Heating & Cooling

Heating & Cooling

Nested Applications

Breadcrumb

Content - RES - Better Homes - Energy - Directory - Heating

On this page:

Air Conditioners - Central

A central air conditioner evaporates a liquid refrigerant to absorb heat from your home. The system then compresses the refrigerant and condenses it from a vapour to a liquid, releasing the heat so that the cooled/liquid refrigerant can be expanded and sent back into the home, where it starts the cycle again. 

There are two types of central air conditioner systems to choose from: 

  • Split systems – which have an outdoor cabinet which compresses and condenses the refrigerant, releasing heat outdoors. The indoor cabinet expands and evaporates the refrigerant, absorbing heat. If your home already has a furnace, a split-system is the most economical central air conditioner to install. 
  • Packaged central air conditioning system – in which all of the components are located in one cabinet; usually placed on a roof or on a slab next to your house’s foundation. Ducts go through the home’s exterior wall or roof to connect with the air conditioner outdoors. Packaged air conditioners often include electric heating coils or a natural gas furnace, eliminating the need for a separate furnace indoors. 

What to Look For 

  • An ENERGY STAR® certified high-efficiency central air conditioner that uses 8per cent less energy, on average, than a standard model. 
  • The right size unit for your home is essential. If the unit is too small it won’t be able to properly cool your home. If the unit is too big it will cycle on and off frequently – wasting energy and inflating your utility bill. 
  • A unit with a higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). 

Things to Consider 

  • Consider getting a ceiling fan or a heat pump, which use less energy and can still keep your rooms comfortable. 
  • When setting the temperature for your home, aim for comfort, not chill. Set the temperature between 25 and 27°C. 
  • Keep your system clean – regularly clean filters (check every two weeks), coils and duct work to make sure it’s running as efficiently as possible. Consult your owner’s manual for detailed instructions. 
  • Before you replace any your AC, schedule a Home Energy evaluation which can help you understand how your home currently uses energy. 
  • Check with our Energy Coach, your utility provider or retailer to see if there are any rebates available.

Cost 

$2,400 to more than $6,000. 

Source: Natural Resources Canada 

Air Conditioners - Room

Room air conditioners, also known as, window air conditioners, cool individual rooms rather than your entire home. These air conditioners are less expensive to operate than central air conditioners because they only provide cooling in areas that are needed.  They are also a good option for residents in high-rise buildings without central air-conditioning. 

What to Look For 

  • An ENERGY STAR® certified high-efficiency room air conditioner that uses 8per cent less energy, on average, than a standard model. 
  • The right size unit for your room is essential. If the unit is too small it won’t be able to properly cool your space. If the unit is too big it will cycle on and off frequently – wasting energy and inflating your Hydro bill.
  • A unit with a higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). 
  • Some models offer Wi-Fi enabled smart functionality, which allows you to control your unit from a connected device such as a mobile phone or tablet. 

Things to Consider 

  • Choose a ceiling fan or a heat pump, which use less energy and can still keep your rooms comfortable. 
  • When setting the temperature, aim for comfort, not chill. Set the temperature between 25 and 27°C. 
  • Make sure you have adequate air circulation, and if possible, make sure your air conditioner is away from doors, corners, drapes and furniture. 
  • Choose a wall or window with northern exposure and/or plentiful shade if possible. 
  • Make sure your AC is accessible for cleaning, maintenance and removal. Removing and storing your AC over the winter will extend its life and help maintain its efficiency, saving you more money in the long run. 
  • Properly seal large gaps with the panels or side curtains provided by the manufacturer. 
  • Add peelable caulking or other airtight sealants that will block air leaks and insects. 
  • Check with our Energy Coach, your utility provider or retailer to see if there are any rebates available.

Cost 

$200 to $600 

Source: Natural Resources Canada 

Boilers

Space and water heating are the biggest users of energy in Canadian homes which accounts for approximately 80per cent of residential energy consumption and 99per cent of GHG emissions in Ontario residences

Boilers use gas or oil to provide space heating and hot water to your home. Boilers distribute heat using radiators or in-floor radiant heating, eliminating the need for pre-existing duct systems.

What to Look For

Gas and oil boilers are subject to Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations, which sets minimum performance standards for their energy efficiency. All boilers sold in Canada are energy efficient.

Check the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating, the minimum should be between 82 and 84 per cent.

Replacing your oil boiler? Consider switching to a natural gas boiler which tends to produce less waste and fewer harmful emissions.

