General HVAC News, Tips & Advice

Cottages are awesome places to relax and escape city life. But they’re usually used only part of the year, meaning their heating and cooling needs differ from those of homes. You want systems that are easy, reliable, and affordable. 

So, what’s the best way to keep your cottage comfy for you and your tenants? Today, we’ll discuss the best heating and cooling systems for cottages. Let’s get started.

Top Heating Options for Cottages

Most cottage owners aren’t running heat all year round. You only need heating when you’re there, usually on weekends or holidays. So you need a heating system that’s fast, effective, and easy to manage. 

Here are the best heating options to keep your cottage comfortable:

Wood Stoves and Pellet Stoves

Wood stoves are a classic way to heat cottages. There’s something comforting about a fire crackling away. They burn logs you chop yourself or buy locally, which is handy if your cottage is tucked away in the woods. 

Both types give off steady heat and work well even if the power goes out. Installation and the stove itself usually cost between $3,000 and $4,000. You’ll need to store wood or pellets and keep an eye on the fire, so it’s a bit more hands-on. But for many cottage owners, that’s all part of the charm.

Electric Baseboard Heaters

Electric baseboard heaters sit along the base of your walls and use electricity to warm up quickly. Flip them on when you arrive, and your rooms will feel cozy in no time.

Since cottages aren’t usually heated year-round, electric baseboards are great because they don’t require maintenance or special attention. You can heat just the rooms you’re using, which helps keep electricity bills down. 

A cottage around 1,000 to 2,000 sq ft usually needs about 6 to 10 heaters. Including installation, this costs roughly $1,200 to $4,500. 

They also have the advantage of being one of the quietest heating options, which means they won’t disturb your peaceful time away from the city!

The only downside is that they can get expensive when you run them often. But for occasional visits, they’re a convenient choice.

Propane or Gas Heating

Propane heaters are perfect if your cottage remains occupied for long in the colder months. These systems typically use a propane tank outside, so you don’t need to worry about power outages interrupting your heat.

In Canada, a high-efficiency propane furnace (including installation) usually costs between $4,500 and $8,500. If your cottage already has an oil or electric furnace, you can often convert it to propane.

Propane heating also depends on fuel delivery. You should consider how easy it is to deliver propane to your remote cottage, especially in harsh winter weather. 

Heat Pumps & Ductless Mini-Splits

Heat pumps are becoming a favourite choice for cottage owners who spend a lot of time there. They cost about $10,000 to $20,000, including installation. 

These come in two main types, central options if you already have a furnace and ductwork. Or ductless options if you don’t, which instead use indoor ‘heads’ to circulate the air directly into rooms.

Heat pumps offer something other heating methods don’t: efficiency and eco-friendly operation. Instead of generating heat from scratch, they move existing heat from outside your cottage into your rooms—even when it feels cold outside. 

Other benefits include:

• Can both heat and cool your cottage
• Lower energy bills over time
• Long lifespan (often 15–20 years)
• Safer, no combustion or fuel storage required
• Many models offer Wi-Fi control for preheating before arrival.

However, heat pumps pay off only if you’re at your cottage frequently. For casual weekend visitors, the cost might outweigh the benefits. 

Best Cooling Options for Cottages

Anyone with a cottage in southern Ontario, the Okanagan, or Quebec’s Eastern Townships knows that summer heat can make your cottage feel more like a sauna. 

Obviously if you have ductwork in your cottage because it’s heated with a furnace, then a central air conditioner is a good option.

Here are some of the other best ways to cool your cottage without breaking the bank:

Ductless Mini-Split Air Conditioners

Ductless AC systems are ideal for cottages without ductwork installed. These are similar to the ductless heating & cooling systems mentioned above, but are designed only to cool, so they tend to be cheaper than systems that do both.

They’re also relatively quiet, so they won’t disturb your peaceful getaway. Expect to pay between $4,500 and $8,500+ per unit, including installation. 

Portable Air Conditioners

Portable air conditioners are an affordable fix if your cottage gets a little too warm during summer weekends. They’re simple to use—you just wheel them into the room you want cooled, plug them in, and turn them on. Prices are usually between $300 and $700.

They can be pretty noisy, which isn’t ideal if you want to relax quietly at your cottage. And if temperatures regularly go high, they might struggle to keep things cool enough. It could still be a good choice if your cottage doesn’t get too hot or if you’re only there occasionally. 

