Heat Pump vs. Furnace: What’s Best for Ottawa Winters?

When it comes to heating your Ottawa home, choosing between a heat pump and a furnace isn’t just about comfort—it’s about cost, efficiency, and reliability in extreme cold. Here’s how both systems work and what you need to know before making the right choice for your household.

How Heat Pumps and Furnaces Work

Heat pumps work by transferring heat rather than generating it. In winter, they extract heat from the outdoor air—even in sub-zero temperatures—and transfer it inside. In summer, they work in reverse to cool your home, acting like an air conditioner.

A gas furnace, on the other hand, burns natural gas or propane to heat air and circulates it through ducts. Furnaces are known for producing strong, consistent heat, especially during Ottawa’s harsh winters.
Modern heat pumps can still gather warmth from the air at temperatures as low as -15°C or even colder, but performance varies by model. Furnaces, fueled by gas, remain reliable even during the deepest freeze.

Efficiency and Costs

When comparing efficiency, heat pumps are measured by Coefficient of Performance (COP), while furnaces use Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE).

High-efficiency furnaces typically reach 90–98% AFUE, meaning nearly all fuel is converted into usable heat.
Modern cold-climate heat pumps can reach a COP of 2–4, meaning they deliver 2–4 units of heat for every unit of electricity consumed—even in cold weather.

In terms of operating costs, heat pumps run on electricity, which may be more affordable depending on local hydro rates. Furnaces use natural gas or propane, which can fluctuate in price. Ercan’s experts can help you compare energy costs based on your home’s size and insulation.

Performance in Ottawa Winters

Ottawa’s winters are long and extreme. While cold-climate heat pumps now perform well in temperatures down to -25°C, most systems include backup heating, such as electric resistance or a gas furnace.

Gas furnaces are still the go-to option for those seeking maximum warmth regardless of outdoor temperature. They’re ideal for homeowners who prioritize consistent performance even during -30°C cold snaps.

Installation and Maintenance

Furnaces are typically installed in a basement or utility room and require a ducted system. If your home already has ducts, installing a furnace might be the straightforward route.

Heat pumps offer more flexibility. They can be ducted or ductless (mini-split systems), making them ideal for homes without central air systems or for additions and renovations.
Both systems require annual maintenance for peak performance:

Furnaces should have burners, heat exchangers, and blowers inspected.
Heat pumps need coil cleaning, refrigerant checks, and fan inspections.

Ercan’s provides comprehensive maintenance services for both types of systems.

Environmental Impact

Heat pumps run on electricity, which means they can be powered by renewable energy if your utility supports it. They produce no on-site emissions and are considered more eco-friendly than fossil fuel systems.

Gas furnaces, while efficient, do emit carbon dioxide (CO2) and require proper venting to avoid issues like carbon monoxide (CO) buildup. (Stay tuned for our next blog on furnace safety and CO detection.)

Choosing the Right System for Your Home

When deciding between a heat pump or furnace, consider the following:

Do you already have ductwork?
What’s your preferred fuel source?
How well is your home insulated?
Do you value long-term energy savings or upfront reliability?

Ercan’s Heating and Cooling can help you weigh all these factors and recommend the right system for your home. Whether you’re upgrading or starting fresh, our technicians will guide you toward the most efficient, climate-appropriate choice.

Need expert advice on heat pump or furnace installation in Ottawa?

Contact Ercan’s today to schedule a home assessment and get expert heating guidance.

Get in Touch

Give us a call or send us a message using the form below.