4 Types of Home Heating Options to Choose From

And so the cold weather begins!

We’ve already experienced our first snow here in Sudbury, Ontario. 

Just this week, we received a weather advisory to keep off the roads in light of approaching snowfall.

Northern Ontario homeowners are bundling up for an intense winter season. From snow tires to insulation upgrades, Canadians are well on their way to preparing for winter.

Of course, one of the most crucial ways to prepare your home for winter is with the right Sudbury heating system. It should be reliable, affordable and support your lifestyle.

If you’re in the market for a heating upgrade, this article is for you!

Our home heating experts break down 4 different heating systems - from furnaces to heat pumps!

We ensure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision for your home. 

Psst…if you have questions or want a FREE QUOTE, don’t hesitate to contact our team!

1. Furnace

Forced air furnaces are central heating systems - meaning they heat the entire house from one unit.

Did you know that furnaces are the primary home heating system in Canada? Over half of Canadian households reported having a forced air furnace in 2021 (Statistics Canada). In Ontario, that number is even higher - at 75%!

Why is this type of heating so popular? Let’s find out!

How It Works:

Forced air furnaces burn fuel to produce heat. That heat then passes through a heat exchanger, making that component hot.

Air from your home is then blown over the hot heat exchanger - effectively warming it.

Distribution:

Once the air is warm, it is blown (forced) throughout your home using a system of ducts.

Top Advantage:

A central furnace system uses the same ductwork as a central cooling system. So you can hook both units up to the same distribution system for all-year-round comfort!

Top Disadvantage:

Depending on the type of fuel used, furnaces can cause a risk of risk of fire, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Available Fuel Types:

• Natural Gas
• Propane
• Oil
• Electricity

2. Fireplace

Fireplaces are gorgeous additions to your home. They can drastically elevate your living space, create a cosy atmosphere, and bring people together.

These systems also offer an effective solution for zone heating!

How It Works:

There are a few different types of fireplaces - gas, wood, electric, etc.

Essentially, a fireplace creates heat similarly to how a furnace does - by burning fuel.

Distribution:

The heat from a fireplace warms your home using radiant heat. Radiant heat warms objects and people in the room as they absorb it.

It’s the same type of heat you would feel from a bonfire or even from the sun! 

Top Advantage:

Fireplaces offer fast and effective zone heating. They are also a great form of supplementary heat or when certain areas of your home are colder than others.

Top Disadvantage:

Depending on the chosen fuel type, fireplaces involve a lot of upkeep and maintenance. They can also become extremely dirty.

Available Fuel Types:

• Gas
• Propane
• Wood
• Electricity

3. Boiler

A boiler is a unique water heating system. Instead of carrying heat in the air, boilers use water to distribute that heat into your home.

While boilers typically provide home heating, they have other uses too! Driveway, swimming pool and hot tub heating are just a few other uses!

How It Works:

Boilers heat water in a central boiler with your chosen fuel type. The heated water or steam produced in this process then travels through pipes to radiators or baseboard heaters in your home.

Once the water cools, it returns to the central boiler to reheat.

Related Article: How Do You Choose The Right HVAC Boiler For Your Home?

Distribution:

Boiler systems distribute heat by sending hot water through a network of pipes in your home. That water then radiates into your home!

Top Advantage:

Boilers are especially known for distributing even, consistent heating.

Top Disadvantage:

Boilers are only used for heating. They cannot cool - making the piping a bit useless for half the year.

Available Fuel Types:

• Natural Gas
• Oil
• Propane
• Electricity

4. Heat Pump

Heat pumps are an up-and-coming home heating and cooling technology. This HVAC system is quickly becoming the favourite for homeowners looking to save money.

How It Works:

There are a few different types of heat pumps, each relying on a different source.

Heat pumps collect thermal energy from water, the earth (geothermal) or the air. They then use that energy to heat your home.

Related Article: Your Energy-Efficient Answer to Year-Round Heating and Cooling

Distribution:

Heat pumps distribute heat throughout your home using ductwork. This makes them a form of central heating!

Top Advantage:

Because these systems transfer heat rather than create it, they can reach up to 400% efficiency!

Top Disadvantage:

These systems aren’t as effective in colder climates. Most heat pumps need a supplementary heating system installed as well. Electrical heating is usually a popular choice for a backup system.

At Campeau Heating, we offer a Hybrid Heat Pump that combines your existing HVAC system with a heat pump component. So you can heat and cool your home with gas, electricity, or both!

Related Article: Should You Replace Your Furnace With a Heat Pump?

Available Fuel Types:

• Ground (Geothermal)
• Air Source
• Water Source

The Bottom Line

Your heating system is the backbone of your home.

We all know how unpredictable Sudbury’s winter weather can be. Ensuring you have the right system to support your home, family, and budget is crucial.

This is an important decision, and our team of heating experts is always here to help. We hope the above guide is helpful in your search for a heating upgrade.

Understanding how each system works and how each can benefit you can help further inform your decision. This information is especially helpful in saving time and money down the road.

Get a Free Quote!

At Campeau Heating, we ensure you have the best heating at the best cost. Get a free quote today on the heating system of your choice!

Call us at 705-560-2441 or request a quote online.