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Oil-to-electric conversion: which electric system should you choose for your home?

With new laws in effect on oil-fired heating systems, you may be tempted to change your oil-fired furnace for a more efficient electric one. But which one is right for you? Our team takes a closer look.

Wall-mounted heat pump

A wall-mounted heat pump is an efficient, compact heating and cooling unit mounted on an interior wall. It uses electrical energy to extract heat from outside air in winter and discharge it outside in summer, providing year-round comfort.

What are the benefits of a wall-mounted heat pump?

• Lower heating and cooling costs: The heat pump draws energy from the outside air, making it more efficient than traditional heating and cooling systems. You can save up to 35% on your energy bills.
• Better energy efficiency: A heat pump’s coefficient of performance (COP) is generally greater than 1, which means it produces more energy than it consumes.
• Heating and cooling in one: A heat pump can keep you comfortable all year round, heating in winter and cooling in summer.
• More uniform temperature: The heat pump distributes heat and cooling more evenly throughout your home than traditional systems.
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Heat pumps use less energy than oil-fired heating systems, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Use of renewable energy: The heat pump draws energy from the outdoor air, a renewable energy source.
• Subsidies available: Government subsidies may be available for the purchase and installation of a heat pump.

What are the disadvantages of a wall-mounted heat pump?

• Initial cost: The purchase and installation of a wall-mounted heat pump can represent a significant initial investment, even if prices are on the decline.
• Heating capacity sometimes limited: During colder weather, some wall-mounted heat pump models have limited heating capacity. During periods of extreme cold, an auxiliary heating source may be required. 

Average price (installation and unit included): Between $2500 and $6000

**Multi-zone wall-mounted heat pumps are also available. In this case, the heat pump features a single outdoor compressor, which can be connected to more than one evaporator. It offers the same benefits as a wall-mounted heat pump. As a general rule, an outdoor compressor can support between 2 and 6 evaporators.**

Here are a few examples:

• An 18,000 BTU/h compressor can support 2 evaporators of 9,000 BTU/h each.
• A 36,000 BTU/h compressor can support 4 evaporators of 9,000 BTU/h each.
• A 60,000 BTU/h compressor can support 6 evaporators of 10,000 BTU/h each.

***If your home has several floors, or if you’re buying a heat pump for a duplex or triplex, this may be an interesting option for you. Ask your Tran Climatisation advisor to show you the wall-mounted heat pump models best suited to your needs.***

Central heat pump

A central heat pump is a device that draws energy from the outside air to heat or cool your home. It’s more efficient than a conventional furnace or air conditioner. It replaces both the furnace and the air conditioner, and saves energy.

What are the benefits of a central heat pump?

• Lower heating and cooling costs: The heat pump draws energy from the outside air, making it more efficient than traditional heating and cooling systems. You can save 35% to 40% on your electricity bill.
• Better energy efficiency: A heat pump’s coefficient of performance (COP) is generally greater than 1, which means it produces more energy than it consumes.
• Heating and cooling in one: A heat pump can keep you comfortable all year round, heating in winter and cooling in summer.
• More uniform temperature: The heat pump distributes heat and cooling more evenly throughout your home than traditional systems.
• Improved air quality: Some heat pump models can filter the air and remove pollutants, which can improve indoor air quality.
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Heat pumps use less energy than oil-fired heating systems, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
• Use of renewable energy: The heat pump draws energy from the outside air, a renewable energy source, unlike oil-fired heating systems.
• Subsidies available: Several subsidies and financial assistance programs are available for the purchase and installation of a central heat pump.

What are the disadvantages of a central heat pump?

• Higher installation costs: If you don’t have a central ventilation system, the cost of installing a central heat pump may be higher.

• Noise: The outdoor compressor can be noisy, especially in cooling mode.

• Performance in cold climates: If you’re faced with very cold temperatures, this can affect the performance of the central heat pump. Some models are specially designed for colder climates; ask your Tran Climatisation consultant for advice.

Average cost (including installation and equipment): between $5,500 and $11,000

Electric Furnace

An electric furnace is a heating appliance that uses electricity to heat the ambient air. The electricity is transformed into heat by electric resistors, and the warm air is then distributed throughout the house by a fan. It’s an alternative to oil-fired heating systems, and is renowned for its quiet, clean operation.

What are the benefits of an electric furnace?

• Efficient energy conversion (approx. 100%)
• No energy loss through ducts
• Clean heating, with no combustion or harmful gas emissions
• Quiet, odorless operation
• Uniform temperature throughout the home
• Easy, low-cost installation
• Minimal maintenance required
• Long service life (20 years)
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

What are the disadvantages of an electric furnace?

• Higher initial cost
• Take up more space
• Requires regular maintenance

Average cost (including installation and appliance): between $2,000 and $6,000

Fan coil unit

A fan coil is a device that distributes hot or cold air to heat or cool a room. It consists of a heat exchanger, a fan and an air filter.

What are the benefits of a fan coil unit?

• Less energy consumption to heat or cool a room.
• Diffuses gentle, even heat.
• Fast, efficient heating or cooling.
• Fewer drafts and hot or cold spots.
• Can be used for both heating and cooling.
• Reversible, for heating in winter and cooling in summer.
• Quick, easy installation.
• Little space required.

What are the disadvantages of a fan coil unit?

• Purchase and installation costs can be higher than traditional electric convectors.
• Requires a hot or cold water production system, such as a boiler or heat pump.
• Fan may generate noise, especially at high speed.
• Noise can be a nuisance in bedrooms or offices.
• The air filter must be cleaned regularly to avoid a drop in efficiency and noise.

These heating systems are not your only option. You can also combine them to save money and benefit from subsidies. Here’s an interesting example.

Electric furnace and central heat pump

If you already have ventilation ducts, our specialists recommend an electric furnace/central heat pump combination. This option allows you to maximize the energy efficiency of your heating system, reduce your electricity bill and benefit from generous government subsidies.

More efficient than the furnace alone, the heat pump operates up to a certain temperature, then the furnace takes over when temperatures get too cold. However, with technological advances in heating systems, some central heat pump models can now operate down to -30°C, resulting in significant energy savings.

The initial cost of a system combining a wall-mounted heat pump and an electric furnace can range from $9,000 to $15,000.  However, with such an installation, you could be eligible for government subsidies of up to $6,000.

If you’re changing your oil heating system for a heat pump, you may want to check your eligibility for the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Subsidy, which can be worth up to $6,000.

For the purchase of your heat pump, there’s also Hydro-Québec’s Efficient Heat Pumps subsidy, which gives you $50 per thousand BTU/h of heating at -8°C (For example, a 10,000 BTU/h heat pump will give you $500).

Also, if you combine the installation of a heat pump with other energy improvement work, such as caulking, you could also benefit from the LogisVert subsidy, also offered by Hydro-Québec. The amount available depends on the heating capacity of your heat pump.

Finally, there’s the Chauffez Vert subsidy, which can give you up to $1275, if all the necessary conditions are met.

The Tran Climatisation team at your service!

In addition to our regular services, Tran Climatisation can provide most of the services required to convert your system.

• In-home evaluation of your needs and request for quotation
• Electrical and mechanical upgrades required for your electric heating system
• Professional installation of your electric heating system

Please note that our company does not remove your oil tank. There are many companies that perform this service safely.

Any questions?

If you have any questions about converting oil-fired appliances to electric heating systems, about our prices or services, or about requesting a quotation, we invite you to contact us. Our team works throughout Laval, Montreal’s South Shore, and the Greater Montreal area.