Heating, ventilation and air conditioning
- Install electronic thermostats.
- Install a high-energy-efficiency heating system and use the least polluting energy source available.
- Optimize natural sources of heat and light.
- Choose high efficiency heating appliances.
- Install a high-efficiency air-conditioning system.
- Install a high efficiency ventilation system.
- Eco-responsible suggestions for getting rid of old heating systems
Heating and air-conditioning account for about 65% of the average energy consumption in Canadian homes. In the “use” phase of a home, it is the main energy expenditure, far ahead of heating water, which comes in at 18%, or using household appliances, which represents 13% of total utility costs (Office of Energy Efficiency). So paying special attention to the efficiency of heating, heat dispersion and temperature control systems can be very kind to your pocketbook!
Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning should be considered together as a whole, since they all deal with energy management and they all involve mechanical systems. Some systems actually centralize all three of these functions, a strategy that offers many advantages, especially for larger homes. Managing these systems well will generate energy savings and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, since non-renewable energy is often a major source of GHGs. Effective control of indoor humidity levels and temperature also makes your home more comfortable and protects the health of the members of your household.
| Energy source | Environmental impact | Connection to a central system | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geothermy (heat-pump systems) | Low impact because the system uses geothermal heat | Heating and air-conditioning: forced air Heating only: hydronic |
Can also be used to air-condition the home in summer (if connected to a forced-air system) Generates a long-term return on the investment (10 to 30 years) |
High installation costs |
| Wood | High-efficiency stove: reduces fine particle emissions by up to 90% compared to non-EPA certified models Energy rating1 up to 70% Pellet stove: Uses pellets made of compressed sawdust or woodwaste Masonry heater: emits very few pollutants and fine particles Highly efficient (energy rating1 up to 90%). |
Liquid-filled metallic coils that distribute the heat through walls or floors | Can be a source of affordable energy, in some regions Renewable energy source if wood is from a certified forest |
Handling wood (except pellet stoves) Size of stove must be suited to needs, to avoid overheating |
| Natural gas | Preferable to oil as a source of energy Combustion does not emit sulphur dioxide |
Can work well with hydronic or radiant heat system | Can be used as a source of energy in a masonry heater Does not require a gas tank |
The natural gas distribution network is not accessible in all neighbourhoods and regions |
| Propane | Preferable to oil as a source of energy Combustion does not emit sulphur dioxide |
Can work well with hydronic or radiant heat system | More widely available than natural gas Can be used as a source of energy in a masonry heater |
Handling gas tanks |
| Electricity | Energy loss related to transportation of electricity Ecological costs of harnessing rivers High GHG production of coal generators Radioactive waste from nuclear generators Ecological and social disturbance of wind parks |
Heat pumps generally related to a hot-air system Can be combined with a radiant heat system |
Effective as backup heat with baseboard heaters or convectors | Heat pumps are often noisy |
| Oil | Energy rating of 82% to 89% Risk of spills and leaks from tanks and during transportation Emits nitrogen oxides during combustion Emits 33% more CO2 than natural gas on combustion |
Can be linked to a forced-air or hydronic system | High pressure burners consume 28% to 33% less oil than traditional models | Tank must be changed every 25 years One of the most polluting heating systems, despite recent technological breakthroughs |
1. The energy rating indicates the level of energy converted to heat available in the home.