Things to Consider

  • Insulate the hot water pipes.
  • Empty or “bleed” the air from the radiators once or twice a year so that they can fill fully with water.
  • Vacuum the radiators to prevent dirt and dust from building up.
  • Ensure that the level of water in the expansion tank is correct.
  • Before you replace your boiler, get a home energy evaluation, which can help you understand how your home currently uses energy.
  • Check with our Energy Coach, your utility provider or retailer to see if there are any rebates available.

Cost

$3,000 to $8,000

Source: Natural Resources Canada

Dehumidifiers

If your house, or a room, has moist or wet stains on a wall or ceiling, musty odours, windows or pipes that are covered with condensation, and/or feels stuffy, you may need a dehumidifier.  Dehumidifiers regulate the humidity in a room by removing excess moisture from the air, thereby creating a living condition that is inhospitable to dust mites, mould and other allergenic organisms. They run quietly and efficiently in the background without most people even noticing.

There are two types of dehumidifiers available, portable and whole-house. For significant, year-round issues of high humidity, get a whole-house dehumidifier that uses your home’s heating-and-cooling system to reduce the humidity throughout your entire house. If the humidity is periodic or confined to one room, a portable unit is sufficient.

What to Look For

  • An ENERGY STAR® certified high-efficiency dehumidifier which uses nearly 30per cent less energy, on average, than a standard model.
  • Models with the highest energy factor (EF) for best efficiency, which is measured in litres of water removed per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy consumed or L/kWh
  • Some models offer Wi-Fi enabled smart functionality, which allows you to control your unit from a connected device such as a mobile phone or tablet.

Things to Consider

  • Close doors and windows, while operating your unit, as outdoor air can reduce your unit’s efficiency.
  • Choose units that have filters that can be easily removed and washed. Washing filters twice a month will make your unit run more efficiently and you’ll have to replace the filters less often.

Cost

Whole-house units $1,000 – $2,000+; portable units $150 – $300.

Source: Natural Resources Canada

Drain-Water Heat Recovery

Heating water accounts for up to 20 per cent of a home’s energy use, making it the second-highest energy consumer after space heating.

Drain-water heat recovery systems capture the heat from water going down a drain, typically the shower, and use it to heat cold water entering your water heater. It’s particularly effective when there are simultaneous water flows i.e. when you’re using hot water in the shower at the same time that water is flowing down the drain.

  • Look for an ENERGY STAR® certified product. Drain water heat recovery systems can be purchased through your local plumber, a plumbing wholesaler, or online.
  • Drain water heat recovery systems are recommended for homes with higher than average hot water consumption (usually three or more people). The savings are greatest when all occupants take showers.
  • These systems typically last 30 years or more. The technology is simple and long-lasting, with no moving parts.
  • Hire a licensed plumber to install the system. It most cases, the installation will take a couple of hours.
  • Consider getting a home energy evaluation to help you understand how your home uses energy and identify all improvement opportunities.
  • Check with our Energy Coach, your utility provider or retailer to see if there are any rebates available.

Cost

$550 – $1,700 plus installation.

Source: Natural Resources Canada

Furnaces

A furnace uses ductwork and vents to distribute warm air throughout your house. High-efficiency gas furnaces are quiet, reliable, and effective at maintaining a comfortable home, and they can reduce your energy bill by up to 45 per cent.

An ENERGY STAR® certified forced-air furnace, fueled by gas uses 6 per cent less energy, fueled by oil uses 9 per cent less energy, on average than a standard model. Space heating represents more than half of your home’s energy use and offers the most potential for reducing your energy bill.

If your furnace was installed before 1990, it’s probably a lower-efficiency model, as regulations for furnaces in Canada have been updated since then. If you upgrade to an ENERGY STAR® certified furnace, you will save money and reduce the amount of greenhouse gases you emit.

What to Look For

  • Choose an ENERGY STAR® certified model.
  • Check the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. Some are rated as high as 98.5 per cent, which means there’s very little wasted energy.
  • High-efficiency furnaces may cost more, but you’ll save on your energy bills and reduce the emissions that contribute to climate change.

