There are a variety of options to choose from when it comes to selecting a heat source for your home. The two most popular options among homeowners in Toronto are a gas furnace or an electric heat pump. A gas furnace produces heat by means of combusting a flammable energy source, typically natural gas or propane. Meanwhile, an electric heat pump functions by drawing in heat from the outdoors and transferring it into your space, and yes even cold air. Because both options have their pros and cons, we wanted to compare gas furnaces vs. electric heat pumps to help with your decision making process. Read on!

Gas Furnace
Gas furnaces have a more affordable upfront cost between the two. The average lifespan of a gas furnace is 10 to 15 years if well maintained and serviced. Running a gas furnace is affordable due to the cost of natural gas. However, it is important to understand that between the two options it has a much larger carbon footprint - we’ll dive deeper into this further in our article. Aside from choosing an option based on your personal preferences, you will also need to consider the factor of access to natural gas. Unfortunately, not all homes in Ontario have access to natural gas. However, there are steps that can be taken to initiate natural gas service in some regions. 

Electric Heat Pump
Electric heat pumps have been rising in popularity in Toronto for many reasons. Even though an electric heat pump has a higher ticket price, it is a heat source that qualifies for the Canada Greener Homes Grant, which allows saving opportunities. Furthermore, electric heat pumps are generally more energy efficient in comparison to their gas furnace competitor. As mentioned previously, an electric heat pump has a low carbon footprint, which is a huge factor in being the chosen option amongst Toronto homeowners. For a better understanding, an electric heat pump produces 25 kg of carbon pollution, while a gas furnace produces a whopping 1,000kg of carbon pollution. The average lifespan of an electric heat pump is similar to a gas furnace, averaging 15 years. The biggest bonus of choosing to install an electric heat pump in the Greater Toronto Area is its ability to provide cooling in the summer. The 2-in-1 value it provides that meets both your heating and cooling requirements should be an important consideration during your decision making process.

Both systems require regular maintenance to ensure proper performance. So which option is best for you? This is highly dependent on where you live and what your needs are. At Maple Air Heating and Cooling, our team is here to help you from start to finish. Give us a call today for any questions or inquiries about installing a gas furnace or electric heat pump. Serving the Greater Toronto Area and surrounding regions, we are here to help with all of your heating and cooling needs. Contact us today!