With the winter season just around the corner, you may be wondering about the best way to keep your home warm during the chillier months. At Top Hat Home Comfort Services, we offer plenty of solutions to keep your home comfortably heated so you and your family can enjoy the season without worrying about the cold. Below, we explain four ways that we can help you heat your home this winter.

4 Ways to Heat Your Home

Whether you’re upgrading an older system or looking for a supplemental heating source to make it through the Ottawa winter, here are four efficient and effective solutions we recommend.

1. Install a Heat Pump

Sometimes you need a little extra heating power to get your home through the coldest days. For example, the Lennox MLA Cold Climate Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump is designed with improved cold-climate capabilities and is always reliable. MLA heat pumps use advanced inverter technology to maintain 100% capacity at -18 degrees C and can operate at temperatures as low as -30 degrees C. This means that no matter the temperature, Lennox ductless heat pumps provide optimal cooling and heating performance while still saving energy. It maintains optimal efficiency continuously, as its inverter technology takes into account outside and inside temperature changes to adjust motor speed. The speed adjusts in small increments, maintaining smooth and efficient operation, with minimal temperature swings.

Heat Pump Pros:

• Energy-efficient, even in subzero temperatures. Heat pumps use electricity to move heat rather than generate it, which makes them more energy-efficient than older traditional systems.
• Provides both heating and cooling. A single heat pump can replace both a furnace and an air conditioner, keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
• Great for homes without ductwork. For older homes or additions without ductwork, ductless heat pumps may offer the optimal heating solution. 

Heat Pump Cons:

• Higher upfront cost than some systems. While heat pumps can lower long-term energy bills, the initial cost of equipment and its installation is often higher than the cost of installing traditional heating systems.
• May require electrical upgrades depending on the home. Heat pumps use electricity, which means that some homes may need electrical panel upgrades to support the additional power load.

2. Heat Your Home with a Fireplace or Stove

Investing in a good fireplace is always a good idea, as it can provide supplementary heat as well as add a warm, inviting glow to your home. All of our products are clean-burning and environmentally friendly and would be a welcome addition to any space. They are available in single or multi-sided models, and some come with heating ducts to channel heat to other rooms. With our wide selection of products, there are so many options to choose from! You can update an existing fireplace with one of our direct vent gas inserts, or get a completely new fireplace or stove. We also offer wood-burning fireplaces for those who prefer the look and crackle of a real wood fire!

Types of Fireplaces to Consider

• Gas fireplace. Gas fireplaces are ideal for busy homeowners who want to enjoy the ambiance and warmth of a fireplace without the hassle of getting the fire started. Gas fireplaces are easy to operate, require minimal maintenance, and offer precise temperature control with the push of a button.
• Wood fireplace. A wood burning fireplace is an excellent choice for homeowners who enjoy the traditional experience of building a fire. While a wood fireplace requires additional cleaning and maintenance, the scent, sound, and visual charm of burning wood cannot be replicated by other fuel types.
• Pellet fireplace. Pellet fireplaces burn compressed wood pellets made from recycled materials. Such fireplaces offer a steady heat output and require less frequent refuelling than traditional wood fireplaces. Plus, pellet fires are an excellent choice for environmentally conscious homeowners looking for renewable heat sources.

Fireplace Pros

• Adds ambiance and visual appeal. A fireplace serves as a beautiful focal point in any room, creating a cozy, inviting, and relaxing atmosphere.
• It can function during power outages. Wood-burning and some gas fireplaces can continue to provide light and heat even during power outages, keeping you and your family warm during winter storms.
• Wide variety of styles and fuel types. With numerous design and fuel options to choose from, every homeowner can find the perfect fireplace to suit their lifestyle and aesthetic.

Fireplace Cons

• Some models require regular cleaning or chimney maintenance. Depending on the type of fireplace, it may require annual chimney sweeping, ash removal, or inspection to ensure safe operation. Generally, wood fireplaces require the most maintenance.
• Wood-burning versions need fuel storage and cleanup. Wood fireplaces are powered by firewood, which means that you will need to allocate a dedicated storage area for it. You will also need to be prepared to clean the mess of ash and soot after every fireplace use.

3. Have Your Furnace Inspected

If you suspect that your furnace isn’t performing like it used to, we provide a fast and reliable furnace repair service whenever you need it. Our expert technicians are on call round-the-clock and are determined to not only offer a quick fix to your furnace issue but also ensure that it’s running for optimal comfort and efficiency.

4. Improve Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is important, and it may be a contributing factor to the lack of heat in your home. Our team at Top Hat Home Comfort has the expertise and knowledge necessary to optimize the quality of the air you breathe. For example, the Vanee Silver Series – 90H-V ECM HRV Heat Recovery Ventilators are designed for maximum performance and efficiency, while only using the same amount of power as a compact fluorescent light bulb. The ventilator’s advanced heat recovery core is capable of recovering up to 80% of the heat energy from the outgoing stale air and transferring it back to the incoming fresh air. This ensures that you have consistent access to warm, high-quality air throughout the winter while lowering your home heating costs at the same time.

Symptoms of Poor Indoor Air Quality

If you notice any of the following symptoms, you may need to pay extra attention to your indoor air quality:

• Dry skin, irritated eyes, or increased allergies
• Uneven heating throughout the home
• Increased static electricity
• Condensation on windows

Winter Heating Checklist

It is important to get your home ready for winter even before the temperatures drop. Performing these quick, preventative steps will improve your home’s energy efficiency, keep your household comfortable throughout the season, and save you money in the long run.

• Seal windows and doors with weatherstripping or caulking to block drafts
• Change HVAC filters to improve airflow and reduce system strain
• Clean your fireplace or chimney to prevent hazards
• Test carbon monoxide and smoke detectors for safety
• Reverse the ceiling fan direction to clockwise to push warm air downward
• Schedule a professional furnace or heat pump inspection with Top Hat

Stay Comfortable This Winter with the Help of Top Hat

Your home’s heating system is important for keeping you and your family safe and warm during the winter. You can trust our HVAC experts at Top Hat, who have earned a reputation for excellence with transparent and dedicated service that ensures each job is done right the first time. Contact our team today to learn more or to get an upfront quote. We can also answer any questions you may have, we’re happy to help!