Canadian winters bring snowy winds and freezing temperatures, making a warm home essential. At the center of that comfort is the furnace, working quietly day and night to keep your living spaces cozy. Indoor comfort depends heavily on this reliable source of heat, which acts as a barrier between the harsh cold outside and the warmth of family life inside.
A common challenge that many homeowners face is deciding which types of furnaces best fit their needs. Efficiency, comfort, and long-term savings all depend on making the right decision before the snow starts to fall.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the different types of furnaces to help you choose the one that delivers the best comfort and performance for your home.
What is a Furnace?
A furnace is a heating device that generates and distributes warm air to keep you comfortable indoors. It is built with several necessary components that work together.
- The Burner: Depends on natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity to generate heat.
- The Heat Exchanger: Transfers heat from the burner to the air and is usually made of aluminium or steel.
- The Blower Motor: Pushes heated air into the ducts, distributing heat throughout the house. It drives a fan that blows air over the exchanger to warm it efficiently.
- The Thermostat: Monitors the room temperature and tells the furnace when to turn on or off to maintain your desired comfort.
While a furnace is mainly used for heating, its blower motor also supports cooling. In summer, the evaporator coil cools the air, and the blower helps circulate it throughout your home. This dual function makes the furnace suitable for heating and cooling a central HVAC system.
Furnace Types by Fuel Source
Furnaces are classified based on the fuel source used for generating heat. Each variation possesses its advantages and performance characteristics suitable for various homes. The different types of furnaces based on fuel type are explained below.
Natural Gas Furnace
A natural gas furnace is still one of the most popular systems found in many homes, particularly in areas where there are tough winters. It works with a very straightforward process in which a flame warms up a heat exchanger and passes heat into the air that passes over it. There are various types of gas furnaces, which stand out for their reliability and efficiency in keeping homes warm during the coldest months.
Heated air moves along the ducts and spreads uniformly across the home. Natural gas furnaces heat up quickly, so your home feels warm faster than with most other systems. They are also valued for their cleaner operation compared to oil-based options.
Therefore, natural gas-based furnaces are the trusted choice for homes that prioritize comfort and efficiency. Regular maintenance and on-time servicing keep them in good working order and enable them to deliver consistent and reliable heating during several seasons without interruption.
Oil Furnace
An oil-based furnace utilizes stored heating oil. The furnace burns heating oil in a chamber to create heat, which is then transferred to the air and circulated through the home.
Oil furnaces are known for creating powerful heat output, which is able to sustain very low temperatures, so they are reliable in areas with long winters. Some oil furnaces can also run on kerosene, giving homeowners more flexibility in fuel choice.
Oil furnaces can last for decades and remain a practical choice in rural or remote areas where natural gas or propane isn’t available. Regular maintenance keeps efficiency up-to-date, and the furnace delivers comfortable heat year after year.
Propane Furnace
A propane furnace works in a very similar manner to a natural gas furnace, with the exception of utilizing propane fuel. The setup converts liquid propane into gas, which passes across a heat exchanger to warm the air. After heating, the air is circulated through ductwork and distributed throughout the living areas of the house.
Propane furnaces are commonly installed in areas where a natural gas connection is not feasible, providing a convenient and reliable option. They offer instant heating performance and function well to keep the home warm during cold weather.
Propane may be stored in tanks of different capacities, so there is flexibility of use and less need for frequent refilling. Homeowners value propane furnaces for their flexibility, since propane can be stored in different tank sizes to match the home’s needs.
Electric Furnace
An electric furnace heats without the use of an open flame. It instead pulls in air from the ambient atmosphere and blows it over electric heating components. The heated air is then circulated in the duct system and delivered into every room of the home.
Electric furnaces are usually valued for their safety because they do not incorporate combustion, and there is no leakage hazard of the gas. They are also thought of as eco-friendly, as they do not burn fossil fuels.
Homeowners enjoy consistent temperature regulation and even airflow all year round, which contributes to comfort and ease. Electric furnaces are simple to install and maintain, making them a safe and low-hassle heating option for homes.
Wood Furnace
A wood furnace generates heat by burning wooden pellets or firewood. The heat of combustion is transferred to the air and distributed in the home through a duct system. All wood furnaces come with an exhaust flue that emits smoke and provides for safe operation.
These furnaces are a backup, old-fashioned method of heating that can even function in communities without gas or electricity access, so they are ideal for off-grid dwellings. Wood furnaces are valued for their strong heat output, making them effective at warming large spaces even in harsh Canadian winters.
Firewood or pellets must be stored, but many homeowners like the independence and certainty that accompany wood usage. A wood stove provides a cost-efficient means of keeping warm in winter.
Furnace Types by Operation
Furnaces vary in how they function, impacting energy consumption, comfort, and overall performance. All types of furnaces in Canada have something different that works better for some families and regions. Some of the most common types are described below.
Single-Stage Furnace
A single-stage furnace is the most conventional type of heating system. It operates in two modes, either fully on or fully off, i.e., it runs at full power when it is operational. This is a simple mechanism that enables the furnace to provide consistent heat rapidly and thus is effective enough to fulfill urgent heating needs on colder days.
Homeowners appreciate single-stage furnaces because of their straightforward design and robust performance, without the need for complex controls and adjustments. Also, maintenance and repairs are generally straightforward, making them easier to cope with in the long run.
They are also known to offer reliable short-term heating solutions that work perfectly in most households. Their reliability and easy maintenance have made them a staple in homes looking for an effective heating system, especially among the types of furnaces for homes that provide consistent comfort.
Two-Stage Furnace
A two-stage furnace provides more flexibility than a single-stage furnace. It runs in three modes, including off, low, and high. This configuration provides the ability to change the output of heating based on your requirements and the weather conditions externally.
In less harsh climates, the furnace will be able to operate on low power, delivering a comfortable temperature without wasting energy. When colder weather sets in, it can switch to high mode, providing greater heat throughout the house.
Two-stage furnaces heat rooms more evenly, reduce sudden temperature swings, and run more quietly than single-stage systems. With longer performance efficiency and balanced operation, two-stage furnaces have emerged as a go-to choice for most contemporary homes.
Modulating Speed Furnace
A modulating speed furnace is the most sophisticated of all furnace designs. Instead of switching between just one or two settings, a modulating furnace makes tiny adjustments to maintain a steady indoor temperature. This fine adjustment makes fluctuations in temperature less noticeable and provides an overall consistent comfort level throughout the house.
This ability to fine-tune heat also increases energy efficiency, as the system will only create the level of heat needed at any given time. Modulating furnaces also have the added benefit of improving indoor air quality, as the system encourages cleaner airflow and greater circulation.
These types of furnaces are ideal for families who want precise temperature control and steady comfort throughout the home, and it is ideal for families who enjoy precision and consistent warmth. Most Canadian homeowners consider modulating speed furnaces a high-end option for durable comfort.
The infographic below summarizes the three furnace types by operation. It shows how each heats your home and its main differences at a glance.
Install Your Furnace with Infiniti Home Comfort
Infiniti Home Comfort helps keep your home warm, comfortable, and energy-efficient during Canada’s harsh winters. Our team guides you through the different furnace options and helps you choose the best one for your home and lifestyle.
We specialize in professional furnace installation, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free process from start to finish. Contact Infiniti Home Comfort today to book your appointment and experience warm winter comfort.
