For the majority of people living throughout North America, winter months can get downright freezing. I think we can agree we’re well past the days of chopping firewood by lamplight and heating rocks to warm our stockinged feet in bed. Surprisingly, there are still many different types of home heating systems in Canada that won’t cut through the chill in your home’s interior. However, you can turn your home into a cozy retreat with some of the best heating systems for a home in Canada.
Conventional Heating Systems
If you’re looking for a practical heating solution for the winter months, consider conventional heating systems like boilers and furnaces. They offer a reliable and cost-effective way to heat your home and can be installed quickly and easily.
Non-conventional heating systems
From heat pumps to wood stoves, there’s no shortage of options to keep your household warm and toasty all season. If you’re thinking about re-vamping your home heating system—or if you’re wondering what to do since your furnace stopped working—it’s a great time to find the perfect advanced heating solution for your home today.
Furnace
The furnace: traditional, reliable, and as common a heating system as you’ll find. Furnaces work by heating up the air and then spreading that toasty air all around your house using a system of ducts. The best part is that furnaces come in different sizes, so you can choose the one that fits your needs and matches your home’s style perfectly.
They also come with different levels of efficiency, so you can compare gas and electric furnaces to determine what’s best for your home.
Additionally, modern furnaces often come with additional features such as air purification and thermostats that let you control the temperature of each room. With a furnace, you can rest assured that your home will stay cozy and comfortable during the winter.
Boiler
Boilers heat up water to create hot water or steam for various heating purposes. Boilers are an excellent option for homes in winter as they can generate hot water or steam to provide warmth and comfort. Boilers are typically more efficient than traditional water heaters and can be used for various heating applications, such as radiators and radiant floor systems.
It’s important to note that steam boilers function at a higher temperature than hot water boilers, which makes them less efficient. However, high-efficiency models can help offset the energy costs associated with heating a home. Additionally, boilers can be combined with other systems, such as an air-to-water heat pump, to maximize efficiency and reduce energy costs.
Heat Pump
Heat pumps are an efficient and effective way to keep your home comfortable during winter, and they’re up-and-coming as a viable option for wide-ranging climates. Instead of burning fuel to generate heat, heat pumps transfer (or pump) it from one area to another. In the simplest terms, they move cold air in during summer and cold air out in the winter.
Doing so requires much less energy than traditional furnaces or air conditioners. Installing a heat pump can be relatively pricey, but it can save you money on energy costs in the long run. For some, one of the main advantages of buying a new construction home is the ability to go with a heat pump system right from the start.
Easy maintenance
Heat pumps are easy to operate and maintain. They usually come with a thermostat, so you can set the temperature from inside your home. Since they don’t generate heat, they’re safer and more efficient than traditional heating systems.
Heat pumps are also incredibly versatile. They can be used for heating and cooling and for other applications like dehumidifying, pool heating, and even geothermal energy. Plus, they can be used in various climates and environments, so you can expect to see more and more of them.
It’s a fantastic time to look into installing a heat pump system if you live in a cold climate. For years, heat pumps have had the reputation of being good options for more moderate climates, but thanks to technological advances, the right heat pump can keep most homes warm and cozy.
Radiant Heating
Radiant heating is an efficient way to keep your home warm during the colder months. It works by delivering heat directly to either the floor or integrated panels in the walls or ceiling. This system depends on radiant heat transfer, which directly conveys warmth from the heated surface to individuals and objects within the room through infrared radiation. Floor heating is often referred to simply as radiant floor heating.
Radiant heating offers many advantages. It is more efficient than baseboard heating and is more effective than forced-air heating due to eliminating heat losses through ducts. People with allergies often prefer radiant heating because it doesn’t spread allergens like forced air systems. Radiant floor heating systems differ from radiant panels used in walls and ceilings. Therefore, knowing the differences between these two systems is vital when considering advanced heating solutions for winter months.
Wood/Pellet Heating
Wood and pellet heating can be an efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative to other heating sources. By utilizing small pellets ranging from 3/8 to 1 inch, these appliances offer cleaner combustion, improved efficiency, and the capacity to heat many homes effectively.
A wood pellet heating system typically consists of a burner, a hopper, a conveyor system, and a controller. The burner is usually positioned inside a boiler, while the conveyor system uses vacuum suction or an auger to transport the pellets from the hopper to the burner. The controller interfaces with the home’s thermostat, automating the entire process.
Using wood pellets for heating offers several advantages. They come from a renewable source and produce minimal carbon emissions while exhibiting less price volatility than fossil fuels. In addition, there are often tax credits available to incentivize their use. This makes wood pellet heating an excellent option for those looking to save money on their heating bills while at the same time being kind to the environment.
Fireplace
While this type of heating system isn’t the final stop for a home in the Canadian winter, fireplaces can still provide you with heat when all else fails. Nothing beats snuggling up beside the warm flame a fireplace provides. This is not the best heating system for a home in Canada-but it definitely makes an excellent addition.
Advance Your Home’s Heating This Winter
Stay warm this winter with the right heating solution for you! You’ll be cozy and content whether you choose a heat pump, radiant heating, wood or pellet heating, or a conventional heating system. So don’t delay; move today, and you’ll keep warm when the cold winds blow!