If you've ever opened an energy bill during the winter or summer months, you've likely questioned which system—heating or cooling—incurs higher operational costs.
Analyses suggest that there's no comparison: heating a home requires four times more energy in the Canada than cooling it. However, various factors can influence this equation, and understanding them is essential.
Discover the factors that determine whether heating or cooling your home is more expensive.
Indeed, heating a home tends to be more expensive than cooling it. However, homeowners in warmer climates may spend more on air conditioning, given the extended use of AC throughout the year and less frequent use of heating systems.
For any specific home, the greater the temperature difference between the indoor thermostat setting and the outdoor temperature, the more the HVAC system operates, impacting the energy bill.
In northern parts of the Canada, the winter temperature difference (typically 65 to 75 degrees indoors vs. freezing outdoors) is more significant than the summer difference. This leads to heating systems running more frequently and for longer durations compared to air conditioning systems in the summer.
The nature of home heating systems inherently demands more energy.
Heating air is an energy-intensive process, while air conditioners function by removing heat from the air. Moreover, ACs operate on electricity, while heating systems use diverse fuels like electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, or propane. Regional variations and market fluctuations in fuel costs also contribute to the disparity in expenses.
While Canada is primarily situated north of the equator, warmer cities like Toronto, London, Windsor, and Ottawa witness higher annual expenses on air conditioning than on heating. Even though warm-city households may spend more on air conditioning, the efficiency of central air AC systems—3.6 to 4 times more efficient than average heating systems—makes it a more economical choice.
Despite improvements in AC efficiency, the demand for air conditioning is on the rise in Canada. Over 80% of Canadian homes now incorporate some form of AC system. Population shifts to warmer cities and the impact of climate change contribute to increased air conditioning use.
Fortunately, advancements in AC technology, such as variable-speed air conditioners, can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%.
Whether you face harsh winters or scorching summers, MBH Mechanical can assist you in managing your energy expenses. Explore ways to enhance energy efficiency, schedule routine HVAC maintenance, or receive prompt and expert emergency services—all under one roof.