Things to Consider

  • Have the unit installed by a qualified, licensed contractor.
  • Ask your contractor to calculate the heat requirements of your home to make sure your furnace is the appropriate size.
  • For maximum efficiency, install a smart thermostat as well.
  • Gas furnaces typically last 15 to 20 years. If your existing furnace is nearing it-end-of-life, think about replacing it before winter sets in.
  • Clean or replace the air filter periodically.
  • Hire a  licensed heating contractor to regularly inspect your furnace, which will increase the life and efficiency of your furnace.
  • Scheduling a home evaluation can help you understand more about how to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
  • Check with our Energy Coach, your utility provider or retailer to see if there are any rebates available.

Cost

$2,000 – $8,000.

Source: Natural Resources Canada

Heat Pumps - Air-Source

Space heating accounts for 60per cent of the energy used in the average Canadian home. For electrically heated homes, you may be able to reduce your heating costs by up to 50per cent if you install an all-electric air-source heat pump.

An air-source heat pump is an electrical device that uses the difference between outdoor air temperatures and indoor air temperatures to cool and heat your home.

Acting as a high-efficiency air conditioner in the summer, and a heater in the winter, an air-source heat pump uses a refrigerant that responds to temperature. In summer, a heat pump will move heat out of your home and release it outdoors. In fall, it brings heat into your home from outside, even when it’s chilly (0°C). Many homes can rely on these products to heat or cool their homes year-round.

What to Look For

  • In Kingston, a supplementary heating source is usually needed. Purchasing a “cold-climate” heat pump can help reduce reliance on this supplementary heating source.
  • For installation, hire a professional heating and cooling technician who can determine the proper size and right product for your home and climate.
  • Service your heat pump at the end of summer before the start of the next heating season.
  • Clean your filters and coils every month, as this will impact on the performance of your system and operating life.

Things to Consider

  • Pair with a smart thermostat, to better manage your home’s energy use.
  • When buying any heat pump, two ratings will help you determine the unit’s efficiency:
    • the Heating Seasonal Performance Factors (HSPF) that determines the efficiency during winter; and
    • the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is used for summer.
  • In both cases the higher the number, the better the efficiency.
  • An ENERGY STAR® certified air-source heat pump which use on average, 5per cent less energy than a standard model.
  • Get a home energy evaluation to help you understand how your home uses energy and identify all improvement opportunities.
  • Check with our Energy Coach, your utility provider or retailer to see if there are any rebates available.

Cost

$2,500 to more than $5,000 per unit, including installation.

Source: Natural Resources Canada

Heat Pumps – Ductless Mini-Split

Home Space heating accounts for about 60 per cent of the energy used in the average Canadian home.

A ductless mini-split system is an energy-efficient heating and cooling system that doesn’t require ductwork, making them ideal for older electrically-heated homes and/or homes with no ductwork. Also known as ductless heat pumps, they take advantage of the difference in temperature between outdoor and indoor air to heat or cool a room. The temperature can be adjusted through a wall-mounted console, remote control or smartphone app. Ductless units require only a very small hole to be drilled into an exterior wall, making them less vulnerable to air leakage and security problems.

Mini-splits also avoid the energy losses associated with ductwork, which can account for more than 30 per cent of the energy used to heat or cool indoor air.

What to Look For

Choose an ENERGY STAR® certified ductless heating and cooling system to cut your electrical heating bill by up to 60 per cent, and your cooling bill by 30 per cent, depending on your climate.

Things to Consider

  • Pair the system with a smart thermostat to better manage your home’s energy use.
  • For installation, hire a professional heating and cooling technician who can determine the right product and size for your home and climate.
  • Get a home energy evaluation to help you understand how your home uses energy and identify all improvement opportunities.
  • Check with our Energy Coach, your utility provider or retailer to see if there are any rebates available.

Cost

$2,500 to $5,000+ per unit, including installation.

Source: Natural Resources Canada

Heat Pumps – Ground-Source

Space heating accounts for about 60 per cent of the energy used in the average Canadian home. If your home is electrically heated, you can reduce your heating costs by up to 50 per cent by installing an electric ground-source heat pump.

Ground-source heat pumps, also known as geothermal heat pumps, use the earth, groundwater or both to heat your home in the winter and cool it in the summer, and supply hot water. Ground-source heat pumps are more effective at heating homes during Canadian winters and provide greater energy savings than air-source heat pumps because in the winter underground temperatures are higher than air temperatures.

Ground source heating produce less CO2 than other forms of space heating systems.

What to Look For

  • Find a qualified, licensed contractor who can access your home and your needs.
  • There are two important energy efficiency ratings: the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) indicates its efficiency in the winter, and the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) indicates efficiency in the summer. In both cases the higher the number, the higher the efficiency.

