Winter in Canada gets very cold. Most homes stay warm because of heaters that work day and night. In fact, heat takes about sixty percent of the energy used in homes each year. That is a lot of power and money.
A good heating system keeps the house warm and also saves energy. It helps you spend less on bills and keeps the air inside fresh.
In this blog Blue Sea Plumbing will help you learn how to pick the best heating system for your house in Canada.
Key Takeaways
- The furnace is the most common heating system in Canada because it works well in cold weather.
- Heat pumps, boilers, and hybrid systems are good options for saving power in mild areas like Surrey and the Lower Mainland.
- BC homeowners can get rebates of up to $6,000 when switching to a heat pump through CleanBC and BC Hydro.
- A yearly check by a heating expert helps keep your system safe and strong.
- Small steps like changing filters and sealing windows can lower energy use and heating costs. Call Blue Sea Plumbing for help.
How Heating Systems Work in Canada
A heating system takes cold air, warms it up, and then spreads it around the rooms in your home.
In some houses a furnace warms the air and pushes it through vents. In others hot water moves through pipes and warms the floors or radiators. Some people use heat pumps that take warmth from the air outside and move it inside the house.
The system turns on when the room gets too cold. It turns off when the room feels warm again. This way the house stays cozy even when it is snowing outside.
Types of Heating Systems in Canada
Depending on the weather conditions there are a lot of options for homeowners.
Furnace
The most common heating system in Canada is the furnace. It keeps the house warm in very cold weather. A furnace uses gas, oil, or electricity to make heat. It works by warming air and pushing it through vents into every room. In Surrey and BC most homes use a gas furnace. If your furnace needs attention our furnace service team can help.
Heat Pump
Some homes use a heat pump. It can make warm air in winter and cool air in summer. It uses less power than a furnace and is a great choice for the Lower Mainland where winters are milder than in other parts of Canada. In case it wears out Blue Sea Plumbing can repair your heat pump.
Boiler
A few homes use a boiler. It warms water and sends it through pipes. The hot water moves under the floors or through metal heaters called radiators. This type of heat feels soft and even. If you need boiler help our boiler repair team is available.
Electric Baseboard Heater
Small homes or rooms often use electric baseboard heaters. These are simple to use and do not need vents. They can cost more to run because they use more power.
Hybrid System
Some homes use both a furnace and a heat pump together. The system picks the best way to save power and still keep the home warm depending on the temperature outside. If you need help with gas lines or want safe installation then take our gas fitting services.
Heat Pump Rebates Available in BC
If you live in Surrey or anywhere in British Columbia, switching to a heat pump can save you a lot of money on both the installation cost and your monthly bills. BC Hydro and the CleanBC program offer rebates of up to $6,000 for eligible homeowners who replace an old gas or electric heating system with a qualifying heat pump.
These rebates are available because heat pumps use far less energy than traditional heating systems. They are also better for the environment which is why the BC government supports the switch.
To find out if you qualify and to see what rebates are available for your home visit our rebates page or contact Blue Sea Plumbing and we can walk you through the options.
How to Choose the Right System for Your Home
You can pick the right one if you look at a few simple things.
Think about where you live. Places like Alberta get very cold so a strong furnace or boiler works best there. In BC and Surrey where winters are milder a heat pump or hybrid system may work well and cost less to run.
Check how warm your house stays. If your walls and windows keep heat in you can pick a smaller system. If your home loses heat fast you may need a bigger one.
Think about the cost. Some systems cost more to buy but use less power later. Others cost less at first but use more power every month.
See what type of fuel you can get near your home. Some homes have gas lines while others use only electricity. Choose a system that matches what you have.
Try to pick a system that has an ENERGY STAR mark on it. It means the system saves power and lowers bills.
Before you buy a new system you can ask a plumber or heating expert from Blue Sea Plumbing to check your home.
You can also refer to our guide on gas vs electric water heaters which is best for you.
Maintenance Tips to Save More Energy
Small steps can save power and money.
Change Your Filter Regularly
Change the filter every two to three months so air can move well through the system. A dirty filter makes your heating system work harder and use more power. If you are not sure how often to do this our post on how often a furnace should be serviced has more detail.
Get a Yearly Heating Check
A heating expert can look at your system once a year. They can clean the parts and fix small problems before they grow into expensive repairs. Our heating services team offers full system checks for Surrey and Lower Mainland homes.
Seal Windows and Doors
Warm air can slip out through small gaps around windows and doors. Use weather strips to close those spaces. It helps keep your home warm for a longer time and reduces how hard your heating system has to work.
Keep your home warm and safe all year. Call Blue Sea Plumbing today for expert help.
FAQs
When should I check my heating system?
Once a year is recommended. A yearly check helps you avoid bigger problems and expensive repairs down the road. The best time to book a check in Surrey is in early autumn before the cold weather arrives.
How can I save energy on heating in Canada?
Change air filters every two to three months. Use a smart thermostat to control when the heat turns on and off. Close doors and windows tight and use weather strips to seal gaps. These steps help your home stay warm and use less power. If you are on BC Hydro you can also check available rebates on our rebates page.
What is the most common heating system in Canada?
The furnace is the most common heating system in Canada. It works well in very cold weather and can run on gas, oil, or electricity. In Surrey and the Lower Mainland most homes use a natural gas furnace.
Is a heat pump a good choice for Surrey BC?
Yes. Surrey has a mild climate compared to other parts of Canada which makes heat pumps a very good option. They use less energy than a furnace and can also cool your home in summer. BC homeowners can also access rebates of up to $6,000 through CleanBC and BC Hydro when switching to a qualifying heat pump.
How do I know when to replace my heating system?
If your heating system is more than 15 to 20 years old, needs frequent repairs, or your energy bills keep going up without a clear reason it may be time to think about a replacement. Contact Blue Sea Plumbing and we can assess your current system and recommend the best option for your home and budget.
