Several factors come into play when choosing a heating system. Several choices are available to us:
- Electricity Electric baseboard heaters
- Air-source heat pumps
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Wood and biomass 1 The stove and the fireplace
- The furnace
- The mass focus
- The complete boiler
- Fossil energies (gas & fuel oil) Condensing boiler
- Classic boiler
- Furnace
- Stove and fireplace
How to make the best choice? You should start by answering the following questions…
We do not address the issue of heating in the same way if we renovate or build. In renovation, we try to keep the existing heating system as much as possible, whatever it may be. But when we build, we really have a choice, from electricity to solar panels, even geothermal energy. That’s when we need to ask ourselves the following questions.
The surface of your house is an important factor in your choice. For example, the installation of a geothermal system is not cost-effective for a dwelling of 1,000 square feet or less, whereas a single fireplace will never provide enough heat for a dwelling of more than 3,000 square feet.
Is your home located in Montreal, Laval, in the Laurentians or the Eastern Townships? The resources available locally will not be the same in the city, the suburbs or the countryside. For example, if you live in the middle of the woods, your best choice might be biomass.
It is obvious that every citizen of this land must be environmentally responsible, but for some it is a factor they will not compromise on, while others are more willing to do so. We must learn about the environmental impact of the heating systems offered to us and see which one best fits our criteria and means.
Naturally, this question is the most important of the lot because it will determine your means and thus direct your choices. Some solutions, like 100% electric, are more economical, but less eco-responsible. Others, such as air and geothermal heat pumps, require a good start-up investment, but are economical in the long run and highly environmentally responsible. Now that you’ve answered these 5 questions, you can explore the different choices and determine which one is best for your needs, budget and concerns.
1All plant matter and organic waste from plants, humans, marine life and animals.
