Heating and Heat Distribution

This section discusses:

• Why you should be concerned over the type of heating and distribution system chosen to keep your new home warm during a Manitoba winter
• Various options to consider for home heating systems
• Electric baseboard system;
• Electric forced air furnace system;
• Gas or electric fueled hydronic heating systems;
• Ground sourced heat pump systems;
• Air sourced heat pump systems;
• Gas forced air furnace systems;
• Propane fired forced air furnace systems; and
• Wood / electric forced air furnace systems
• The basic requirements for an effective forced air heating system
• Design;
• Selection of a gas furnace;
• Duct distribution design;
• Installation; and
• Commissioning

Why you should be concerned over the type of heating and distribution system chosen to keep your new home warm during a Manitoba winter

In Manitoba, ours is primarily a heating climate. A source of heating is required to operate in most houses for at least six to seven months a year (October - April). It is not uncommon to experience exterior temperatures for weeks, which are 100 degrees lower than interior temperatures (+70°F int. –30°F ext.). A heating system works hand in hand with the building envelope in an energy efficient house.

Correctly chosen, designed, and installed, a heating system will provide a comfortable, healthy interior environment for your family under even the most extreme weather conditions. Selecting the wrong system, not designing it properly or poor installation practices can lead to higher energy bills than necessary, temperature differences between rooms, or uncomfortable and even unhealthy interior conditions.