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Choosing between a heat pump and a furnace is one of the most important decisions Toronto homeowners make when upgrading their heating systems. Both options can keep you warm through our city’s harsh winters—but which delivers the best comfort, energy savings, and long-term value? Here’s the expert breakdown from Temperature Care.
How Do They Work?
Furnace:
- Typically powered by natural gas (or sometimes propane/electricity)
- Burns fuel to generate heat, then blows heated air through ducts
- Delivers quick, strong warmth—great for Toronto’s coldest days
Heat Pump:
- Uses electricity to move heat from outside to inside (works in reverse for cooling in summer)
- Extremely efficient—produces 2–3 times more heat per unit of energy used
- Provides both heating and cooling with a single system
Learn more: ENERGY STAR – Heat Pump vs Furnace
Efficiency & Operating Cost
| Feature | Heat Pump | Furnace |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Only | No (cools, too) | Yes (heating only) |
| Efficiency | 200–350% (COP 2–3.5) | 80–98% (modern gas models) |
| Operating Cost | Lower (especially with hydro rates) | Higher (fuel costs vary) |
| Rebates | Significant (see below) | Fewer for new installs |
- Heat pumps deliver huge savings, especially if you switch from electric or oil heating.
- Furnaces are cost-effective with natural gas, but fuel prices can fluctuate.
Compare: Clean Energy Canada – Heat Pump Affordability
Year-Round Comfort
- Heat pumps keep you comfortable in all seasons: cool in summer, warm in winter.
- Furnaces only provide heating. You’ll still need a separate air conditioner for summer.
Environmental Impact
- Heat pumps: Minimal emissions, especially in Ontario with clean electricity.
- Furnaces: Burn fossil fuels, contributing to carbon emissions.
US DOE: Heating System Comparisons
Installation & Maintenance
- Furnaces:
- Simple for homes with existing ductwork
- Require annual inspections, filter changes, and sometimes chimney maintenance
- Heat pumps:
- Work with ducted or ductless systems
- Require regular maintenance, but generally less wear and tear than furnaces
- Eligible for substantial government rebates:
See: Temperature Care’s installation services
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose a heat pump if you want year-round comfort, the lowest energy bills, and the smallest carbon footprint.
- Stick with a furnace if you already have natural gas, love strong warmth, or can’t upgrade your electrical panel yet.
Why Trust Temperature Care?
- Toronto’s experts in both furnaces and heat pumps
- Honest, unbiased recommendations
- Full rebate support and professional, clean installations
Contact Us Today
📞 905-780-3262
Book your assessment online
External Resources
- Efficiency Canada: Heat Pump Resources
- Toronto Hydro: Save on Energy
- The Spruce: Furnace vs Heat Pump
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Heat pump vs furnace: Which is best for Toronto homes? Temperature Care compares costs, comfort, efficiency, and rebates to help you choose your ideal system.
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Heat Pump vs Furnace: Which Heating System is Right for Toronto Homes?
Choosing between a heat pump and a furnace is one of the most important decisions Toronto homeowners make when upgrading their heating systems. Both options can keep you warm through our city’s harsh winters—but which delivers the best comfort, energy savings, and long-term value? Here’s the expert breakdown from Temperature Care.
How Do They Work?
Furnace:
- Typically powered by natural gas (or sometimes propane/electricity)
- Burns fuel to generate heat, then blows heated air through ducts
- Delivers quick, strong warmth—great for Toronto’s coldest days
Heat Pump:
- Uses electricity to move heat from outside to inside (works in reverse for cooling in summer)
- Extremely efficient—produces 2–3 times more heat per unit of energy used
- Provides both heating and cooling with a single system
Learn more: ENERGY STAR – Heat Pump vs Furnace
Efficiency & Operating Cost
| Feature | Heat Pump | Furnace |
|---|---|---|
| Heating Only | No (cools, too) | Yes (heating only) |
| Efficiency | 200–350% (COP 2–3.5) | 80–98% (modern gas models) |
| Operating Cost | Lower (especially with hydro rates) | Higher (fuel costs vary) |
| Rebates | Significant (see below) | Fewer for new installs |
- Heat pumps deliver huge savings, especially if you switch from electric or oil heating.
- Furnaces are cost-effective with natural gas, but fuel prices can fluctuate.
Compare: Clean Energy Canada – Heat Pump Affordability
Year-Round Comfort
- Heat pumps keep you comfortable in all seasons: cool in summer, warm in winter.
- Furnaces only provide heating. You’ll still need a separate air conditioner for summer.
Environmental Impact
- Heat pumps: Minimal emissions, especially in Ontario with clean electricity.
- Furnaces: Burn fossil fuels, contributing to carbon emissions.
US DOE: Heating System Comparisons
Installation & Maintenance
- Furnaces:
- Simple for homes with existing ductwork
- Require annual inspections, filter changes, and sometimes chimney maintenance
- Heat pumps:
- Work with ducted or ductless systems
- Require regular maintenance, but generally less wear and tear than furnaces
- Eligible for substantial government rebates:
See: Temperature Care’s installation services
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose a heat pump if you want year-round comfort, the lowest energy bills, and the smallest carbon footprint.
- Stick with a furnace if you already have natural gas, love strong warmth, or can’t upgrade your electrical panel yet.
Why Trust Temperature Care?
- Toronto’s experts in both furnaces and heat pumps
- Honest, unbiased recommendations
- Full rebate support and professional, clean installations
Contact Us Today
📞 905-780-3262
Book your assessment online
External Resources
- Efficiency Canada: Heat Pump Resources
- Toronto Hydro: Save on Energy
- The Spruce: Furnace vs Heat Pump