Window Air Conditioners

Window AC units come in different sizes (measured in BTUs), just like portable air conditioners. They’re popular because they’re affordable ($175 – $800) and easy to install. But before you buy, always look for the ENERGY STAR® rating. 

Units with this rating use less power, keeping your monthly cooling costs down (typically $10 – $75 per month). One thing to consider: Window units can block your views and aren’t exactly pretty from the outside. 

Portable and window air conditioners are an easy and cheap type of AC to consider if you don’t want to spend the money required for a more permanent central option.

Ceiling Fans and Natural Ventilation

Fans use very little energy and help circulate air, making your cottage feel cooler even on hot days. However, if your cottage regularly experiences extreme summer temperatures, ceiling fans alone might not be enough. 

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All-in-One Solutions: Heating and Cooling Systems

Some cottage areas in Canada—like southern Ontario, coastal BC, or the Maritimes—experience both hot summers and chilly winters. For these locations, it’s better to go with specialized units:

Heat Pumps

Cottages often have limited space. Why crowd your space with multiple units when one heat pump can handle both jobs? Heat pumps can handle heating in winter and cooling in summer, all with one efficient system. 

Yes, the upfront price ($10,000–$20,000, including installation) might feel steep. But consider the long-term benefits: lower energy bills, simplified maintenance, and eco-friendly operation. 

Geothermal Heating and Cooling Systems 

Geothermal systems tap into the natural temperature underground instead of creating heat or cold air. Pipes buried beneath your cottage transfer heat from the ground into your cottage during winter and draw heat away during summer. However, their installation costs ($25,000 – $50,000) are unrealistic for many cottage owners.

Hybrid Systems

Cottages often have uneven usage. Sometimes, you’re there just a weekend; other times, maybe an entire summer or even longer. Hybrid systems adapt easily to this unpredictable lifestyle. 

For instance, you might use a heat pump most of the year and switch to a propane furnace when temperatures plunge. Most cottages don’t need hybrid systems, though. 

How to Choose an HVAC System for a Cottage

Think about the following factors before choosing a heating and cooling system for cottages:

How frequently do you visit your cottage?

If you visit only a few times per year, investing in something expensive like geothermal might not make sense. But, frequent visitors or year-round residents might benefit from a high-efficiency heat pump or hybrid system.

Location and Climate

Cottages in mild climates like southern BC or Nova Scotia might do well with simpler options like ceiling fans or mini-split air conditioners. Colder regions, like the Laurentians or Muskoka, usually require stronger, more reliable heating, such as propane furnaces or wood stoves.

Budget and Long-Term Savings

Sometimes, cheaper upfront options cost more in the long run due to high energy bills. Systems like heat pumps and geothermal heating cost a lot initially but can pay off over time with lower monthly costs.

Maintenance and Convenience

Wood stoves are charming but require regular effort. Electric baseboard heaters or propane furnaces, meanwhile, offer easier, low-maintenance operation. 

Environmental Impact

If eco-friendly living is important to you, geothermal and heat pumps are clear winners. Wood stoves, while cozy, produce more emissions.

Conclusion

If you’re tired of chopping wood, carrying pellets, or dealing with fuel deliveries, a heat pump is the ultimate choice for a stress-free cottage.

Ready to make cottage life comfortable? We provide no-obligation quotes from your local contractors. Consult with them to find the best option for your cottage. Get a free quote today!

Frequently Asked Questions

You want a fair price when you replace your furnace or air conditioner. You expect the cost to be based on materials, labour, and maybe a bit of brand markup. What you don’t expect is that government policies will make your HVAC system more expensive.

But that’s exactly what’s happening with tariffs on steel and aluminum, as well as potential blanket tariffs on all imports that the Trump administration has threatened to implement, some of which are currently on hold. 

The idea behind these tariffs is to protect local industries and jobs. The problem? That “protection” comes at a price—one that lands right on your invoice when it’s time to upgrade your HVAC system.

In addition to potential tariffs imposed by the United States government, the Canadian, Mexican, Chinese, and European governments could implement retaliatory tariffs which could further increase costs.

The global supply chain is complex, and many products are manufactured with parts or materials that cross several borders, which can make the impact of tariffs tricky to assess accurately. 

So, what do these tariffs actually mean for homeowners? Is it the best time to buy HVAC units for your home? Let’s break it down.

