Heat Pump vs Furnace: Which Heating System Is More Efficient for Quebec Winters?

Understanding Heating Challenges in Quebec: A Harsh Climate to Tackle

Living in Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, on the North Shore or South Shore, means facing long, harsh, and often unpredictable winters every year. Temperatures can drop below -25°C for several consecutive days. This climate makes one decision absolutely crucial for homeowners and commercial property owners alike: should you go with a heat pump or a furnace as your main heating system? At AirGreen, we help clients every day who are asking themselves this very question. And our answer is always the same: it depends on your specific needs, your building, and your energy goals. Here's a comprehensive, professional overview to help you make the best choice.

Basic Function: Heat Pump and Furnace, Two Different Philosophies

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

A heat pump is a HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system that does double duty. In winter, it extracts heat from the outdoor air (even in sub-zero temperatures) and transfers it inside. In summer, it reverses the process and works like a wall-mounted air conditioner, removing indoor heat.

Advantages:

• Very high energy efficiency (up to 300%): a heat pump can deliver up to 3 kWh of heat for every 1 kWh of electricity consumed.

• Dual-function heating/cooling, perfect for year-round use.

• Eligible for government grants, including Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert program.

• Available in wall-mounted or central systems, depending on the building’s needs.

How Does a Furnace Work?

A furnace, whether electric, gas, or oil, operates in a more traditional way: it generates heat through combustion or resistance, and distributes it via ductwork.

Advantages:

• High heating power, ideal for very large buildings or extremely cold areas.

• Lower initial cost, especially for basic electric models.

• Compatible with existing duct systems.

Performance Comparison: Efficiency, Cost, Longevity

Energy Efficiency: Heat Pump Takes the Lead

In terms of performance, the heat pump wins in most cases. A model ENERGY STAR certified, like the Gree Extreme, Fujitsu KZAH R-32 or Bosch BOVA, can operate efficiently down to -30°C, which covers most cold snaps in Montreal and surrounding regions.

At AirGreen, we’ve installed several 18,000 BTU Gree Extreme heat pumps in Beaconsfield, Sainte-Julie, and Laval, helping clients save up to 35% annually on their energy bills.

Installation and Operating Costs: Long-Term Balance

• Furnace: lower upfront cost, but higher energy consumption.

• Heat Pump: higher initial investment, paid back within a few years through energy savings.

Real example: a client in Sainte-Marthe-sur-le-Lac had our AirGreen team install a Gree Sapphire heat pump. While the upfront cost was higher than an electric furnace, the client saved nearly $800 in the first year alone, thanks to reduced consumption and a $1,704 government grant.

Maintenance and Life Expectancy

• Electric furnace: low maintenance, lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

• Gas/oil furnace: yearly maintenance required, lifespan varies based on upkeep.

• Heat pump: regular maintenance needed (cleaning, refrigerant checks), lifespan of 12 to 15 years, or more with professional servicing.

At AirGreen, we offer a preventive maintenance program tailored to heat pumps, highly appreciated by our clients on the South Shore, particularly in Brossard and Saint-Lambert, where we perform cleaning, pressure checks, and seasonal performance optimization.

Available Grants: A Valuable Advantage for Heat Pumps

One of the biggest decision-making factors for our clients is access to government grants, mostly available for heat pump purchases and installations:

• Hydro-Québec’s LogisVert Program: up to $2,172 for high-efficiency models.

• Chauffez Vert (Transition énergétique Québec): for replacing oil furnaces.

• Municipal programs: like in Laval or Longueuil, additional incentives may apply.

In Oka, a homeowner received the maximum grant after our certified technicians installed a 15,000 BTU Sharp ZU1 wall-mounted heat pump. The project was completed in just 2 days, including the removal of the old system.

Resistance to Extreme Cold: Heat Pump or Furnace?

This is the key question. At temperatures of -25 to -30°C, some standard heat pumps lose efficiency. That’s why at AirGreen, we only choose ultra-low-temperature models, tested right here in Quebec.

However, in the coldest areas of the North Shore, it can be wise to install a heat pump with electric auxiliary heat, or even consider a hybrid configuration: heat pump + furnace. This approach combines energy efficiency and constant performance during extreme cold.

Installation by AirGreen: Complete Support from Start to Finish

At AirGreen, we provide customized installations, adapted to each property’s specifications: building type, insulation level, number of floors, orientation, etc.

Recent examples:

• In Anjou, we replaced an old oil furnace with a Goodman R-32 central heat pump, boosting comfort and cutting energy use by 40%.

• In Longueuil, in an older duplex, we installed a Fujitsu KZAH 12,000 BTU heat pump on each floor, with recommended complementary insulation.

What to Choose? Our Professional Advice

Our recommendation: For most homes in urban areas (Montreal, Laval, Longueuil), the heat pump is the winning solution in the long run. For rural areas or large, poorly insulated buildings, a hybrid approach may be more suitable.

Why Trust AirGreen?

With hundreds of successful installations all across Montreal and surrounding areas, a transparent, human, and technical approach, and a certified team, AirGreen is your ideal partner for making the right heating choice in Quebec.

We take the time to assess your needs, provide honest advice, and deliver professional HVAC installations tailored to Quebec’s climate.