| Square Footage | Furnace BTU |
|---|---|
| 1,000-1,200 sq. ft. Home | 40,000 - 60,000 BTU |
| 1,200-1,500 sq. ft. Home | 60,000 BTU |
| 1,500-1,800 sq. ft. Home | 60,000 - 80,000 BTU |
| 1,800-2,500 sq. ft. Home | 80,000 - 100,000 BTU |
| 2,500-3,500 sq. ft. Home | 100,000 to 120,000 BTU |
Heating decisions in Canada aren’t just about comfort—they directly affect monthly energy bills, resale value, and long-term living costs. One of the most common comparisons Canadian homeowners and condo residents make is between a baseboard heater vs furnace.
If you live in a condo, apartment, or older townhouse, you’ve likely encountered electric baseboard heaters. If you own a detached or semi-detached home, a gas furnace is probably your primary heating system.
This guide breaks down how baseboard heaters work, how much they cost, how they compare to furnaces, and—most importantly—which option actually makes sense in Canada’s climate.
A baseboard heater is a type of electric resistance heater installed along the base of walls. It heats air by passing electricity through internal heating elements. As the air warms, it rises naturally, pulling cooler air in from below—a process known as convection heating.
Baseboard heaters are commonly found in:
🔍 Important: Almost all baseboard heaters in Canada are 100% electric—meaning they rely entirely on electricity, not gas.
Baseboard heaters are attractive upfront—but expensive to run long-term.
| Item | Typical Cost (Canada) |
| Baseboard unit (per room) | $150–$400 |
| Electrical wiring (if needed) | $300–$800 |
| Thermostat (line-voltage) | $50–$150 |
| Total per room | $500–$1,200 |
For a 1,000 sq ft condo, total installation usually ranges from $2,000 to $4,500.
Electricity is one of the most expensive heating fuels in Canada.
| Home Type | Monthly Heating Cost |
| 1-bed condo | $120–$200 |
| 2-bed condo | $180–$300 |
| Small townhouse | $250–$400 |
| Detached home | $400–$600+ |
In provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and BC, winter electricity rates can make baseboard heating 2–3× more expensive than gas furnaces.
| Feature | Baseboard Heater | Gas Furnace |
| Fuel Type | Electricity | Natural Gas |
| Efficiency | 100% (electric resistance) | 95–99% AFUE |
| Monthly Heating Cost | High | Low–Moderate |
| Heat Distribution | Room-by-room | Whole-home |
| Installation Cost | Low | Higher upfront |
| Works in Extreme Cold | ❌ Poor | ✅ Excellent |
| Adds Home Value | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Annual service |
| Air Filtration | ❌ None | ✅ Yes |
⚠️ Efficiency Note: While baseboard heaters are technically 100% efficient, electricity itself is far more expensive than natural gas—making furnaces cheaper overall.
| Cost Category | Baseboard Heating | Gas Furnace |
| Installation | $3,500 | $6,500 |
| Annual Energy Cost | $3,600 | $1,600 |
| 10-Year Energy Cost | $36,000 | $16,000 |
| Maintenance | Minimal | $1,500 |
| 10-Year Total | $39,500 | $24,000 |
📉 Gas furnaces save ~$15,000 over 10 years for a typical Canadian home.
Baseboard heaters do make sense in certain situations.
Toronto Condo (900 sq ft)
Mississauga Detached Home (1,800 sq ft)
➡️ Larger home, lower annual heating cost — thanks to a furnace.
If you’re currently using baseboard heaters, switching to a furnace may be worth considering if:
Many Canadian homeowners start with baseboard heating, then upgrade to:
| Furnace Type | Installed Price |
| Entry-level furnace | $4,500–$5,500 |
| High-efficiency furnace | $5,500 – $7,500 |
| Variable-speed premium | $7,500–$10,000 |
Baseboard heaters are simple and affordable upfront—but expensive long-term.
Furnaces cost more initially but deliver lower bills, better comfort, and higher home value.
If you’re considering upgrading from baseboard heating or buying a new furnace:
✅ Compare furnace prices in your province
✅ See high-efficiency rebate options
✅ Get real installation cost ranges
✅ Request contractor quotes
👉 Explore furnace costs & comparisons on FurnacePrices.com
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👉 See the full list of Ontario service regions
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These affiliations indicate strong training standards, code compliance, and reliable installation practices.
Installation costs vary depending on:
Understanding these factors helps you plan your installation budget more accurately.
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