Overview of the Tariffs

The HVAC industry is bracing for price hikes as trade tensions escalate between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. US President Donald Trump initially threatened blanket tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, despite the USMCA free trade agreement that Trump himself renegotiated during his first term, replacing the old NAFTA agreement. These tariffs were put on hold shortly thereafter but may still come into effect at a later date.

However the Trump administration did reinstate a 25% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, a move that directly impacts HVAC manufacturing. 

These tariffs, aimed at protecting American industries, extend beyond raw materials, affecting key HVAC components like compressors, fan motors, and coils (many of which are imported).

Steel plays a major role in HVAC production, and the US relies heavily on imports. About a quarter of all steel used in the country comes from abroad, with Canada, Brazil, and Mexico as the top suppliers. 

From March 2024 to January 2025, Canada alone accounted for 22% (5.47 million tonnes) of US steel imports, while Mexico contributed 12% (2.9 million tonnes), according to the International Trade Administration. The aluminum market is even more dependent on Canadian supply, with nearly 40% (3 million metric tonnes) of US imports coming from Canada in that same period.

In response, Canada has announced $155 billion in retaliatory tariffs on US goods, further escalating trade tensions. 

Impact on HVAC Equipment Prices & Availability

The HVAC industry is facing a major pricing shake-up, and it’s not looking good for contractors or homeowners. 

The Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) recently surveyed its members (manufacturers, distributors, and contractors) and found that nearly 70% are seriously concerned about how tariffs will affect their businesses. Some expect significant financial strain, while 18% fear it could be devastating.

Industry experts warn that HVAC equipment prices could rise 20-40% in the coming months, with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers projecting a 7% increase in production costs due to higher material prices. 

Here’s what’s actually driving these costs up:

1. Raw Materials Are More Expensive: Steel and aluminum tariffs make the metals used in HVAC systems—like heat exchangers, coils, and sheet metal casings—more expensive. When manufacturers pay more for materials, that cost is passed down the line.
2. Higher Manufacturing Costs: With pricier raw materials, manufacturers either absorb the loss (unlikely) or adjust their prices. That means contractors and distributors will pay more per unit, which trickles down to homeowners and business owners looking for new systems or repairs.
3. Delays in Getting Essential Components: Many HVAC components—compressors, fan motors, and coils—come from international suppliers. Tariffs increase costs and complicate logistics. Longer wait times for these parts mean slower production, leading to delays in consumer availability.
4. Freight and Supply Chain Issues: With higher tariffs, some manufacturers will shift sourcing to alternative suppliers outside Canada, the US, or Mexico. That means additional shipping costs, customs fees, and logistical headaches, contributing to higher end-user prices. Some companies may attempt to shift some production to the US, as president Trump hopes, but that can be a difficult, costly, complex, and time-consuming process.

What It Means for Consumers

If you’re planning to replace your furnace or air conditioner, expect longer wait times and higher price tags. Contractors may have less inventory, meaning fewer choices and potential delays in getting units installed. Homeowners looking for repairs may also face increased costs, especially if key replacement parts are harder to get.

As these tariffs take full effect, HVAC buyers must weigh whether to buy now before prices climb higher or hold out and hope trade tensions ease. 

Who Will It Impact Most?

Contrary to what some believe, tariffs are not paid by the exporting country but rather the importing one. They are effectively a tax levied by the government on whoever is importing products or materials. This may be a manufacturer in the United States importing materials or parts, or a distributor importing finished HVAC systems. In most cases, that additional cost will be passed on to the consumer in the form of higher prices. 

These tariffs are likely to hurt the pocketbook of both Canadian and American homeowners, as they increase the input costs and the cost of the finished product. Because of how integrated the entire supply chain is between the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and to some extent China and other countries, the end result is that consumers will simply pay more for many goods, including HVAC systems.

That may be a tough pill to swallow for consumers that have already been hit hard by inflation in recent years.

Impact on Consumer Demand

With costs climbing, many consumers may postpone replacing their HVAC systems. They may choose to repair aging units or simply tolerate inconsistent heating and cooling. 

Contractors may see more homeowners opting for quick fixes over full system upgrades, even if their units are outdated and inefficient. 

In the immediate future, there could be a rush to buy before prices rise even further. Homeowners already considering an upgrade may pull the trigger sooner to avoid the higher costs coming down the line. This could create a temporary sales boom, but once that wave passes, demand may drop as affordability becomes a bigger issue.

