A Strategic Choice for Long-Lasting Comfort on the North Shore
On the North Shore of Montréal, where winters are long, harsh, and demanding on any heating system, choosing the right energy source to heat your home or commercial building in 2025 has become a strategic decision. Between natural gas heating, electric heating, and hybrid systems, each option comes with its own set of advantages and limitations. At AirGreen, we help each client make the right choice based on their budget, environmental priorities, and the level of comfort they seek.
Understanding the Specific Needs of Buildings on the North Shore
Before diving into the technical details of heating systems, it's crucial to assess the local context:
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Extreme winter temperatures, common in cities like Blainville, Terrebonne, Saint-Eustache or Mascouche, require systems that are both reliable and powerful.
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Many residential buildings on the North Shore are still equipped with outdated systems, often oil- or baseboard electric-powered, which are inefficient and expensive.
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New grants available, such as Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert, strongly encourage the energy transition to heat pumps or hybrid systems.
Natural Gas Heating: Powerful, But an Energy Dependency
Why Some Homes Still Use Natural Gas
Natural gas remains a popular choice in some parts of the North Shore, especially in older single-family homes already connected to the gas network. It's valued for:
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Instant, high-output heating, even at -25 °C.
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Relatively stable energy costs in Québec compared to other provinces.
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The ability to quickly heat large spaces, ideal for homes with cathedral ceilings or finished basements.
The Downsides of Gas in 2025
However, in 2025, several factors discourage new natural gas installations:
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High environmental impact, with significant GHG emissions.
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New buildings are increasingly prohibited from being connected to natural gas, due to Québec’s environmental policies.
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Maintenance and upgrade costs for aging furnaces can rise quickly.
Electric Heating: A Clean Solution, But Sometimes Expensive
Electricity: A Reliable Option in Québec
With nearly 99% hydroelectric production, Québec’s electricity is among the cleanest in the world. That’s why many households opt for:
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Electric baseboard heaters, easy to install but highly energy-consuming.
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Central electric heat pumps, much more efficient and eligible for government grants.
At AirGreen, we prioritize the installation of high-efficiency central heat pumps, such as the Bosch BOVA 2.0 or Goodman R32, which can reduce annual heating bills by up to 40% compared to a purely electric system.
The Drawbacks to Consider
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In cases of extreme cold (-20 °C and below), purely electric heat pumps can lose efficiency, although certain models like the Fujitsu KZAH R-32 are designed to perform down to -26 °C.
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Total dependence on the electrical grid can be a drawback in case of power outages, unless backup systems are integrated.
The Hybrid System: The Best of Both Worlds in 2025
What is a Hybrid Heating System?
A hybrid heating system typically combines a central heat pump with a natural gas backup system. It optimizes energy efficiency:
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The heat pump is used most of the time (down to -15/-20 °C).
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The gas furnace kicks in only during deep freezes.
Why This System is Gaining Popularity on the North Shore
At AirGreen, we’re seeing growing interest in intelligent hybrid solutions, especially among homeowners who want to reduce their emissions without sacrificing thermal comfort during extreme winter conditions.
A real-life example: one of our clients in Boisbriand had a gas furnace from 2004. We replaced their system with a Bosch BOVA 20 SEER central heat pump combined with their existing furnace. The result: a 35% reduction in annual gas consumption and a $5,000 grant through the LogisVert program.
Quick Comparison: Gas, Electricity or Hybrid?
| Criteria | Natural Gas | Electricity Only | Hybrid System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation Cost | Medium to High | Varies | High |
| Annual Operating Cost | Medium | High without heat pump | Low to Medium |
| Environmental Impact | High | Low | Low to Moderate |
| Performance in Deep Cold | Excellent | Varies | Excellent |
| Available Grants | Low to None | High (LogisVert) | High (LogisVert) |
| Flexibility | Low | Medium | High |
Our Expert Advice for 2025 on the North Shore
For Homeowners
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Replace outdated electric baseboards with a high-efficiency central or wall-mounted heat pump. You could be eligible for financial assistance between $1,200 and $5,000.
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If you already have a gas furnace, consider adding a hybrid heat pump rather than completely replacing the system.
For Commercial Buildings
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Integrating a central multisplit or VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) system combined with an intelligent control system helps optimize performance, especially in offices, schools, or condo buildings.
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AirGreen regularly installs Bosch and Fujitsu systems with centralized regulation to maximize energy efficiency.
Why Trust AirGreen?
On the North Shore, AirGreen is known for its custom-tailored approach, attention to detail, and personalized guidance. Our certified technicians evaluate your building structure, heating needs, budget constraints, and the available grant programs to propose the most energy-efficient solution.
We’ve completed hybrid installations in Mirabel, Saint-Jérôme, Lavaltrie, and Deux-Montagnes, where we’ve successfully combined energy performance, thermal comfort, and reduced GHG emissions.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice in 2025
In 2025, the choice between gas, electricity, or a hybrid system is no longer just about cost, but also about long-lasting comfort, energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Thanks to our local expertise and personalized approach, AirGreen guides you toward the best HVAC solution on the North Shore, tailored to your needs and objectives.