Gas Furnace vs Electric Heating: What’s Cheaper in BC Right Now?

With utility costs going up every year across British Columbia, many homeowners are re-evaluating their heating systems and asking an important question: is gas or electric heating cheaper in BC right now? The answer depends on several factors, including energy prices, home size, insulation, and how your system is used throughout the winter.

Electric heating systems typically have lower upfront installation costs. Baseboard heaters or electric furnaces are simpler to install and don’t require gas lines or venting. Gas furnaces, on the other hand, may have higher initial costs due to equipment, venting, and gas connections. While this can be a larger investment upfront, it usually pays off over time through reduced monthly heating expenses when you heat with gas.

In many regions of BC, natural gas heating and cooling continues to be the more cost-effective choice than electricity for heating homes. Gas furnaces produce heat quickly and maintain indoor temperatures more efficiently during cold snaps. Older electric systems can become costly during prolonged winter use, particularly in poorly insulated homes or older buildings. However, electric heat pumps are highly efficient and can often lower your monthly heating and cooling bills!

Modern gas furnaces are highly efficient and provide consistent, even heat throughout the home. Electric heat pumps are efficient at converting energy into heat, but they can struggle to keep up during extreme cold – often we recommend a natural gas furnace as a backup if you live in very cold areas. We also recommend looking at improving your home insulation and use a WIFI enabled thermostat that allows you to control your temperatures by the time of day and room by room. Talk to the pros at KVA Mechanical for advice on keeping your operating costs as low as possible.

Electric heating has a lower direct carbon footprint, especially in BC where our electricity is largely generated by hydroelectric power. Gas systems will produce emissions, but newer high-efficiency models are significantly cleaner than older units. Many homeowners now choose

hybrid systems, combining a gas furnace with a heat pump to reduce emissions while keeping energy costs manageable.

There is a solution that works for you! If you are looking to change your HVAC, your home’s layout, existing infrastructure, energy usage, and long-term goals all play an important role in choosing the right system. At KVA Mechanical we take the time to discuss your needs and size the right unit.

A skilled installation by trained Red Seal technicians, and regularly scheduled maintenance visits for your HVAC system will also help you to maximize efficiency, lower repair costs, and extend the lifespan of your equipment. Read more here about heating system options for BC homes.