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Toronto homeowners looking to upgrade their heating often compare heat pumps with traditional gas boilers. Both systems can keep your home warm, but they differ in efficiency, cost, and long-term sustainability. Here’s the full breakdown from Temperature Care.
How Do They Work?
Gas Boiler (Hydronic Heating):
- Burns natural gas to heat water
- Hot water circulates through radiators, baseboards, or in-floor tubing
- Provides steady radiant heat but no cooling
Heat Pump (Air-Source):
- Uses electricity to transfer heat from outdoors to indoors (works in reverse for cooling)
- Heats and cools your home with one system
- Highly efficient and eco-friendly
Learn more: ENERGY STAR – Heat Pumps
Efficiency & Cost Comparison
| Feature | Heat Pump | Gas Boiler |
|---|---|---|
| Heating & Cooling | Yes (dual function) | Heating only |
| Efficiency | 200–350% (COP 2–3.5) | 80–95% AFUE (modern models) |
| Operating Cost | Lower (hydro-efficient) | Moderate (depends on gas prices) |
| Air Quality | Filters & humidity control | Silent radiant, no filtration |
| Rebates | Substantial, available | Limited |
- Heat pumps produce 2–3x more heat per unit of electricity than boilers.
- Gas boilers are effective but tied to fluctuating natural gas prices.
Compare: Clean Energy Canada – Heat Pump Benefits
Comfort & Air Quality
- Heat pumps:
- Provide both heating and cooling
- Maintain steady, even comfort
- Improve indoor air quality through filtration
- Gas boilers:
- Deliver quiet, radiant warmth many homeowners love
- No cooling capability
- No filtration or humidity control
Environmental Impact
- Heat pumps: Extremely low carbon footprint, especially in Ontario’s clean electricity grid.
- Gas boilers: Burn fossil fuels, contributing to carbon emissions.
Installation & Rebates
- Heat pumps:
- Installed ducted or ductless
- Eligible for generous rebates:
- Gas boilers:
- Common in older Toronto homes with radiator systems
- Limited rebates for replacement units
See Temperature Care’s heating services
Which Should You Choose?
- Choose a heat pump if you want year-round comfort, lower utility bills, and government rebates.
- Choose a gas boiler if you prefer radiant heat and already have a boiler infrastructure.
- Hybrid systems (heat pump + boiler) are also possible for maximum flexibility.
Why Trust Temperature Care?
- Experts in both heat pumps and boiler systems
- Honest, custom recommendations
- Licensed professionals providing installation, rebates, and aftercare
Contact Us for a Free Home Assessment
📞 905-780-3262
Book your consultation online
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