Things to Consider

  • Ground-source heat pumps are expensive and the installation process requires significant work and disruption to your garden, but they have a long life expectancy. The indoor components (the heat pump) typically last for 25 years, while the ground loops can last for more than 50 years.
  • Ground source heat pumps will generally heat your unit at a slightly lower temperature than a traditional gas or electric unit
  • Pair your heat pump with a smart thermostat, to better manage energy use.
  • Service your pump at the end of the summer, before the next heating season.
  • Get a home energy evaluation to help you understand how your home uses energy and identify all improvement opportunities.
  • Check with our Energy Coach, your utility provider or retailer to see if there are any rebates available.

Cost

$20,000 – $40,000, including installation.

Source: Natural Resources Canada

Heat Recovery Ventilators

Homes built after 1977 are typically more airtight, which helps to prevent heat loss but also prevents air circulation, which is important for your health and comfort. Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRVs), also know as fresh air exchangers, remove excess moisture and indoor pollutants (mould, household chemicals and bacteria) and let fresh air inside while minimizing heat loss.

During the fall and winter, an HRV captures heat from air leaving your house and uses it to heat the fresh air coming into your house. Similarly, an HRV can reverse this process during the spring and summer, removing some heat from the incoming air and transferring it to the outgoing air.

What to Look For

  • An ENERGY STAR® certified HRV uses less energy, on average than a standard model.
  • For homes with existing ductwork, consider a whole-house system.
  • In homes without ductwork, a room-sized HRV can be installed in a window or wall opening. These are best for rooms with ventilation problems such as bathrooms or laundry rooms.

Things to Consider

  • Hire a professional, licensed HVAC to install your HRV.
  • Get a home energy evaluation to help you understand how your home uses energy and identify all improvement opportunities.
  • Check with our Energy Coach, your utility provider or retailer to see if there are any rebates available.

Cost

$350 to $500 for mounted, room-sized models; $500 to $1,500 for whole-house systems.

Source: Natural Resources Canada

Water Heaters – Storage Tank

Heating water accounts for approximately 20per cent of your home’s energy bill.

Water heaters with storage tanks are the most common in Canadian homes, but they are not the most energy-efficient. Electricity, gas or oil is used to heat water stored in the tank and supply it, as needed, to household fixtures and appliances. Storage tanks typically hold between 113 and 378 litres of water in their tanks, and this water is continuously reheated and kept hot 24 hours a day.

What to Look For

  • ENERGY STAR® certified models use 14per cent less energy, on average than other storage tank models.
  • Choose a water heater with the right capacity for your home and family.

Things to Consider

  • To improve efficiency, insulate the hot and cold water pipes within 2 to 3 metres of the water heater, and reduce the water temperature on your thermostat. Most water heaters are set to 60° C, consider 48°C instead.
  • For optimal efficiency, consider a tankless water heater, which only heats water when it’s needed, or a solar water heater.
  • Get a home energy evaluation to help you understand how your home uses energy and identify all improvement opportunities.
  • Check with our Energy Coach, your utility provider or retailer to see if there are any rebates available.

Cost

$800 to $1,500, plus installation.

Source: Natural Resources Canada

Water Heaters – Tankless

Heating water accounts for about 20 per cent of a home’s energy expense. Tankless water heaters heat water as it flows, and only when required, using an electric element or gas burner. They provide endless hot water and the heat-on-demand feature means you only pay to heat water as you use it, instead of paying to keep a tank of water heated 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

What to Look For

  • ENERGY STAR® certified tankless water heaters uses 30 per cent less energy, on average than heaters with storage tanks.
  • Consider models with an efficiency rate of 80 per cent or higher.
  • Buy the right size for your needs. Consult an experienced plumber to estimate the hot water demands in your home.

Things to Consider

  • Tankless units are more efficient than heaters with storage tanks, but the cost to purchase and install is higher.
  • Hire a certified HVAC technician to install the unit so that you are eligible for all warranties.
  • Tankless units save space. Wall-mounted units can be hung on almost any wall, including a wall close to the point of use.
  • Have your unit serviced every year or two by a qualified professional. Consult your owner’s manual for details.
  • Get a home energy evaluation to help you understand how your home uses energy and identify all improvement opportunities.
  • Check with our Energy Coach, your utility provider or retailer to see if there are any rebates available.

Cost

$1,000 to $2,800

Source: Natural Resources Canada

Kingston Navigation Portlet