Whether you’re building or renovating, an important home decision in Ontario is between a gas furnace or an electric heat pump. You want to maximize comfort and financial wellness while keeping surprise costs and performance problems down.
Managing your household’s heating solution means knowing what each system offers. Let’s compare gas furnaces to electric heat pumps.
Energy Efficiency and Your Heating Options
Transferring Heat Vs. Generating Heat.
Electric heat pumps transfer heat instead of generating it. By this method, heat pumps achieve a positive “coefficient of performance,” allowing them to produce more heat energy than the electricity they consume.
Gas furnaces generate heat and under most circumstances are less efficient. However, your location can make a difference.
Moderate Weather Impact
Electric heat pumps extract heat from the surrounding air. In relatively mild environments, their energy efficiency runs at a very high level of performance.
Extreme Cold Weather Impact
The efficiency of an electric heat pump declines in very cold conditions, while gas furnaces are not hindered by freezing temperatures.
Lifetime Value Comparison
Which home heating method provides better value in the long run? Electric heat pumps tend to cost more than gas furnaces up front. However, in most climates, the heat pump’s energy efficiency can lead to long-term savings.
The Ontario and Federal governments offer rebates for switches to energy-efficient home heating solutions.
Ontario Rebates for Home Heating Upgrades
The Enbridge Home Renovations Savings program is currently in effect, in cooperation with the Ontario government. Rebates for installing electric heat pumps reach up to $12,000. Rebates for electric heat pump water heaters can be as much as $500.
For gas furnaces, Enbridge offers a Home Efficiency Rebate of $75 per smart thermostat installed in your home.
Federal Government Heating Upgrade Programs
Canada’s federal government is offering Canada Greener Homes Loans if you need help getting started with upgrading your home. These offers are for either gas furnaces or electric heat pumps, depending on your location and other circumstances.
The Canadian government is also promoting the switch from oil heating to electric heat pumps with financial incentives.
Which Heating Method is More Environmentally Friendly?
Canadians strive to keep our environment healthy, and promoting electric heat pumps has become an important part of that strategy. These pumps use electricity to transfer heat rather than fossil fuels. This solution produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Which Heating System Is More Versatile?
Electric heat pumps can both heat and cool your home. This eliminates the need for separate climate control appliances.
Gas furnaces can also cool a house with a central air conditioning unit or a dual fuel system, which combines a gas furnace with a heat pump.
After evaluating your circumstances, you’ll be able to determine which heating system is best for you. However, don’t shy away from consulting the professionals at Abode Home Comfort!
Let ABODE Home Comfort Provide Your Home’s Heating System
We’re located in St. Thomas Ontario and we provide home heating systems, year-round climate control maintenance, and HVAC solutions too. We are committed to our community and are eco-friendly with over 60 years of service to our city.
This winter, we’re offering a free house heating inspection. Don’t delay! Contact us today to schedule a home evaluation.
