From the chilly northern areas to the warmer coastline regions, Canada's varied environment demands specialized heating systems that can take on lower temperatures while remaining affordable energy use levels.
It's safe to say that Canadian homes are as unique as the diverse climate conditions across the country. This is why finding home heating systems can be quite a daunting process, especially if you're not exactly sure what to look for in the first place.
At Peel Heating and Air Conditioning, home heating systems is what we do. With years of professional experience installing heating systems in Canadian homes, we understand how important it is for homeowners to know what types of heating systems are available on the Canadian market.
Therefore, if you're in the market for a new heating system for your home, stick around as the team from Peel Heating and Air Conditioning gives you the ins and outs of home heating solutions below.
What Are the Most Efficient Heating Systems in Canada
Selecting the ideal heating system for your home is an individualized process that depends on several crucial factors; there's no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to choosing the right heating system for your home.
That said, here is a closer look at the different types of home heating systems available to install in your house:
Furnaces (natural gas furnaces, oil furnaces, and electric furnaces)
One of the most popular central heating system solutions installed in homes across Canada is furnaces. A furnace can either be powered by oil, natural gas, or electric heating elements. So, how does a central furnace operate? Take a closer look below:
The thermostat in heating mode starts the heating cycle: A furnace contains a burner or electric heating element. When the thermostat detects that the indoor temperature has dropped below a certain point, it tells the furnace to start the heating cycle.
Fuel ignition: In natural gas and oil furnaces, the fuel is ignited by a pilot light which initiates the combustion process. Alternatively, electricity powers heating elements that generate heat directly in furnaces with electric ignition systems.
Heat exchange: As the fuel burns or the heating elements heat up, they produce warmth. This heat is transferred to a heat exchanger, where the air is passed through.
Air circulation: A blower fan forces air inside your home through the heat exchanger. As the air passes over the hot surface of the heat exchangers it absorbs heat energy.
Distribution of warm air: The heated air is then distributed throughout the home using air ducts or vents. In forced air furnaces, the air ducts carry the heated air to the various rooms around your home, where it enters through vents or registers.
Venting of combustion products: During the combustion process that happens when the furnaces burn natural gas or oils, carbon monoxide is created. To keep these gases from leaking into your home they are properly released outside through a vent pipe or flue.Boilers
A boiler is a type of central heating system that produces hot water or steam by heating water. This heated water or steam is then dispersed throughout a home to increase the indoor temperature.
Here is a closer look at how a boiler functions:
Fuel input: Natural gas, oil, or electricity are the most common fuel sources used to power boilers. Heat is produced when the fuel is burned in a combustion chamber, similar to a furnace.
Heat exchange: The boiler's heat exchanger transfers heat from the combustion process to the water inside a storage tank. The hot gases in this heat exchanger heat the water around it as it passes through a series of coils.
Water circulation: A pump is used to move hot water throughout the boiler system. The closed-loop system heats the rooms by repeatedly circulating the hot water between the boiler and the baseboard heaters or radiators, depending on the type of heating system you have installed in your home.
Temperature regulation: A thermostat regulates the boiler system by keeping an eye on the interior temperature and sending information to the boiler to change the heat produced as necessary.
The boiler starts to reheat the water when the temperature falls below a specific point you have programmed on your thermostat. The heating system then shuts off when the desired temperature is reached and will restart when you need it to.
Combustion gas venting: Similar to gas furnaces that use a combustion process to generate warm air, this type of heating system vents the harmful gases to the exterior of your home for safety.Air source heat pump systems
An air source heat pump is a type of HVAC unit that not only works as a home heating system but also as a cooling system. Heat pumps work operate to transfer heat from one area to another depending on the mode they are set to. Here is a closer look at how this works:
Heat absorption: When a heat pump is set to its heating more, the outside unit draws in heat from the surrounding air. Through coils in the outdoor unit, a refrigerant circulates to remove this heat from the air it has collected.
Compression of the refrigerant: A refrigerant fluid evaporates as a result of the heat it absorbs. The outdoor unit's compressor then increases the temperature and pressure of this gas by compressing it.
Heat release: After being pushed into the heat pump's indoor unit the hot, high-pressure refrigerant gas is released. A the same time, air within your home is drawn over the condenser coil by a heat pump fan.
Heat transfer: The interior air becomes warm from the heated refrigerant gas as it travels through the condenser coil. The refrigerant condenses back into a liquid state as a result of this process.
Heating of inside air: To provide comfortable home-heated air in your home, the warmed interior air is then dispersed using ductwork or a ductless system, depending on the type you have in your home.
And of course, when the heat pump is in its cooling mode, the heat pump works in reverse the exact same way a central air conditioner system operates to provide cooling and cold air into your home during the summertime.
Unlike traditional home heating systems, because heat pump units do not use a combustion process to heat a home interior, but rather transfer heat, heat pumps are renowned for their energy efficiency levels and as being environmentally friendly home heating solutions that produce less greenhouse gas emissions than other heating systems.
Energy Efficiency Ratings for Home Heating Systems
Now that you have a better understanding of the different home heating systems most Canadians have installed in their home, how can you tell if one is energy efficient so you can reduce your energy consumption and optimize your energy savings?
One of the most important ratings you can look for when purchasing a heat pump is the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF). This rating indicates how efficiently the unit operates during the wintertime.
In other words, how much electricity a heat pump use compared to its heat output? A greater rating means, more energy savings.
On the other hand, the amount of fuel that a furnace or boiler successfully turns into usable heat is measured by its annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). Much like a heat pump, a more efficient home heating system is identified by a higher AFUE rating.
