It’s the question almost every homeowner faces at some point, often at the worst moment, when the system gives out in the middle of January. Better to think it through before that happens.
In 2026, the options are better than ever, but they don’t all suit the same situation.
Here’s an honest look at the three main heating systems we install in Laval and on the North Shore, to help you make the right decision.
Three heating systems, three different realities
Before comparing costs or performance, it’s important to understand that the right heating system isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on what you already have: is the home connected to natural gas? Is there existing ductwork? What’s your goal, lowering your bill, maximizing comfort, or both?
Here are the three systems we install most often at Ventilation Hitech, along with their strengths and limitations.
The heat pump: the most versatile heating system
A heat pump is the only heating system that also provides air conditioning. In heating mode, it extracts heat from outdoor air and transfers it inside, even in cold weather. Current cold-climate models maintain their efficiency down to -25°C or -30°C.
Advantages:
- Heats AND cools with a single unit
- 2 to 4 times more efficient than electric resistance heating per kWh consumed
- Eligible for the Hydro-Québec LogisVert program (up to $6,700)
- Ideal for homes without access to natural gas
Main limitation:
Below -25°C to -30°C, standard models lose efficiency. An electric backup or a dual-energy system (see below) can compensate.
Best for: Any homeowner who wants to heat and cool with a single system, whether the home has ductwork or not (central heat pump with ducts, or ductless mini-split without).
If you’re considering a heat pump installation, significant financial assistance is available. Read our complete article on heat pump rebates in Quebec in 2026.
The natural gas furnace: the heating system for extreme cold
A natural gas furnace burns the gas delivered by the Énergir network to produce heat, which it distributes through the home’s ductwork. It’s a proven system with a heating capacity that nothing matches during extreme cold snaps.
Advantages:
- Consistent heat regardless of outdoor temperature
- Competitive annual operating cost: $1,700 to $2,200 for a 1,800 sq ft home at the 2026 Énergir rate
- High-efficiency models at 96-97% AFUE (Napoleon 9600 and 9700)
- Ideal for homes already connected to the Énergir network
Main limitation:
Doesn’t cool. You’ll need a separate cooling system for summer, unless you combine it with a heat pump (dual energy).
Best for: Homeowners already connected to the Énergir natural gas network, especially in areas with very cold winters. Even more relevant when an aging gas furnace over 15 years old needs replacing.
To learn more about available models and their efficiency, read our article on natural gas furnaces.
The central electric furnace (air handler): the heating system for homes with ductwork
What’s commonly called a “central electric furnace” or air handler is the indoor unit that distributes heat produced by a heat pump through the home’s existing ductwork. It doesn’t produce heat on its own, unless it’s equipped with electric backup coils.
Advantages:
- Uses existing ductwork, no need to redo the distribution system
- Ideal paired with a central heat pump (a very efficient combination)
- Variable-speed ECM motor: quieter and less energy-hungry
- Can work with integrated electric coils as backup during extreme cold
Main limitation:
Doesn’t heat independently without a heat pump or integrated electric coils. It’s not a complete heating system on its own.
Best for: Homes that already have ductwork and want to install a central heat pump. The air handler is the indoor component of the system.
To understand the difference between an air handler and a standalone electric furnace, read our article on electric furnaces.
Dual energy: when two heating systems work better than one
If your home is connected to the Énergir network, there’s a fourth option: combining an electric heat pump with your natural gas furnace in a single smart heating system.
The heat pump handles heating and cooling the vast majority of the time. When temperatures drop below -12°C or -15°C, the gas furnace takes over automatically. The result: each energy source works when it’s most economically advantageous.
Beyond the comfort, this system gives access to the preferential Hydro-Québec DT rate on all electricity consumption, plus rebates of up to $7,300 for a single-family home. It’s often the best choice for homeowners who already have a gas furnace and want to maximize their return on investment.
For full details on dual energy, read our article: Is Dual-Energy Heating Worth It? What Quebec Homeowners Need to Know.
How to choose your heating system: the quick guide
Based on your situation, here’s what we generally recommend.
No natural gas and no ductwork:
Ductless mini-split heat pump. It’s the most accessible, most efficient, and fastest system to install.
No natural gas but you have ductwork:
Central heat pump + air handler. You use the existing infrastructure and get heating and cooling at the same time.
Connected to natural gas and your furnace is over 15 years old:
Two options depending on your priority. Replace with a high-efficiency natural gas furnace (Napoleon 9600 or 9700) for a simple, economical solution. Or switch to dual energy if you want to maximize efficiency and access rebates.
Want to reduce your Hydro bill without replacing your gas furnace:
Dual energy is made for you. The heat pump is added alongside the existing furnace and handles most of the heating load.
According to BranchéQC, annual operating costs vary significantly depending on the system chosen for a 1,800 sq ft home: between $1,700 and $2,200 for natural gas, and potentially higher for a standalone electric system without a heat pump, especially with Hydro-Québec rate increases projected through 2028.
Which heating system in Laval and on the North Shore?
At Ventilation Hitech, we’ve been installing all these systems in Laval, Blainville, Terrebonne, Mascouche, Repentigny, Saint-Eustache and the surrounding area for over 20 years. We’ve also been a certified Énergir partner since 2005 for dual-energy installations.
What we do before making any recommendation: we look at your current setup, whether you have access to the gas network, whether there’s existing ductwork, and your medium-term goals. The right heating system is the one that fits your home and your budget, not the trendiest or most expensive option.
Visit our heating services page to see the systems and brands we install.
Frequently asked questions about heating systems
What is the most economical heating system in Quebec in 2026?
It depends on your situation. If you’re connected to natural gas, a high-efficiency natural gas furnace or a dual-energy system generally offers the lowest operating costs. If you don’t have gas, a heat pump is far more economical than direct electric resistance, because it produces 2 to 4 times more heat per kWh consumed. With Hydro-Québec’s 3% rate increases in 2026 and 2027, the efficiency of the chosen system has an increasingly direct impact on the bill.
Can you combine a heat pump with an existing natural gas furnace?
Yes, that’s exactly what a dual-energy system does. The heat pump is added alongside the gas furnace, both work together, and the switch between the two energy sources happens automatically based on the outdoor temperature.
Do you need ductwork to install a central heating system?
A central heat pump and a furnace (gas or electric) both require ductwork to distribute air throughout the home. If your home doesn’t have ducts, the ductless mini-split heat pump is the solution. It can also be installed alongside an existing system to heat or cool specific rooms.
Which heating system brand do you recommend?
We install brands known for their reliability in Quebec’s climate: Carrier and Canair for central electric furnaces and air handlers, Napoleon for natural gas furnaces. These are manufacturers offering 10-year warranties on their equipment with parts available through local distributors.
Questions about the right heating system for your home?
Our team answers all your questions, no commitment required.
(450) 662-9888
ventilationhitech.com/en/faqs/
