If you have an aging natural gas furnace or you’re thinking about switching your heating system, you’re probably asking the same question as many homeowners right now: is it still worth staying with gas?
The short answer is yes, in many cases, especially if your home is already connected to the Énergir network.
Here’s why, and what to look at before making a decision.
How does a natural gas furnace work?
A natural gas furnace burns the gas delivered by the Énergir network to produce heat, which the system then distributes throughout the home via ductwork. It’s a proven system, found in roughly 100,000 Quebec households, and it remains particularly effective during the coldest winter days.
Unlike a heat pump, which loses efficiency when temperatures drop below -20°C, a natural gas furnace maintains consistent heat regardless of what the outdoor thermometer reads. That’s its main advantage in Quebec’s climate.
Natural gas furnace efficiency: understanding the AFUE rating
The AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating measures what percentage of the natural gas energy is converted into usable heat. An older furnace installed in the 1990s typically has an AFUE of 60 to 80%, meaning 20 to 40% of the energy you’re paying for escapes through the flue.
New-generation natural gas furnaces, like the Napoleon models we install at Ventilation Hitech, reach AFUE ratings of 96 to 97%. In practical terms, almost all the purchased energy becomes heat.
According to Natural Resources Canada, replacing an older low-efficiency furnace with a high-efficiency model can reduce heating gas consumption by 20 to 40%.
Natural gas furnace vs. electricity: the costs in 2026
It’s usually the first question that comes up. And the 2026 numbers give a clear advantage to gas for homes already connected to the network.
For a 1,800 sq ft home, the annual operating cost of a natural gas furnace ranges from $1,700 to $2,200 at the 2026 Énergir rate (roughly $0.42/m³ all in, including distribution). Énergir rates only increased by 1.15% for 2025-2026, a minimal rise compared to the 3% granted to Hydro-Québec for the same period, with a projected cumulative increase of 8.85% over three years for electricity.
A standalone electric furnace heating the same home will consume considerably more, because it converts electricity to heat at a 1-to-1 ratio. A natural gas furnace at 96% AFUE uses almost all the energy content of the gas. For homeowners with access to the Énergir network, the economics favour gas for primary heating, especially during Quebec’s winter cold snaps.
The natural gas furnaces we install in Laval and on the North Shore
At Ventilation Hitech, we install two models from the Napoleon lineup, a 100% Canadian brand with a well-established reputation in the HVAC sector.
Napoleon Series 9600
- 96% AFUE efficiency
- 35,000 to 120,000 BTU
- Variable-speed ECM motor
- 10-year warranty
Napoleon Series 9700
- 97% AFUE efficiency
- 35,000 to 105,000 BTU
- Variable-speed ECM motor
- 10-year warranty
Both series use an ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor) that automatically adjusts airflow based on demand, reducing the blower’s electricity consumption and improving thermal comfort throughout the home.
For homeowners whose natural gas furnace is approaching 15 to 20 years of age, now is the right time to plan a replacement, before a breakdown in the middle of January. Visit our heating services page to learn more about installations we carry out in the region.
Natural gas furnace and dual energy: getting the best of both systems
If you already have a natural gas furnace, you’re in an ideal position to consider dual-energy (biénergie). This system combines your existing gas furnace with an electric heat pump. The heat pump handles heating and cooling the vast majority of the time, and the gas furnace kicks in automatically when temperatures drop below -12°C or -15°C.
The result: you use electricity when it’s most advantageous, and gas only when it’s essential. Rebates of up to $7,300 for a single-family home are available for this type of conversion, through the joint Hydro-Québec and Énergir program. Ventilation Hitech has been a certified Énergir partner since 2005 and can guide you through the entire process.
To learn more about how dual energy works and eligibility conditions, read our article: Is Dual-Energy Heating Worth It? What Quebec Homeowners Need to Know.
Frequently asked questions about natural gas furnaces
How long does a natural gas furnace last?
A well-maintained natural gas furnace lasts an average of 15 to 20 years. Beyond 15 years, breakdowns become more frequent and efficiency drops. If your furnace is over 15 years old and you’re starting to repair it regularly, replacement is generally more economical in the medium term than a series of repairs.
Does my home need to be connected to the natural gas network to have a gas furnace?
Yes. The Énergir network serves roughly 75% of municipalities in southern Quebec, including Laval, Montreal, and most North Shore cities. If your address isn’t already connected, the hookup cost adds to the furnace cost. If you currently heat with oil and the gas network isn’t available at your address, a heat pump is generally the best alternative.
Is a high-efficiency natural gas furnace noisier than an older one?
No, it’s usually the opposite. Variable-speed ECM motor models run at lower speeds most of the time, making them significantly quieter than an old furnace that starts and stops in abrupt cycles. The Napoleon 9600 and 9700 series are particularly quiet.
Are there rebates for replacing an old natural gas furnace with a high-efficiency model?
Direct rebates for replacing a gas furnace with another gas furnace are limited. However, if you use the replacement as an opportunity to add a heat pump and switch to dual energy, substantial financial assistance is available. Tell us about your situation and we’ll assess what applies to your case.
Questions about natural gas furnaces?
Our team answers all your questions, no commitment required.
(450) 662-9888
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