Gas Boiler

Propane or natural gas is burned inside the boiler. The resulting heat is then used to heat different rooms.

Note that boilers come in a range of sizes, capable of meeting any need. There are also various qualities of boiler on the market. You should always check a unit’s efficiency when assessing its quality. The closer the efficiency is to 100%, the more cost-effective the unit will be when in use.

Benefits

1. Lower energy costs when paired with an electric boiler
2. High output means high efficiency
3. Requires very little electricity
4. Provides domestic hot water on demand
5. Can run during power failures with a minimum of electricity (using a small generator)
6. Requires little space

Drawbacks

1. System uses fuel, the price of which fluctuates constantly
2. Requires an annual contract for the propane tank
3. Requires specialized knowledge for installation
4. Requires the installation of outdoor components for removing flue gases

Dual-Energy

Hydro-Québec’s dual-energy rate aims to provide customers with a price below the residential rate at all times of the year, except for those parts of the winter when temperatures fall below -12 or -15 (depending on the region).

Upon request, we can put together a customized system that will make you eligible for Hydro Quebec’s dual-energy program or one offered by your local electricity supplier. Our dual-energy systems feature both an electric boiler and a propane boiler. When temperatures fall below -12, the system automatically switches to the propane boiler. This will meet the conditions of the program, which aims to reduce electricity use during periods when demand is high.

Benefits

1. Very low electricity rate for your entire home.
2. Much lower heating bills during periods when outside temperatures are -12 degrees Celsius or higher.
3. During a power outage, the fuel-fired boiler can even be used on its own to heat the home and provide domestic hot water (provided the system is equipped with a small generator).

Drawbacks

1. The biggest disadvantage (which isn’t really much of an inconvenience) is that electricity costs more throughout your home when the higher rate is in effect. At those times, gas becomes more cost-effective for heating. Fortunately, during the winter, temperatures usually drop more at night, when electricity use tends to be low. And don’t forget all the savings you build up over the course of the year!

Air-to-Water Heat Pump

An air exchanger located outdoors draws the energy required for heating or cooling from the outside air. The energy transferred using gas is then carried to a tube exchanger that heats the water-glycol mixture.

There are different models of air-to-water heat pumps. In a split heat pump system, the compressor and the tube exchanger are located inside the building, while the evaporator (fan housing) is located outdoors.

In a so-called package system, all the components are contained in a single housing, which is located outdoors.

Advances in technology have made it possible for air-to-water heat pumps to operate at low temperatures—as low as -35˚ C. They remain a less expensive option compared to geothermal energy.

Benefits

1. Easy installation
2. Energy cost savings of up to 40%
3. Lower energy consumption
4. More environmentally friendly and zero emissions
5. Minimum maintenance, durable and stable
6. Heating and cooling modes

Drawbacks

1. Higher purchase price compared to an electric boiler
2. Requires additional heating (optional, depends on your building)
   
   Compared to an electric system, an air-to-water heat pump produces fewer emissions and is three times more cost-effective when outside temperatures are 10°C or higher.