Many factors are considered when calculating the cost of home insurance, and while some may seem obvious, others may require a little research. When you’re shopping for homeowners, condo, or tenant insurance, you might be asked: What type of heating system does your home have? The answer holds more weight than you think.
Since some systems, like oil or wood, can have higher risks as opposed to electric or gas, knowing what kind of heating system you have in your home is crucial to getting an accurate quote and avoiding any potential claim issues in the future.
Need help identifying which heating system your home uses? Keep reading for a breakdown of the most common types in Canada, and take a quiz to help you figure it out for yourself.
Quiz: What heating system do you have in your home?
Are you trying to figure out what kind of heating system you have? This quick quiz is a great starting point and can point you in the right direction.
Afterwards, you’ll want to confirm your suspicions by checking your utility bills, inspecting the heating equipment, or reaching out to your landlord, property manager, or a licensed technician for verification.
Question 1: Do you rely on a fireplace or a wood-burning stove as your main source of heat?
Yes → You may have a wood heating system
No → Go to the next question
Question 2: Do you get a monthly natural gas bill and have a gas meter outside your home?
Yes → You may have a natural gas heating system
No → Go to the next question
Question 3: Are there large metal radiators or baseboard units with visible pipes that feel hot in winter?
Yes → You may have a hot water or steam (hydronic) system
No → Go to the next question
Question 4: Is there a large metal oil tank in the basement, garage, or outside with a fuel smell nearby?
Yes → You may have an oil heating system
No → Go to the next question
Question 5: Do you see long, narrow baseboard heaters, small wall-mounted units, or have heated floors and higher electricity bills in winter?
Yes → You may have electric heating
No → Go to the next question
Question 6: Do you have a single furnace with no gas line or fuel tank, but with ductwork and warm air distribution?
Yes → You may have an electric furnace
No → You may have a hybrid or less common system. Check your bills or consult a technician.
Common types of home heating systems in Canada
There are many types of heating systems, but five of the most common in Canadian homes are:
- Electric
- Hot water (also known as hydronic)
- Oil
- Natural gas
- Wood
Each system has distinct characteristics — where it’s located, what it looks like, the sounds it makes, and even the smells you might notice. In the following section, we’ll break down these key clues for each type, so you can identify what kind of heating system you have at home.
Electric heating
As the name insinuates, electric heating systems are powered by electricity. This kind of system is most commonly found in apartments, condos, and smaller homes, especially in provinces like Quebec, where hydroelectric power is more affordable.
Think you may have an electric heating system? Here are some key features to look for:
- Location: Closets, basements, or installed along walls
- Appearance: Narrow baseboard heaters, wall-mounted units, or box-shaped electric furnaces with wires
- Sound: Silent, or may emit a low humming
- Smell: No noticeable odour
Electric heating is particularly popular in condos and apartments because it’s low-maintenance and safer in terms of fire risk. Some signs that you may not have an electric heating system would be a lack of vents, ducts, gas meters, or fuel tanks. Additionally, electric heating systems can be more expensive in regions with high electricity rates and potentially result in higher electricity bills in colder months.
Hot water or steam (hydronic)
More common in older homes, hydronic heating systems work by heating water in a boiler and circulating it through radiators or baseboard units. These systems provide even, consistent heat, are effective, and don’t distribute allergens, making them a good option for those with allergies.
If you think you may have a hydronic heating system, here are a few of the telltale signs:
- Location: Radiators or pipes along baseboards in each room
- Appearance: Traditional metal radiators or more modern, wide metal baseboard units
- Sound: Soft gurgling and/or water-flow sounds
- Smell: No noticeable odour
Another good indication that you may have a hydronic heating system is that your home has a boiler system in the basement or utility room. You may also notice a lack of air vents or a furnace.
Oil heating
While oil heating is less common, it is still found in some older homes in rural areas without access to natural gas. These systems use a furnace or boiler that burns the oil to produce heat. This is then distributed through air ducts or water pipes.
If you suspect this is the heating system you have, here are a few ways you can tell:
- Location: The heating oil tank is usually found in the basement, garage, or outdoors
- Appearance: Cylindrical metal tank with a fill pipe
- Sound: Emits a louder noise when the burner turns on
- Smell: Faint smell of fuel near the tank
Oil heating is effective but can be both messier and riskier, which may impact your insurance premiums. It also requires regular refilling by a fuel delivery service. Finding previous delivery slips from oil providers can help you confirm that your home has an oil heating system.
Gas heating
Gas systems are among the most common heating systems in Canada, especially in urban areas. These systems use natural gas or propane to heat air or water. Depending on your local utility rates, gas heating can be cost-effective as well. While you may experience a faint gas smell during ignition, modern systems are safe and well-regulated.
- Location: The Furnace is usually located in a basement or utility room
- Appearance: Metal furnace with ducts and a connected gas pipe or outdoor gas meter
- Sound: Clicking or popping when igniting, followed by a soft hum
- Smell: Faint gas smell during ignition, otherwise odourless
Wood heating
In many modern homes, wood heating (ex. wood stove, fireplace) is often used as a supplementary heat source. In cabins, cottages, and rural homes, however, it may serve as the primary heating system. Because of the increased fire risk associated with burning wood, this type of system may also lead to higher home insurance premiums.
- Location: Living room, kitchen, or den
- Appearance: Fireplace, wood boiler, or standalone stove with a chimney
- Sound: Crackling of burning wood
- Smell: Distinct smell of wood smoke
How to identify the heating system in your home
Not sure what kind of heating system your home uses? You don’t need to be an expert to figure it out.
Here are some simple ways to identify your system, whether you’re a homeowner or renter.
- Look around your home: Keep an eye out for vents, ducts, radiators, baseboard heaters, fuel tanks, or gas meters.
- Use your nose: Some heating systems do emit an odour. Lack of odour can also help you narrow down which system you’re working with.
- Listen closely: You might be able to hear your heating system. Listen for faint humming, furnace ignition clicks, or water-flowing sounds.
- Check your thermostat: Some models will display the heating type or fuel source. You can also check your settings and manual for this information.
- Review your utility bills: A natural gas bill, fuel delivery charges, or even higher electricity use in winter could point you to which system you possess.
- Ask your landlord or property manager: Your landlord or property manager is a wealth of information. Don’t be afraid to ask!
- Check your documents: If you recently bought a home, refer to home inspection reports, seller disclosures, or home manuals provided to you during the sale.
- Hire a licensed HVAC technician: Invest in a professional assessment to get your answers and spot any safety or maintenance concerns in the process.
Next steps
Your home’s heating system is just one of many factors insurance providers consider when calculating your premium, but it’s an important one if you want an accurate home insurance quote and to pay the best possible price.
Fortunately, YouSet makes it easy. In under 4 minutes, we’ll compare top Canadian insurers, uncover broker-exclusive deals, and apply every eligible discount to get you the best rate year after year.
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