Budget-conscious homeowners may also downgrade their expectations, settling for lower-end HVAC models instead of investing in high-efficiency systems. 

While this might save money upfront, it could increase long-term energy costs, putting more strain on household budgets. It also has environmental consequences, as older or less efficient units consume more energy.

Trade Agreements and Mitigation Efforts

Industry leaders, including the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating (CIPH), the Mechanical Contractors’ Association of Canada (MCAC), and the Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI), are sounding the alarm. 

These groups warn that rising costs could disrupt supply chains, slow economic growth, and make HVAC equipment more expensive for both businesses and homeowners.

With the latest tariffs set to take effect on February 1, industry experts are urging the Canadian government to act before the situation worsens.

Overall Health of the HVAC Industry

Despite the challenges brought on by tariffs, the HVAC industry remains resilient. Demand for heating and cooling solutions isn’t going away. People will always need comfortable indoor environments, whether at home or in businesses. However, companies across the supply chain will need to adapt to changing costs and sourcing challenges.

Some manufacturers may have to adjust production schedules, delay expansions, or freeze hiring to manage rising costs. In certain cases, companies might explore alternative suppliers or invest in domestic production to reduce their reliance on imported materials. 

Major HVAC brands like Carrier, Daikin, Lennox, and Trane—which together hold over 60% of the US market—operate large manufacturing facilities in Mexico and source components from China. 

With tariffs affecting both steel and international parts, these companies may face higher production costs and pricing pressures. However, they also have the resources to adapt through automation, supplier diversification, and production shifts.

For Canadians, some may choose to opt for one of the relatively few Made-in-Canada brands like Napoleon.

Conclusion

The HVAC industry is going through changes. With tariffs driving up material costs and supply chain challenges affecting availability, waiting to replace your HVAC system could mean paying significantly more in the near future.

If you’re thinking about upgrading your furnace, air conditioner, heat pump, or any HVAC equipment, now is the time to act. Lock in current prices before increases take effect and avoid potential delays in getting the equipment you need.

Get a free quote today! Our Certified Local Heating Contractors will reach out to you, schedule a free consultation, and help you find the right system at the best price possible. Don’t wait—save money while you still can!

A common question consumers often have is who makes a given brand of furnace or air conditioner. And many consumers may not realize that popular makes of heating and cooling equipment are owned by the same parent company.

In many cases, brands are acquired by larger multinational conglomerates and added to their portfolio.

Reasons manufacturers acquire other brands

• Expanding their market reach by acquiring a brand that may be popular in a particular region or country, or achieving deeper market penetration
• Targeting new market segments, like high-income consumers
• Diversification, such as acquiring a company that makes a different but related type of product (e.g. furnace & A/C manufacturer acquiring a ductless mini-split manufacturer)
• Acquiring technology or manufacturing capabilities, or achieving greater economies of scale and lowering costs
• Overall growth, or other strategic goals and ‘synergies’

Sometimes these brands will be allowed to continue operating largely independently, or the parent company may take a more hands-on approach and seek to improve the manufacturing process, increase efficiency, eliminate redundancies, merge distribution channels or supply chains, or share technology and components.

Note that although two brands may be owned by the same parent company, this does not necessarily mean that the heating & air conditioning systems are the same. Some parts may be shared between them, and the units may even look similar, but certain core components may be different, the manufacturing process may be different, and warranties or other features may not be the same.

Similar to different car brands operating under a larger conglomerate, each brand may be designed to appeal to a specific target market or type of homeowner, with different features and price points.

Ownership Breakdown of Top HVAC Manufacturers

Now, on to the list of who makes or owns every major make and brand of furnace or air conditioner. Note that we’ve limited ourselves to the most common manufacturers sold in the Canadian market.

Here’s a breakdown of who owns or makes which furnace and air conditioner brands:

Johnson Controls owns/makes:^[1]

• York
• Luxaire
• Coleman

Trane Technologies plc owns/makes:^[2]

• American Standard
• Trane

UPDATE: In 2020 Ingersoll Rand spun off its HVAC division, which it is renaming Trane Technologies plc

Carrier Global Corp. owns/makes:^[3]

• Carrier
• Bryant
• Payne
• International Comfort Products, which owns/makes:^[4]
  • ComfortMaker
  • Arcoaire
  • Heil
  • KeepRite
  • Tempstar

UPDATE: In 2020 U.T.C. underwent a merger with Raytheon Company, which involved spinning off its HVAC division into a new company called Carrier Global Corp.

