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When it comes to heating your Toronto home, two of the most popular options are heat pumps and gas furnaces. Both offer advantages, but which is right for your family, comfort, and budget? At Temperature Care, we help you make sense of the differences so you can make the best choice for your Toronto property.
How Do They Work?
- Gas Furnace:
Burns natural gas to create heat, which is distributed throughout your home by a blower and ductwork. - Heat Pump:
Transfers heat from outside to inside using electricity. In summer, it works in reverse to provide cooling. Modern cold-climate heat pumps work well even in Toronto winters!
Learn more about heat pumps from Natural Resources Canada.
Heat Pump vs Gas Furnace: Pros and Cons
| Feature | Heat Pump | Gas Furnace |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Heats & cools (all-in-one) | Heats only |
| Efficiency | 2–3x more efficient (electric) | High, but lower than HP |
| Energy Source | Electricity (renewable possible) | Natural gas (fossil fuel) |
| Emissions | Zero on-site (if green power used) | Produces carbon emissions |
| Upfront Cost | Higher (but rebates available) | Lower |
| Operating Cost | Lower (especially if replacing baseboard) | Usually stable |
| Maintenance | Low, but must be regular | Low, annual tune-up |
| Cooling | Yes | No |
| Lifespan | 12–18 years | 15–20 years |
Which Is Cheaper to Run in Toronto?
- Natural gas prices in Toronto are generally lower than electricity, but heat pumps are much more efficient—so you may still save money, especially if you have access to green electricity or high hydro bills.
- Heat pumps offer year-round savings because they also replace your air conditioner!
For a deep dive, see Clean Energy Canada’s report on heat pump vs gas furnace costs.
Which System Is Greener?
Heat pumps dramatically reduce your carbon footprint, especially when powered by Ontario’s clean grid. They produce zero direct emissions in your home.
Gas furnaces still use fossil fuels and produce greenhouse gases.
Comfort & Air Quality
- Heat pumps provide gentler, more consistent warmth and excellent humidity control.
- Gas furnaces deliver powerful, fast heating—ideal for deep freezes, but can dry the air more.
Rebates & Incentives
Toronto homeowners can access substantial rebates for upgrading to heat pumps, including:
Ask Temperature Care to help you maximize your savings!
Hybrid Systems: The Best of Both Worlds
Many Toronto homes now use a dual-fuel or hybrid system:
- The heat pump covers most heating (and all cooling).
- The gas furnace kicks in automatically on the coldest days.
What’s Right for You?
- Choose a heat pump if you want year-round comfort, lower emissions, and long-term savings.
- Stick with a gas furnace if you want strong, reliable heat and the lowest upfront cost.
- Consider a hybrid system for maximum flexibility.
👉 Book a free assessment with Temperature Care
📞 905-780-3262
External Resources
Natural Resources Canada: Gas vs Electric Heating
Energy Star: Heating Comparison
Efficiency Canada: Heat Pump Resources
