Energy comparison in Laval: when electricity challenges gas for home heating
In the city of Laval, where winters are as long as they are harsh, choosing an efficient and cost-effective heating system is a crucial decision for homeowners and building managers alike. At AirGreen, we’ve been helping Laval residents for over a decade find HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) solutions that are high-performance, durable, and perfectly adapted to local climate conditions. One major recurring question: should you go with electric heating or gas? In this article, we deliver a comprehensive and detailed analysis of this energy showdown, enriched by our many on-site installations.
The energy landscape in Laval: a neutral but demanding playing field
Laval, with its many residential neighborhoods, new and older homes, and multi-unit buildings, represents a perfect cross-section of HVAC heating needs. Electricity here is abundant, clean (thanks to Hydro-Québec), and relatively affordable compared to many other North American regions. Natural gas, on the other hand, remains a popular option for its fast heating ability and consistency.
But what about energy savings? What do the numbers say? And what do we actually observe on the ground with our clients?
Electricity: an increasingly optimized solution
Energy performance: advantage to efficiency
Modern electric heat pumps, especially the systems we install at AirGreen like the FUJITSU KZAH R-32, Bosch BOVA R-454B, or central GOODMAN R-32 units, display coefficient of performance (COP) ratings above 3.0—and even 4.0 under certain conditions. This means that for every kWh of electricity consumed, up to 4 kWh of heat can be produced.
That level of efficiency is unreachable by gas boilers, even the most advanced ones, which top out around 95% efficiency (or a 0.95 COP).
Government incentives and grants
In Laval, homeowners who choose high-efficiency electric heating systems, like a central heat pump or mini split, can benefit from generous rebates through Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program, which can reach over $2,000 per installation.
In contrast, gas-powered units are generally not eligible for these green incentives, as they do not align with Québec’s broader energy transition goals.
Gas: still popular, but increasingly less economical
Operating costs: a shrinking advantage
Ten years ago, natural gas clearly offered lower operating costs. But today, with rising gas prices and expected increases tied to carbon taxes, that gap has significantly shrunk—or even flipped for many households.
Additionally, the thermal performance of a gas system is often fixed and lacks the smart adaptability of inverter systems found in modern electric heat pumps.
Maintenance and safety
Gas systems require strict annual maintenance, including burner inspections, vent pipe checks, and carbon monoxide detector testing. These procedures can be costly and are mandatory for safety reasons.
In contrast, modern electric systems are safer, require less maintenance, and don’t produce fossil fuels or toxic gases.
Case studies: two AirGreen installations compared in Laval
Project #1: Gas-to-electric conversion with a Bosch heat pump in Fabreville
A client who owned a 1990s-era bungalow wanted to reduce their heating bills. Their old gas system cost them over $1,200 during winter. We installed a 5-ton Bosch BOVA central heat pump (R-454B) with a smart Wi-Fi compatible thermostat. The result? A 45% reduction in energy costs after just one winter, with consistent performance even at -25°C.
Project #2: New home in Duvernay with radiant electric heating and FUJITSU KZAH heat pump
For this modern single-family home, we implemented a hybrid solution: electric radiant heated floors on the main level, and an 18,000 BTU FUJITSU KZAH wall-mounted heat pump for open spaces. Performance was outstanding, both in terms of comfort and efficiency, with a nearly silent system and significant space-saving benefits.
Common myths to debunk
❌ Myth: Gas heats stronger than electricity.
✔️ In fact, modern heat pumps heat just as effectively, while maintaining more stable indoor temperatures.
❌ Myth: Power outages make electric heating unreliable.
✔️ There are solutions: backup batteries, generators, and more importantly, Laval’s grid is very stable, minimizing this risk.
❌ Myth: Electric heating is always more expensive.
✔️ Not true. Thanks to grants and superior efficiency, electric systems are often more cost-effective in the long run.
Practical recommendations from AirGreen
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Avoid investing in new gas equipment without evaluating long-term return on investment.
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Choose ENERGY STAR-certified heat pumps, with a SEER rating over 17 and a high HSPF, suited for Québec’s climate.
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Request a free energy assessment from our experts to analyze your current usage and potential savings.
Why trust AirGreen for your heating needs in Laval?
At AirGreen, our approach is based on personalized analysis of each situation, selecting top-performing products, and professional installations meeting the industry’s highest standards. Our teams work in all Laval neighborhoods—from Chomedey to Saint-François, including Vimont and Sainte-Dorothée—with the same attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction.
We are proud to offer HVAC solutions 100% tailored to Laval’s reality, whether it’s a boiler replacement, a gas-to-electric conversion, or a new system installation.
Conclusion: In Laval, the future of heating is electric
The conclusion is clear: for a Laval resident aiming to lower their bills, increase their comfort, and reduce their carbon footprint, electric heating—especially via high-performance heat pumps—beats gas in most cases. This choice is strengthened by generous subsidies, cutting-edge technology, and the stability of Hydro-Québec’s grid.
For personalized support, expert advice, and professional installation, AirGreen is your trusted partner for HVAC heating in Laval.