Boilers

Ontario’s cold climate means that space heating accounts for up to 65.1% of the energy used in the average Ontario home.

Boilers use gas or oil to provide space heating and hot water to your home. Boilers distribute heat using radiators or in-floor radiant heating, eliminating the need for pre-existing duct systems.

What to Look For

• Gas and oil boilers are subject to Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations, which sets minimum performance standards for their energy efficiency. All boilers sold in Canada are energy efficient
• Check the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating, the minimum should be between 82 and 84 percent
• Replacing your oil boiler? Consider switching to a natural gas boiler which tends to produce less waste and fewer harmful emissions

Things to Consider

• Insulate your home’s hot water pipes
• Empty or “bleed” the air from the radiators once or twice a year so that they can fill fully with water
• Vacuum the radiators to prevent dirt and dust from building up
• Ensure that the level of water in the expansion tank is correct
• Before you replace your boiler, get an EnerGuide home energy evaluation, which can help you understand how your home currently uses energy
• Check with your municipality, utility, or retailer to see if there are any rebates on boilers available

Source: Natural Resources Canada