Ultimately, if you want to install an energy-efficient heating system in your home, the best thing you can do is partner with a professional HVAC company in your area.
They have the knowledge and skills needed to guide you through the process of selecting a unit that works for not only your home and budget but also your personal heating preferences to ensure you can minimize your energy costs throughout the year.
By doing so, you can ensure that your new system can function optimally in your home throughout those cold Canadian winters.
How Long Do Heating Systems Last in Canada?
The make and model of the system, how well it was installed, scheduled maintenance, and usage habits are just a few of the variables that determine how long a heating system lasts. Nevertheless, certain heating systems have a reputation for being more durable and stronger than others.
Below is a closer look:
Boilers
A well-maintained boiler can last up to 20 to 30 years.
Natural Gas Furnaces
Furnaces with exceptional efficiency ratings can last up to 25 years with the right care.
Electric Furnaces
An electric furnace has a shorter lifespan than forced air furnaces that run on gas or oil. You can expect an electric furnace to last between 15 to 20 years.
Heat Pumps
Air source heat pumps usually have a 15 to 20-year service lifespan.
It's crucial to remember that several things can significantly affect how long a heating system lasts, including how often maintenance is done.
Arranging a yearly maintenance visit with a certified professional and promptly addressing any problems with the equipment are easy ways to prolong the life of your heating system.
How Much Time Is Needed to Replace a Heating System?
Many variables, such as the kind of system being built, the difficulty of the installation, and any needed changes in your home, can affect how long it takes to replace a heating system. Here is a general outline for each heating system below:
Furnace Replacement
It usually takes 4 to 8 hours to replace a furnace.
Boiler Replacement
Typically, a boiler replacement takes around 6 hours.
Heat Pump Replacement
Replacing a heat pump and installing a new system takes anywhere between 3 to 5 hours.
It's important to note that these time estimates are general guidelines, and actual timelines can vary based on the specific circumstances of each installation.
Factors such as the size of the home, any challenges technicians face, and the need for additional parts or modifications to your home can all have an impact on the installation time.
Consulting with HVAC professionals and obtaining detailed quotes for your home can provide a more accurate timeline for your heating system replacement.
What Maintenance Is Required for Each Type of Heating System?
To keep your home heating system working as efficiently as possible throughout the years, adapting a routine maintenance schedule is essential. Here is a closer look at what you need to be doing for your heating system to ensure optimal performance and reduce your energy costs:
Routine Maintenance
Home heating systems should be professionally serviced by a certified HVAC technician at least once a year from the time that it is installed in your home. We suggest booking this maintenance appointment for your heating system in the early fall.
By having your heating system serviced in advance of the winter season, you can have peace of mind knowing that your equipment is ready to operate optimally for you without increasing your operating costs.
At the same time, booking your maintenance appointment for your heating system in the fall, you give yourself enough time to have any repairs done before needing to rely on your equipment for warmth.
It's also important to note that because heat pump systems operate year round, homeowners may wish to have their heat pump equipment serviced twice a year. We recommend booking your professional heat pump service once in the fall and the other in the early spring.
Air Filter Cleaning and Replacement
It's also essential that homeowners change the air filter in their heating system regularly. We recommend changing the air filter cleaned or replaced every one to three months. This will not only improve the indoor air source quality in your home but also ensure your heating system is able to sufficiently circulate heat throughout your home. In turn, you can keep your energy consumption low.
Duct Cleaning Service
Your duct system is responsible for moving the air throughout your home as your heating system operates. However over time, and much like an air filter, it can become clogged with dirt, hair, dust, pet dander, and other debris.
When left uncleaned, it can become clogged, leading to heating system deterioration, and an increase in energy consumed by your equipment. Therefore, we suggest booking a duct cleaning service every two to three years. During this appointment, a professional technician will remove the debris from your system, check for, and repair any air leakage, and sanitize the ducts.
When was the last time you had your heating system professionally serviced? Can't remember? Book an appointment with Peel Heating today!
What Is the Lifespan of Heat Pumps in Canada?
In Canada, a heat pump's lifespan might differ based on a number of factors, including the model, kind, level of maintenance, and climate of the area. That said, the approximate lifespan of an air source heat pump is anywhere between 20 to 25 years before it will need to be replaced.
To maximize efficiency and prolong the life of your heat pump system, routine maintenance is essential. This includes cleaning the coils, monitoring the levels of refrigerant, and making sure there is sufficient circulation of air from the unit.
Additionally, when you notice there may be something wrong with your home's heat pump, it's essential that you reach out to a professional HVAC company in your area to have a professional technician repair the unit promptly. This will ensure that no further damage to your heat pump occurs.
Looking for a New Heating System for Your Home? Book a Consultation With Peel Heating Today!
Are you ready to optimize your energy efficiency ratings and home comfort? If so, reach out to the Peel Heating team to schedule a consultation appointment with one of our home comfort advisors.
During your consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the heating systems that fit your unique needs and budget. Our home comfort advisors will also give you more information about our fantastic discounts and financing options that can help you save big on your new purchase.
All consultations with our team include a free, non-obligatory new system purchase quote as well. Peel Heating and Air Conditioning is happy to work with homeowners throughout Brampton, Oakville, Erin, Halton Hills, Meadowvale, Orangeville, Mississauga, Caledon, Georgetown, Malton, Milton, and Port Credit!
The right heating system for your home is a call away! Book your consultation over the phone or use our online booking form!
