Selecting an Air Conditioning System
There are three basic types of air conditioning units: central air conditioners, room (window) air conditioners and through-the-wall air conditioners. Homeowners generally choose an air conditioning system based on their needs and budget.
Central air conditioners distribute cooled air throughout your home via your heating ducts. Although generally more expensive, central air systems are long lasting.
Room (window) air conditioners don’t require professional installation. The unit can be installed in a window quickly and easily. This inexpensive option is appropriate for cooling one or two rooms at a time. However, it can’t service large spaces.
Through-the-wall units employ a heat pump system and are reversible. They produce cold air in the summer and hot air in the winter. However, they need to be paired with a heating system for temperatures under -12°C. They’re powerful enough for large spaces and can be fairly expensive.
If you have a limited budget and only need to cool a small space, a room air conditioner is the ideal solution. But if you need air conditioning in three or more rooms, we recommend spending a little extra for central air conditioning or a through-the-wall system, which you can also use to heat your home during the winter.
Selecting a Heating System
There are a number of options for heating your home through the Quebec winter. As with selecting an air conditioner, it’s important to consider various criteria before choosing a system.
Electric heating is one of the most popular options in Quebec. Electric heating systems are easy and inexpensive to install, and using them is a breeze. However, they use a lot of energy and will quickly increase your hydro bill.
Gas heating is cheaper than electric and just as easy to use. Gas systems also last a very long time. However, the cost of installation is higher.
Wood heating is very effective and eco-friendly. However, some municipalities prohibit it. It also requires a wood stove or fireplace, which can be costly to install.
If you’re looking for an option that doesn’t cost much to install, we recommend selecting an electric heating system. However, if you want to reduce your environmental footprint, you should consider paying a little more to install gas or wood heating.
