In a world that is less and less predictable, with challenges coming at us from all sides, there are still a few small anchors of normalcy, stability and balance. One of the most important is certainly the family home. And, fortunately, technological advances are helping us optimize family time, especially when it comes to thermal comfort, especially in winter.
The main heating solutions in Quebec
Hydro-Quebec statistics show that two-thirds of Quebec households use electricity as their source of heating energy. In second place is wood heating, which is the most economical, while less than 15% of Quebecers use gas, oil or propane furnaces.
What about heat pumps?
Since electricity is not that expensive in Quebec, installing a central heat pump is a very good idea. As long as temperatures do not drop below -12°C, you can rely on a heat pump for heating. A heat pump is a system consisting of a compressor and refrigerant-filled coils that extract heat from the outside air and direct it inside. It’s inexpensive and simple to install and maintain. An added benefit is that the central heat pump also works in cooling mode in the summer when the air flow is reversed.
The efficiency of heat pumps for heating
Heat pumps are designed for normal cold season temperatures, so most of the time you won’t need an additional system, especially if your home doesn’t have any insulation or sealing problems. However, on days when the temperature drops below -12°C, you will need to use another heating system to help the heat pump during very cold weather.
The economic advantages of heat pumps
Installing a central heat pump allows you to create an economical duo with the electric heating system already in place, because heat pumps are more efficient than electric systems and some models can operate at low temperatures down to -30°C. In addition, in summer, there is no need to install an air conditioner, the heat pump will be responsible for cooling the house. Thanks to the heat pump, you will be able to benefit from a constant temperature all year long and this will translate into lower bills.
If you are considering the purchase and installation of a heat pump, you can also benefit from grants. For more details on the optimal heating options for your particular case, don’t hesitate to contact us!