A traditional heating source under scrutiny: the future of natural gas in Greater Montréal
In Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, and across the North Shore and South Shore, many homeowners and building managers are asking a key question in 2025: is natural gas heating still a smart choice in a time of energy transition, green subsidies, and the growing popularity of cleaner alternatives like central heat pumps?
At AirGreen, we guide households and businesses throughout the region to make informed decisions when it comes to HVAC heating. In this article, we share a professional perspective—based on real field experience—on the benefits, limitations, and future prospects of natural gas heating in the Montréal area.
A changing environmental and political landscape
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is now at the heart of provincial and municipal policies in Québec. Cities like Montréal are adopting increasingly strict regulations regarding fossil-fuel heating systems. As of 2025, several new builds will have to exclude natural gas as their primary heating source. This regulatory shift has a direct impact on the long-term value of gas systems.
Additionally, incentive programs such as Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program now heavily favour replacing natural gas boilers with high-efficiency heat pumps, which can qualify for grants ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the setup.
Current advantages of natural gas heating
Despite these changes, natural gas still offers some advantages in specific scenarios:
-
High heating power: Ideal for older or poorly insulated buildings that need quick, constant heat during the winter.
-
Reliable in extreme cold: Unlike some low-end heat pumps, gas boilers don’t lose performance at -25°C.
-
Existing systems already paid off: For owners who already have a central air or hot water distribution network, maintenance costs remain reasonable if the installation is fairly recent.
-
Short-term competitive energy costs: Although gas prices fluctuate, they can still be lower than electricity rates at certain times.
Increasing disadvantages of gas heating in 2025
However, several important factors are challenging the long-term viability of natural gas as a heating solution:
-
Non-negligible CO₂ emissions: While gas is cleaner than oil, it still contributes to climate change.
-
Rising distribution fees: Distributors like Énergir are increasing access fees to their networks.
-
Mandatory annual maintenance: Gas boilers require yearly inspections, often required by insurance providers.
-
Few or no grants available: Unlike electric systems, gas is excluded from most government rebate programs.
Real-life AirGreen transition projects
Case 1 – Replacement in Saint-Hubert (South Shore)
A couple owning a bungalow in Saint-Hubert was using a 20-year-old natural gas boiler. With help from our team, they decided to replace the boiler with a Bosch BOVA 36,000 BTU central heat pump. The result: equivalent comfort, annual savings of $1,250, and a $5,500 grant through the LogisVert program.
Case 2 – Conversion in Laval (Duvernay)
A property manager of a triplex heated with natural gas reached out to AirGreen for a comparative analysis. After conducting an energy audit, we installed a Goodman R-32 multi-zone central heat pump paired with an air handler. The outcome: 40% savings on heating costs and a total grant of $7,000.
Serious alternatives to natural gas heating
Today, several technologies outperform natural gas in terms of energy efficiency, environmental impact, and financial return:
-
Central heat pumps with electric backup furnaces: A very popular solution in single-family homes.
-
Bi-zone or tri-zone wall-mounted heat pumps: Well-suited for duplexes and triplexes.
-
Hybrid systems combining gas and heat pump: A transitional option for clients who want flexibility during extreme cold.
-
Electric radiant heating: Sometimes chosen for specific areas like bathrooms.
AirGreen’s essential role in this transition
At AirGreen, we don’t just sell machines. We provide full support, from energy analysis to grant applications, including professional installation that meets the strictest standards. Our technicians are certified and trained to perform natural gas system replacements without any loss of comfort.
Our recommendations for 2025
-
If your gas system is over 15 years old, seriously consider replacing it with a central heat pump.
-
If you're located in an urban zone (Montréal, Laval, Longueuil), be aware of upcoming restrictions.
-
Request a free audit from AirGreen to compare your current consumption with the potential ROI of an alternative system.
-
If you’re attached to gas for comfort reasons, explore hybrid solutions combining gas and heat pump technologies.
Conclusion: Is it still worth it?
In 2025, natural gas heating may still be a suitable option in certain specific cases, especially in very old buildings or when existing installations are still recent. However, for the vast majority of homeowners in Montréal, Laval, Longueuil, and across the North and South Shores, shifting toward electric, energy-efficient systems is now more beneficial, supported by financial aid and better long-term performance.
At AirGreen, we’re here to help you make the best decision—with transparency, expertise, and a commitment to energy efficiency.