to 98% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). Gas furnaces are popular for their cost-effectiveness and reliable performance, even in Canada’s cold winters.

Oil Furnace

This furnace type relies on fuel oil to warm the home. Oil furnaces are less common these days as natural gas has become more widely available, but they can still be found in some rural or remote areas of Canada where natural gas infrastructure is limited. Oil furnaces are less efficient than gas models but can still provide reliable and effective heating in colder climates.

Electric Furnace

Instead of combustion, electric furnaces rely on power to distribute warm air. While they can be an efficient option in some cases, electric furnaces often have higher operating costs than gas or oil furnaces, especially in regions with high electricity rates. However, they can be a good choice for homes without access to natural gas or oil supplies.

Heat Pumps

Heat pump systems are becoming more popular because of their amazing benefits for households and the environment. This type is the most energy-efficient among other home heating systems in Canada.

Air-Source Heat Pumps

Air-source heat pumps draw heat from the air outside, even in cold weather, and transfer it inside to heat your home. They are highly efficient, with some models achieving SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings of up to 20. However, their performance can be affected in extremely cold climates.

Geothermal (Ground-Source) Heat Pumps

Geothermal, or ground-source, heat pumps take advantage of the relatively stable temperatures found in the ground or a nearby body of water. They use a series of underground pipes filled with refrigerant to extract heat from the earth or water and transfer it into the home. Geothermal heat pumps are highly efficient but require more complex and costly installation.

Ductless, Mini-Split, Multi-Split Heat Pumps

Residential ductwork is not common outside of North America. Instead, “ductless” heat pumps are widely used. These pumps distribute energy through refrigerant lines rather than water or air. Extensive trials in the Pacific Northwest have shown that these pumps can perform well in cold weather and can be very cost-effective, especially when replacing electric resistance heating.

Boilers

A boiler is another one of Canada’s most common heating systems and has been around for a long time. It also burns fuel to heat water inside its chamber, a process called hydronic systems. An electric pump distributes the heated water throughout the house by sending it to the radiators or floor radiant heating systems in different rooms.

Gas Boilers

Gas boilers have a pilot light that ignites the gas to heat the water. They are a reliable and efficient heating option, particularly in regions with abundant natural gas supplies. Gas boilers are relatively affordable to operate and can provide consistent, whole-home heating.

Oil Boilers

Oil boilers work the same as gas boilers, but they source their fuel from an oil tank nearby. While not as common as gas boilers, oil boilers can still be a practical choice in areas where natural gas is not readily available. They tend to be less efficient than gas models, but they can still provide effective heating in cold climates.

Electric Boilers

Electric boilers rely on electric heating components to boil the water inside their chamber to produce heat. They are generally more expensive to operate than gas or oil boilers, but they can be a good option for homes without access to natural gas or oil supplies. Electric boilers are also relatively simple to install and maintain.

Direct Heating Systems

Direct heating systems, such as electric baseboard heaters and propane heaters, provide heat directly to the room or space where they are installed without the need for ductwork or a central heating system.

Electric Baseboard Heaters

Electric baseboard heat is a resistive heating type, similar to a plug-in space heater, except that it is hard-wired. It has two principal advantages: the installation cost is low, and it is easy to install individual room thermostats, allowing you to turn down the heat in rooms that aren’t being used.

Propane Heaters

Propane heaters are direct heating systems that use propane as the fuel source. They are often used in homes without natural gas or electricity, such as rural or remote areas. Propane heaters can provide efficient and targeted heating, but they require the installation and maintenance of a propane tank on the property.

Hybrid Systems

Hybrid heating systems combine two different heating technologies, often a heat pump and a furnace or boiler, to provide a home with the most efficient heating solution.

Dual-Fuel Heat Pumps

Dual fuel heat pumps can be more expensive upfront than traditional systems but can save you money in the long run through lower energy bills. These systems utilize a heat pump for most of the heating needs and then switch to a backup gas or oil furnace when the outdoor temperature drops below a certain level, ensuring efficient and reliable heating in even the coldest Canadian winters.

State of the Art Heating

Advancements in heating technology have led to the development of innovative systems that are highly efficient and environmentally friendly.

Radiant floor heat

Radiant floor heating usually involves circulating warm water through tubes installed under the floor. The heated floor then warms the room and its inhabitants. Advocates consider it highly controllable and efficient but expensive to install.

Combined heat and power

Combined heat and power systems (CHP), also known as cogeneration, are being seriously studied for residential use in some countries. These systems generate both electricity and usable heat, which can significantly improve a home’s energy efficiency.

Considerations for Choosing a Heating System

When selecting a heating system for your home in Canada, there are several key factors to consider:

• Climate & Location: The climate and geographic region of your home will significantly impact the type of heating system that will work best. Systems that perform well in colder climates, like those found in much of Canada, may differ from those suited for milder regions.
• Home Layout & Size: The size and layout of your home will influence the system’s heating capacity and distribution needs. Larger homes or those with multiple levels may require a more robust heating solution.
• Fuel Availability & Cost: The availability and cost of different fuel sources, such as natural gas, propane, or electricity, will play a role in the type of heating system you choose.
• Insulation Levels: The level of insulation in your home can impact the heating load and the system’s efficiency. Well-insulated homes can utilize more energy-efficient options.
• Ductwork: If your home already has an existing ductwork system, that may influence the type of heating system you select, as some options require ductwork while others, like ductless heat pumps, do not.

Need Heating Services for Your Home?

If you need heating services for your home in Canada, consider reaching out to TaskPro. We offer a wide range of heating and gas services, including heating installation, repair, and maintenance for all types of heating systems. With their expertise and commitment to quality, you can trust TaskPro to keep your home warm and comfortable all year round.

FAQs

What are the most common heating systems used in Canada?

The forced-air furnace is the primary home heating system in Canada. Gas and oil furnaces are particularly prevalent due to their effectiveness in heating homes in cold Canadian climates.

What is heating cost in Canada?

According to Canada Powered by Women, the average winter month costs $160 with natural gas, compared to $110 with electricity. Canadians are facing increased costs year over year for both natural gas (up 23.7% in 2023 over the year before) and electricity (up 1.6% in 2023).

What is the best heating system for cold climates?

Gas or oil furnaces are popular choices because they can produce a large amount of heat relatively quickly. They are also efficient and reliable, making them ideal for colder climates in many parts of Canada.