Home heating systems compared
Common Canadian heating options compared on how they are priced, where they fit and what to watch for.
This table compares system types, not brands or contractors. Price notes are relative; the dollar ranges used elsewhere on this site are illustrative, not quotes. Which option suits you depends on your heat loss, climate zone, whether natural gas is available, your electricity rates, existing ducts or radiators and the space you have outside, so treat this as a list of questions to ask.
Select a column header to sort.
| Option | How it is usually priced | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold-climate ducted air-source heat pump | Per installed system, scaled by capacity; electrical work and duct changes often extra | Homes with existing ducts replacing a furnace or central air; heating and cooling in one unit | Capacity at −15 °C to −25 °C matters more than nominal tons; backup heat and defrost need planning |
| Standard (non cold-climate) air-source heat pump | Lower equipment price than cold-climate models | Milder coastal climates or hybrid systems with a furnace for the coldest days | Output drops sharply in deep cold; may not qualify for programs that require cold-climate units |
| Ductless mini-split (single or multi-zone) | Per indoor head plus outdoor unit; multi-zone systems cost more per room | Homes without ducts, electric baseboard homes, additions and older houses with radiators | Rooms without a head get little heat; line-set routes and wall heads need planning |
| Ground-source (geothermal) heat pump | System price plus a large ground loop cost (drilled boreholes or trenches) | Large lots or new builds, long ownership horizons, very cold climates | Highest upfront cost; drilling rules, loop design (CSA C448) and installer experience are critical |
| High-efficiency gas furnace | Per unit installed, with venting and gas work | Homes on natural gas wanting the lowest upfront replacement cost | Fixed monthly gas charges continue; no cooling unless paired with an air conditioner or heat pump |
| Hybrid (dual-fuel) heat pump plus gas furnace | Heat pump price plus furnace, sometimes installed together | Gas homes wanting lower emissions while keeping gas for the coldest hours | Two systems to maintain; the switchover temperature setting drives the running cost |
| Oil furnace or oil boiler | Per unit, plus tank inspection or replacement | Rural homes without gas where a like-for-like replacement is needed quickly | High fuel cost, tank leak liability and insurance questions; many programs targeted oil-to-heat-pump conversions |
| Condensing gas or electric boiler (hydronic) | Per boiler installed, plus piping and controls | Homes with radiators or in-floor heat | Condensing boilers need low return-water temperatures; air-to-water heat pumps are a newer alternative |
| Electric baseboard or furnace | Low equipment cost, highest running cost per unit of heat | Small, well-insulated spaces and backup heat | Every kWh of heat costs a kWh of electricity; a heat pump can deliver two to three times more heat per kWh |
Equipment efficiency rules are set by Natural Resources Canada under the Energy Efficiency Regulations, and installations must follow provincial gas, electrical and building codes. Check your provincial program for the eligible equipment list before you choose a model, and ask your utility for actual rates. See the heat pump installation cost overview and the running-cost comparison.