Daikin Comfort Technologies, L.P. owns/makes:^[5]

• Daikin
• Goodman
• Amana

Daikin recently renamed its parent company to reflect a more unified structure between all subsidiaries.

Lennox International owns/makes:^[6]

• Lennox
• Service Experts (Joint venture between: Lennox & Enercare)
• ALLIED AIR ENTERPRISES, LLC, which owns/makes:^[7]
  • Concord
  • Armstrong Air
  • Ducane
  • Aire-flo

Nortek Global HVAC owns/makes:^[7]

• Frigidaire
• Maytag

Rheem Manufacturing Company owns/makes:^[8]

• Rheem
• Ruud

Rheem is a subsidiary of Japanese company Paloma.

In 2025, Paloma Rheem, acquired Fujitsu General, a unit of the Fujitsu conglomerate.^[9]

Wolf Steel Ltd. owns/makes: ^[10][11]

• Napoleon
• Continental

It can be fascinating to see how well-known and sometimes seemingly competing brands are actually owned by the same organization, and how various mergers and acquisitions have shaped the HVAC industry.

That being said, you should not necessarily base your purchasing decision on this list. There can be a number of factors, including the reliability of the actual contractor or distributor, and the quality of the installation that can impact the performance and longevity of your heating & cooling system.

To get a quote from trusted local distributors in your area, check out our FREE Quote Page.

Has there been a major brand acquisition we’re not aware of or think something is inaccurate? Let us know!

Sources

1. https://www.johnsoncontrols.com/buildings/our-brands
2. https://www.warrantyweek.com/archive/ww20211202.html
3. https://www.warrantyweek.com/archive/ww20211202.html
4. https://www.icpusa.com/who.html
5. https://www.amana-hac.com/about-us/amana-history
6. https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1069202/000119312512065358/d259633dex211.htm
7. https://www.nortekhvac.com/
8. https://www.rheem.com/about
9. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons-products/durables/paloma-rheem-holdings-gets-cci-nod-to-acquire-fujitsu-general-for-1-6-billion/articleshow/118584404.cms
10. https://continentalheatingandcooling.com/about-us/
11. https://ca.linkedin.com/company/wolf-steel-ltd

Before you purchase a new home furnace for your house, it is highly suggested that you thoroughly research the type of furnace or HVAC system that would best be able to meet the needs of your household.

The most common furnace fuels in Canada are natural gas, propane, electricity, and oil. The cost of a new furnace and operational costs over the years will depend on which fuel you use.

This breakdown of furnace prices and furnace fuel prices in Canada will help you understand how fuel prices can impact costs and what you can expect to pay for different furnace types.

Check out our infographic examining heating systems and fuel types used in Canada.

Understanding Furnace Prices and Furnace Fuel Prices

The average cost of a new furnace in Canada is between $4,000 and $6,500, including installation, which can account for $1,000+ of that cost.

But the actual cost will depend on many things, including what type of fuel the furnace uses.

Furthermore, furnace fuel prices for natural gas, propane, electricity, and oil will also determine ongoing operational costs.

It can be difficult to compare heating costs because fuel prices are measured in different units. But after reading this, you’ll have a much better idea of what you can expect to pay for different furnace types and heating costs depending on the type of furnace you have.

Factors Influencing Furnace Prices in Canada

Many factors will determine the actual cost of a new furnace, including:

• Furnace manufacturer or brand
• Make and model
• BTU output
• Efficiency rating
• Where you live*
• Special features and technologies
• Furnace type (electric, propane, natural gas, oil)
• Furnace kind (single-speed, two-speed, modulating, variable)
• Installation and labour

*A note about location: Furnace prices tend to be lower in major metropolitan areas such as Toronto and the GTA, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, and Ottawa, as there is more competition among heating and cooling companies.

Fuel Types for Home Heating: Pros and Cons

Natural gas pros: Furnace fuel prices tend to be lower compared to other types of furnaces, it has lower emissions than oil/coal, it’s readily available throughout most of Canada, and you don’t have to store it on-site.

Natural gas cons: It’s not available in many rural and remote areas, it does produce greenhouse gas emissions, there are risks associated with combustion and carbon monoxide, the hookup must be done by a professional, and there is a small risk of explosion.

