Gas furnace
Furnace
A furnace is the most common way Toronto homes are heated. It burns natural gas (or propane or oil, or uses electric elements) to heat air, and a blower pushes that air through your ducts. It provides heating only — cooling comes from a separate air conditioner.
How it works
Burns fuel
A burner heats a heat exchanger using natural gas, propane or oil.
Warms the air
House air passes over the hot heat exchanger and picks up heat.
Blows it through ducts
The blower sends warm air through your vents; combustion gases are vented outside.
Is it right for your home?
Great for
- Homes already on natural gas with good ductwork
- Pairing with a heat pump as backup (hybrid)
- A quick like-for-like replacement
Think twice if
- Homeowners who want to reduce gas use or emissions
- Homes that also need new cooling — a heat pump does both
Pros
- Strong, steady heat on the coldest days
- Familiar technology; many installers
- Works with an AC or a heat pump
Cons
- Heating only — no cooling
- Burns fossil fuel on site; ongoing gas costs
- Not eligible for Home Renovation Savings heat pump rebates
Hybrid: keep your furnace, add a heat pump
A hybrid (dual-fuel) system pairs a heat pump with your gas furnace. The heat pump handles cooling and most of the heating, and the furnace takes over on the coldest days. For Enbridge gas-heated homes, the heat pump can qualify for Home Renovation Savings at $500 per ton, up to $2,000.
Home Renovation Savings
Furnaces are not covered by Home Renovation Savings heat pump rebates. Choosing a cold-climate heat pump — alone or as a hybrid with your furnace — can qualify.
What affects the cost
- Efficiency (AFUE) and blower type
- Venting changes
- Ductwork condition
- Whether you add a heat pump at the same time
Every home is different — installers quote after a site visit and heat-loss calculation.
Keeping it running well
- Replace the filter every 1–3 months
- Annual safety inspection and cleaning
- Keep a working carbon monoxide alarm on every level
Common questions
Should I replace my furnace with a heat pump?
If your AC is also old, a heat pump replaces both jobs. If you want to keep gas, a hybrid setup adds a heat pump alongside the furnace.
Are there rebates for a new furnace?
Home Renovation Savings rebates cover heat pumps, not furnaces. Adding a heat pump (hybrid) is the way to qualify.
How long does a furnace last?
Typically around 15–20 years, depending on maintenance and usage.