For home heating, most people prefer natural gas because it keeps the temperature consistent in every room, it’s affordable, and it's one of the safest energy sources you can choose.
Energy usage
+32%
If your furnace is over 20 years old, you could be paying close to 32 percent more on your energy bill than you need to.*
Ways to save on heating
Upgrading and maintaining your heating equipment is the first step to save on heating costs, but there are more ways to save. Visit our tips to save section to keep your house warm all winter – without changing or impacting your comfort.
Natural gas can save you money
If you are converting to natural gas from electric resistance, heating oil or propane, get ready for savings! When you compare, you’ll see that on average, natural gas is significantly less expensive than the alternatives.
Estimated annual heating bills for typical residential customer (Rate 1)
** Disclaimer:
1. Calculations are based on an estimated 2,400 m3 typical consumption for a residential customer (Rate 1). The term ‘typical’ implies a representative annual consumption. Resulting savings are for illustration purposes only. Consumption levels and savings will vary based on customer region or zone of residence, appliance, appliance efficiency and household characteristics, lifestyle, and energy prices. Please refer to your actual utility bills for specific actual usage, pricing and totals.
2. Natural gas price is based on Rate 1 rates in effect as of Oct. 1, 2024 (EB-2024-0245).
3. Electricity rates based on Toronto Hydro rates as of May 1, 2024 and Regulated Price Plan (RPP) customers that are on Time-Of-Use (TOU) pricing. It includes the Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER) of 19.3%.
4. Heating oil prices sourced from Statistics Canada, CANSIM (v735163), average retail prices for gasoline and fuel oil, by urban centre, Toronto, Ontario based on the latest actual data available at the time of comparison.
5. Propane prices sourced from EDPRO website (edproenergy.com/residential/) and assumes pricing for Zone 5 (2,500-4,499 Litres) based on the average of the daily prices of the latest calendar month available at the time of comparison.
6. Costs have been calculated for the energy-equivalent annual consumption adjusted by efficiency factors and illustrate an estimated energy equivalent annual heating bill for conversions from electric resistance, heating oil, and propane to natural gas.
7. Initial upfront costs/setup costs are not included in the energy comparison calculations.
8. Typical consumption for a residential customer is comprised of both heat load and base load. Energy comparison assumes space heating for heat load and water heating for base load.
9. The federal carbon charge is included for all energy types as reported and expected to increase annually depending on government policies. Effective Nov. 9, 2023, the federal carbon charge has been paused for a 3-year period on heating oil used exclusively for home/building heating.
10. HST is excluded from all energy types.
11. Non-natural gas alternatives such as electric cold climate air source heat pumps (ccASHP) are not included in the energy comparison. Please consult an HVAC service provider regarding specific energy options, building considerations, cost estimates appropriate to your specific needs, and electric-related costs.
*** Any reference to energy savings is based on the assumption that the participant is reducing their natural gas consumption through participating in the Home Winterproofing program.
Tips for buying a gas furnace
Natural gas furnaces are economical, reliable and safe. In some cases, replacing your furnace may be more cost-effective than repairing it. You may qualify for incentives through one of our energy conservation programs.
Buying tips
- Choose a high-efficiency model: The more efficient your furnace is, the lower your heating bill. Before you purchase a furnace, find out your furnace's current Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating.
- Check your furnace’s AFUE rating: AFUE ratings will tell you how much energy your furnace converts to heat. AFUEs for gas furnaces range from 57 to 96 percent. The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the furnace.
- Get three estimates: Each contractor should review your home size and construction and offer a variety of models in different price and efficiency ranges that meet your needs. The written estimate should include details on equipment, efficiency, and warranty as well as removal of the old equipment. The contractor should also inform you of any incentives available and ask the contractor for references, maintenance, and emergency coverage.
- Installation: After installation, your contractor should review safety and maintenance information along with the owner's manual that comes with your new furnace.
Safety tips for heating your home
Natural gas is one of the safest ways to heat your home. Visit our appliance safety tips page for tips to keep your home safe and warm using a natural gas furnace, boiler or fireplace.
Need help?
Enbridge Gas does not sell or repair furnaces, boilers or fireplaces. If you find your home suddenly without heat, you may be able to solve the problem yourself. If you cannot find the source of the problem, consult a registered heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor to learn more about installing or maintaining a natural gas furnace.
Before you call a contractor
- Ensure your furnace is on and turn your thermostat up a few degrees to see if your heating system activates.
- Make sure the vents in your home are clear and remove anything that may block them. Check appliance vents outside as well.
- Check your main electrical panel. If you have fuses, you may need to replace one. If you have a breaker, try resetting it.
- Clean or replace your furnace filter if it's dirty. Always turn off the power switch before opening your furnace. Close the furnace access panel before switching it back on. Watch a video tutorial.
- If your furnace has a pilot light, make sure it's lit. If your pilot light is out, follow the instructions on the furnace, or in the manufacturer's booklet.
Rush service
- When the cold weather arrives, and you have no heat, a “Rush” request for service can be ordered by a registered HVAC contractor. You will be considered eligible for rush service under the following conditions:
- The home is occupied; and
- There is no heat being generated other than by portable heaters (e.g. electric); or
- The existing heating system/equipment is condemned with a valid warning tag or cannot be repaired.
Tips to help you choose a HVAC contractor
Enbridge Gas does not sell or repair furnaces, boilers or fireplaces. If you require service, you’ll need to find a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor for repairs and maintenance.
Find and verify the certifications of HVAC contractors: Check the Technical Standards and Safety Authority(TSSA) and the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI).
Request references: Requesting references is a helpful way to assess your options in HVAC contractors.
Get a written quote: It's very important that you get detailed written quotes for your project. Get at least three written estimates, from different contractors, outlining the work to be done and the total price.
