If your furnace is getting old, or your air conditioner is on its last summer, you have probably asked the same question many GTA homeowners ask: should I replace it with another furnace, or switch to a heat pump?
The honest answer is that both can be a good choice. It depends on your home, your budget and how you want to heat it. Here is how to decide.
How each one works
A gas furnace burns natural gas to make heat, then blows that warm air through your ducts. Your central air conditioner is a separate unit that cools in summer.
A heat pump moves heat instead of making it. In winter it pulls heat from the outdoor air and brings it inside. In summer it runs in reverse like an air conditioner. One system does both jobs.
Does a heat pump work in a Markham winter?
Yes. Modern cold-climate heat pumps are built to keep working at temperatures well below freezing. Many homeowners in Ontario now use them as their main heating source.
Many homes pair the heat pump with a gas furnace as a backup. This is called a hybrid or dual-fuel system. On very cold days the furnace takes over, and the rest of the year the heat pump does the work.
Comparing the two
| Gas furnace + AC | Heat pump (or hybrid) | |
|---|---|---|
| Heating and cooling | Two separate systems | One system does both |
| Upfront cost | Usually lower | Usually higher |
| Running cost | Depends on gas prices | Often lower, especially in mild weather |
| Very cold days | Strong and reliable | Cold-climate models perform well; a furnace backup adds peace of mind |
| Emissions | Burns gas | Runs on electricity, lower emissions |
| Rebates | Limited | Often eligible for programs |
What to think about
- Age of your equipment. If your furnace is 15 to 20 years old, replacing it before it fails in January is cheaper and less stressful than an emergency repair.
- Your ductwork. Heat pumps move air at lower temperatures than furnaces, so your ducts should be in good shape and the right size. We check this during a free estimate.
- Your electrical panel. Some homes need a small upgrade to support a heat pump.
- Your goals. If you want the lowest upfront cost, a new high-efficiency furnace is hard to beat. If you want lower running costs and a single system for the whole year, a heat pump is worth a serious look.
Rebates and financing
Government and utility programs have offered rebates and low-interest financing for heat pump upgrades in Ontario. Programs and amounts change, so we always recommend checking the current details on the official Enbridge and Government of Canada websites, or asking us. We can tell you what applies to your home.
Safety and licensing
Gas work in Ontario must be done by a licensed contractor. Comfort Flow is a TSSA registered contractor (FS-R-53510) and our gas technicians are TSSA certified, so your installation is done to code and inspected properly.
Not sure which to choose?
Every house is different. Tell us about your home and we will give you a straight recommendation, with no pressure.
[Get a free online quote] or call +1 437-997-7718.
Comfort Flow HVAC Services, 9390 Woodbine Ave, Markham, ON. Serving Markham and the Greater Toronto Area.
