How to Choose the Right Heating System for Your Home

When it comes to heating your home, you’re not just choosing warmth—you’re choosing comfort, efficiency, budget control, and peace of mind. With 40+ years of experience guiding homeowners across the Lower Mainland, Sahil Group helps you navigate the different systems—like choosing the right jacket for the season, except this one lasts decades.

1. Forced-Air Furnaces & Central HVAC

Overview:

A classic North American favorite—forced-air systems use ductwork to circulate heated air, and can combine heating and cooling in one setup

Pros:

• Heats quickly—great when you want immediate warmth

• Combines with AC in summer.

• Air filters help improve indoor air quality

Cons:

• Can blow dust and allergens around.

• Ductwork needs regular maintenance.

• Fan noise can be noticeable

Best For: Homes with existing ducts, needing both heat and cool in one system.

2. Radiant Heating (In‑Floor & Hydronic)

Overview: Radiant heat systems warm floors or ceilings, either via electric cables or water-filled tubes—ideal for cozy feet and even warmth

Pros:

• Excellent efficiency; no duct losses Allergy-friendly—no moving air.

• Quiet and unobtrusive.

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost and installation complexity

• Slower to warm up.

• Harder (and costlier) to retrofit after installation.

Best For: New builds, open-plan layouts, or homes where silent comfort and even heat matter most.

3. Heat Pumps (Air‑Source & Ground‑Source)

Overview: Heat pumps move heat rather than generate it—like reversing an air conditioner for winter warmth

Air-Source Heat Pumps (ASHP):

• Provides heating and cooling in one unit.

• Efficient with a COP of 4 (4 units of heat per 1 unit of electricity)

• Quieter and smaller than traditional systems.

Ground-Source (Geothermal):

• Even higher efficiency, heating from stable ground temps.

• Requires land for underground loops.

• Upfront cost is higher, payback is long-term 

Pros:

• Highly efficient

• Doubles as an air conditioner.

• Low operating costs and clean great for the environment.

Cons:

• Less effective in extremely cold climates (though technology is improving).

• Higher installation costs—especially for geothermal.

• Requires space and planning

Best For: Homes built or renovated with energy efficiency in mind. In BC's moderate climate, ASHPs are a smart, future-ready choice.

4. Boilers & Radiators (Hydronic Systems)

Overview: Classic heating via hot water or steam piped to radiators, baseboards, or radiant panels .

Pros:

• Delivers even, consistent warmth.

• Quiet and doesn't rely on ductwork.

Cons:

• Slower to respond to temperature changes.

• Requires radiator space and occasional maintenance.

Best For: Renovated or heritage homes, or buildings without ducts where a calm, consistent heat is preferred.

5. Electric Baseboard & Storage Heaters

Overview: Electric resistance heaters powered by electricity—simple, easy, classic 

Pros:

• Simple installation—no ducts or gas lines.

• Good for retrofitting or supplemental in rooms under renovation.

Cons:

• Least energy-efficient

• Often placed under windows, battling heat loss

• Lacks cooling function; not ventilated.

Best For: Temporary setups, small spaces, or during phased home upgrades when efficiency awaits future retrofits.

6. Choosing the Right System for You

When deciding, consider:

• Your Climate & Budget: Gas or geothermal heat may suit very cold or large homes, but ASHPs often offer the best efficiency ROI in our coastal BC climate.

• Existing Infrastructure: If your home already has ducts, forced-air may be the simplest route. If going ductless, radiant or heat pumps offer cleaner installs.

• Comfort vs. Speed: Need heat fast? Forced-air is responsive. Want warmth you can feel from the floor up? Go radiant.

• Energy Goals: Heat pumps shine in efficiency and sustainability, especially with electrification incentives and long-term savings

• Future Additions: Heat pumps give you heating and cooling in one. If you plan A/C later, it makes sense now.

Sahil Group Heating Systems Comparison

Heating System Type	Comfort & Quietness	Heat Speed & Control	Energy Efficiency	Ease of Upgrade / Dual AC
Forced-Air Furnace / HVAC	Moderate (fan noise)	Fast heating	Good, varies with model	Easy (add AC ducted)
Radiant Floor or Wall Heat	Excellent (silent, even)	Slower start-up	Excellent (no duct losses)	Retrofit tricky
Air-Source Heat Pump	High (gentle hum)	Quick response	Very high (COP ≥ 3–4)	Easy (reversible system)
Ground-Source (Geothermal) Heat Pump	High (quiet operation)	Steady & controllable	Top-tier (COP 4–5+)	Property-permitting upgrade
Boiler + Radiators/Baseboards	Quiet (pipes radiate)	Moderate heat-up time	Moderate	No ducts needed
Electric Baseboard/Storage	Silent, localized heat	Slow, zone-based control	Low (higher cost)	Very easy & inexpensive

Ready to Get Started with Sahil Group?

At Sahil Group, we’ve been helping Lower Mainland homeowners choose and install the right heating systems for over four decades—whether that’s whisper-quiet radiant comfort or cutting-edge heat pumps.

Let us help you balance budget, efficiency, and comfort. Contact Sahil Group today for a free consultation—and find the perfect comfort solution for your home.