Propane pros: It’s a cleaner burning fuel compared to natural gas and oil, it’s available in places where natural gas isn’t, it’s a very efficient fuel, and it can be used for multiple appliances.

Propane cons: It’s more expensive than natural gas, and it requires a storage tank on-site that must be filled and inspected by a professional.

Oil pros: It produces a lot of BTUs of heat, it’s available in places without natural gas infrastructure, and oil furnaces are long-lasting.

Oil cons: It has much higher emissions than other fuel types, there’s a higher environmental impact, it’s more expensive than natural gas or propane, it must be stored on-site in a tank, and there’s a risk of leaks.

Electricity pros: Electric furnaces are highly efficient, electricity is available just about everywhere, the installation is easier and often cheaper compared to fossil fuel furnaces, maintenance requirements tend to be lower, there are multiple options for heating methods (furnaces and heat pumps), and it’s better for the environment if your electricity comes from a renewable source.

Electricity cons: It tends to be more expensive than natural gas or propane, it doesn’t have the same heating power as fossil fuels, and the heat distribution may not be as good.

Read more about the different furnace types.

A Comparison of Furnace Prices and Furnace Fuel Prices for Gas, Propane, Electric, and Oil Furnaces

Natural Gas Furnaces

No matter where you live just so long as you are able to access natural gas you can have a highly effective and well priced gas forced air furnace at your house at a reasonable price. This goes for both natural gas as well as furnaces that use propane gas.

Getting the correct size of furnace unit for your home is important since if it is too big you will end up having a gas furnace that will short cycle on and off leading to inadequate heating for your home. On the other hand one that is too small will run all the time while not properly heating the home thus wasting energy.

Home natural gas furnaces in Ontario and the rest of Canada usually cost between $4,000 and $8000.

In terms of operation, natural gas furnace fuel prices cost an average of $5.50 to $8.00 per day to heat a home, which works out to between $1,155 and $1,680 per year.

Propane Furnaces

Propane furnaces are popular in areas that don’t have access to natural gas pipeline infrastructure, namely, rural areas. Prices range from $4,000 to $7500 on the high end, including conversion costs. They function similarly to gas furnaces and are comparable in cost. Propane is generally delivered and stored on your property in a large tank.

Based on current furnace fuel prices, it costs the average Canadian between $2,000 and $3,000 to heat a home with propane each winter.

Electric Furnaces

Electric furnaces are more rarely found in urban homes as there are often higher running costs by way of electric bills. They may be used in places where winters are not harsh. The brand of electric furnace you decide to have installed in your house will have a major impact on the price. In the case of electric furnaces brand is the biggest determinant to price. The installation is slightly higher than that of a gas furnace as the higher the brand is the more one is likely to attract more costly HVACs who are more qualified.

The average electric furnace can cost anywhere from $2000 to more than $7000 including installation. Just like with the gas furnace you need to get the right size for your home in order to provide optimum heating efficiency and efficacy.

Furnace fuel prices for electric furnaces vary widely throughout Canada, and you might pay anywhere between $290 and $1,450 a month to heat your home with an electric furnace.

Oil Furnaces

Oil furnaces are also in use in various homes especially in those places where heating oil is more common than gas. These ones use forced hot air to spread out heat in the home and the average oil furnace will cost around $3000+ while the cost including installation could go up to $4000+.

On average, it costs Canadians between $2,000 to $5,500 per year to heat their home with an oil furnace.

Exploring Alternative Heating Options: Wood-Burning Furnaces

There are other furnace types such as wood-burning furnaces which tend to be more popular in the country. These can be cheaper for someone who owns lots of land and has access to plentiful firewood, but generally does not have the ease, convenience, and efficiency of natural gas and other modern furnaces. In Canada, new wood furnaces typically retail for between $1500 and $4500.

Depending on furnace fuel prices in your area, you might pay between $800 to $3,200 each year to heat your home with a wood furnace.

FAQ

Which furnace fuel prices are the cheapest for heating a home?

Natural gas typically has the cheapest furnace fuel rates compared to propane, oil, and electric furnaces.

Which furnace fuel is cheapest per BTU?

Again, natural gas is typically the cheapest per BTU, but it depends on the cost of propane in your area. Propane is actually more efficient than natural gas, but the prices tend to be higher.

What is the most expensive fuel for home heating?

Oil is generally the most expensive furnace fuel for home heating.