Choosing a new heating system is a 15–20 year decision. Here’s how the three main options compare for homes in Hamilton, Halton and Niagara.
How each system works
| Feature | Gas furnace | Air-source heat pump | Hybrid (dual fuel) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heats with | Natural gas (or propane) | Electricity, moving heat from outdoor air | Heat pump most of the year, furnace on the coldest days |
| Cools in summer | No (needs a separate AC) | Yes | Yes |
| Works with existing ducts | Yes | Yes (ducted) or no ducts needed (ductless) | Yes |
| Emissions | Highest | Lowest | Much lower than furnace alone |
| Rebate eligibility | Limited | Highest | High |
Gas furnace
A modern high-efficiency furnace is reliable, delivers very warm air and works in any weather. If you already have natural gas and a working air conditioner, replacing a failed furnace with a new one is straightforward. On its own, though, a furnace can’t cool your home, and it qualifies for few rebates.
Learn more about furnace replacement.
Air-source heat pump
A heat pump is an air conditioner that can also run in reverse. In winter it pulls heat from the outdoor air and moves it inside; in summer it moves heat out. Because it moves heat instead of making it, it delivers more heat energy than the electricity it uses.
Cold-climate heat pumps are designed for Canadian winters and keep heating efficiently well below freezing. For homes heated with electric baseboards, oil or propane, a heat pump often cuts heating costs significantly.
Learn more about heat pumps and ductless heat pumps, or read how heat pumps work.
Hybrid (dual-fuel) system
A hybrid system pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace. The heat pump handles cooling and most of the heating season; when it gets very cold, the system switches to the furnace automatically. You get:
- Lower emissions and often lower operating costs than a furnace alone.
- Comfortable, very warm heat on the coldest nights.
- Built-in backup: if one system needs service, the other keeps you warm.
- Eligibility for heat pump rebates.
Which is right for you?
- You have natural gas and your AC is old or failing: consider a hybrid system. Replace the AC with a heat pump and keep (or replace) the furnace.
- No natural gas (electric baseboard, oil or propane): consider a cold-climate heat pump, ducted or ductless.
- Furnace failed, AC is newer: a new high-efficiency furnace may make sense now, with a heat pump later.
- Rooms that are always too hot or cold, or a new addition: a ductless mini-split for those zones.
Get expert advice
We install furnaces, heat pumps and hybrid systems from Trane, Carrier, Goodman and every brand we carry across Hamilton, Halton and Niagara, and we’ll help you apply for available rebates. Request a free quote or call 905-388-3333.
