If you heat your home with electricity or you’re planning a new system, the question of which electric furnace to choose comes up quickly. And it’s more complex than it sounds, because the term “electric furnace” actually refers to two very different types of equipment in Quebec. Understanding the difference before buying saves you from a costly mistake, especially with Hydro-Québec rates continuing to rise.
Two types of electric furnace: which one is yours?
The term “electric furnace” in Quebec can mean two different things depending on the context.
A standalone electric furnace uses electric resistance coils to produce heat, much like a large-scale toaster. It converts electricity directly into heat, pushes warm air through your home’s ductwork, and doesn’t need any other equipment to operate. Simple, but power-hungry.
An air handler, or central electric furnace, is an indoor unit that doesn’t produce heat on its own. It acts as a distributor: it takes the heat (or cooling) generated by a heat pump and circulates it through all the home’s ducts. Without a connected heat pump, an air handler alone won’t heat your home, unless the model comes with electric backup coils.
Both units look similar from the outside, but the way they work is fundamentally different. At Ventilation Hitech, the electric furnaces we install (the Midea Evox G3 and the Canair 4CDH20) are multi-position air handlers designed to work in tandem with a heat pump. These are 1.5- to 5-ton units equipped with ECM motors. The Midea Evox comes with a 12-year warranty on parts and a 10-year warranty on labour.
Why Hydro-Québec rates change the equation
Choosing a standalone electric furnace as your sole heating system in 2026 is a decision that gets more expensive every year. The Régie de l’énergie approved a 3% residential rate increase for 2026 and 2027, followed by 2.6% in 2028, for a cumulative effect of 8.85% over three years. For a home heated entirely with electricity, that’s roughly $5.46 more per month for a medium-sized home, over $65 per year, and the increases aren’t stopping there. Noovo InfoNoovo Info
A standalone electric furnace converts electricity to heat at a 1-to-1 ratio: 1 kWh consumed = 1 kWh of heat produced. A heat pump, by contrast, produces 2 to 4 kWh of heat for every 1 kWh consumed. The difference shows up directly on your Hydro bill.
For current rates, Hydro-Québec’s official electricity pricing page has the full breakdown of the 2026 rate tiers.
The central electric furnace paired with a heat pump: the winning combination
If your home already has ductwork, the air handler + central heat pump combination is the most efficient heating and cooling solution in 2026. Here’s why.
The heat pump produces heat or cooling. The air handler distributes it throughout the home via the existing ducts. In winter, the heat pump heats down to -25°C to -30°C for cold-climate models. In summer, it cools. One system for both seasons, with significantly lower electricity consumption than a standalone electric furnace.
Another major advantage of this pairing: the heat pump qualifies for Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program, which offers rebates of up to $6,700. If you’re planning this type of installation, check our article on heat pump rebates available in Quebec in 2026 before making your decision.
How to choose the right electric furnace for your situation
You have existing ductwork: A central electric furnace (air handler) paired with a heat pump is the ideal solution. This is the setup we install most often in Laval and on the North Shore. The Midea Evox G3 and the Canair 4CDH20 are two reliable, multi-position models with variable-speed ECM motors that adjust airflow in real time based on demand.
You don’t have ductwork: A ductless mini-split heat pump is the option to consider. No ducts needed, faster installation, and still eligible for LogisVert.
You want a backup system for extreme cold: An air handler with integrated electric backup coils ensures heat even when the heat pump’s efficiency drops below -25°C. For homes on the natural gas network, dual-energy (biénergie) is a third option worth considering.
You currently heat with oil and want to convert: Visit our heating services page to see the options available based on your current setup.
Electric furnace installations in Laval and on the North Shore
At Ventilation Hitech, we’ve been installing central electric furnaces (air handlers) and heat pumps in Laval, Blainville, Terrebonne, Mascouche, Repentigny, and Saint-Eustache for over 20 years. We assess your existing setup, the ductwork in place, and your consumption habits before recommending the right combination.
We work with trusted brands like Midea and Canair, both available in multi-position format with ECM motors and 10-year manufacturer warranties. These are units built to last in Quebec’s climate conditions.
Frequently asked questions about electric furnaces
Can an air handler work without a heat pump?
It depends on the model. Some air handlers come with electric backup coils that allow heating without a heat pump during a breakdown or during extreme cold snaps. Without those coils and without a connected heat pump, the air handler doesn’t produce heat, it only circulates air. This is an important point to confirm with your contractor before installation.
What’s the difference between an ECM motor and a standard motor on an electric furnace?
An ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor) with variable speed adjusts its speed based on real-time demand, rather than running at full power continuously. It uses up to 75% less electricity than a standard motor in air circulation mode. Over a year’s worth of bills, the difference is noticeable.
Can I add an air handler to my existing gas furnace?
No. An air handler replaces your indoor unit; it doesn’t get added on top of a gas furnace. If you heat with gas and want to add a heat pump, dual-energy (biénergie, combining a heat pump with a gas furnace backup) is the right path. That’s actually been our specialty since 2005.
Is an electric furnace quieter than a gas furnace?
Generally, yes. Electric furnaces and air handlers have no burner, so there’s no combustion and no associated noise. The variable-speed ECM motor also contributes to quieter operation, especially in low-speed circulation mode.
Questions about electric furnaces?
Our team answers all your questions, no commitment required.
(450) 662-9888
ventilationhitech.com/en/faqs/
