Home heating makes up a significant portion of the greenhouse gases produced in Ontario. Approximatley 70% of households are heated by burning fossil fuels (natural gas, propane or oil).
Natural Gas is a cleaner burning fuel than oil. However; it’s not just burning Natural Gas that’s bad for the environment. Natural Gas that leaks from the distribution system is actually a more damaging greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.
In Ontario, most of our electrical power is made up of hydro, nuclear, solar or wind. These sources do not create greenhouse gases. When you convert a home to electric heat, you almost eliminate the home’s emissions.
Electric Heating Options
Baseboard Heaters
Baseboard heaters are the least expensive heating system to install. The problem is, they are not very efficient and are expensive to run.
Air Source Heat Pumps
Air Source Heat Pumps are more costly to install, but can be up to 3 times more efficient than a simple baseboard heater. Heat Pumps can also be used for cooling a home.
Geothermal
Geothermal systems are the most efficient way to heat a cool your home. A geothermal home produces almost no greenhouse gas. Geothermal systems can also be used for producing a significant amount of the hot water you use.
