Switch from fossil fuels to electricity, a greener solution

Last updated September 23, 2024
Reading time: 2 min

Do you heat your home with oil, natural gas, propane or biodiesel? Learn about the benefits of replacing your heating with an electrical system and the financial assistance that is available.

Buildings are the largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Montréal, after transportation. These highly polluting GHGs come mainly from fossil fuel-fired air and water heating systems.

The city is committed to reducing GHG emissions in Montréal by 55% below 1990 levels by 2030. You too can participate in this goal. By reducing greenhouse gases, you save money and improve air quality for your health.

Good reasons to switch to green energy

If you are planning to change your heating system, here are some arguments for switching to electricity.

Additionally, the use of a fossil fuel appliance for heating is prohibited in certain cases.

More savings, less risk and less maintenance

An efficient electric heating system costs less than a combustion heating system, especially when you factor in the high cost of fossil fuels.

Electric heating also presents less risk of fire or explosion.

In addition, you do not have to perform annual maintenance of the appliances, and you eliminate any risk of leakage. This makes your home easier and cheaper to insure.

Reducing health impacts

Air pollutants have an impact on air quality. They can worsen chronic illnesses, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

An electric heating system pollutes 160 times less than a system that runs on fossil fuels. Switching to an electrical system therefore significantly reduces the effects of pollution on health.

Financial assistance to convert to electric

Several ways exist to reduce the environmental footprint of your home, including the type of heating device, quality of the building envelope, choice of materials, etc. Here are some programs that can help you financially.

LogisVert

This Hydro-Québec program promotes energy efficiency measures, such as the purchase of an efficient electric heater in a new or existing building. This program offers a significant subsidy for the purchase of a heat pump.

 Learn more

Chauffez vert

This Québec government program offers financial assistance to replace an oil or propane heating system with a system powered by renewable energy, such as electricity.

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Efficient Solutions program

This program is aimed at small, medium and large companies, and offers advantageous financial support to optimize electricity consumption.

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Rénoclimat

Want to improve the energy performance of your home? The Québec government’s Rénoclimat program offers advice and financial assistance to reduce energy consumption and improve your home’s comfort.

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RénoPlex

This city program offers a subsidy for substantial renovations in buildings with 1 to 5 housing units. If converting a fuel oil system to green energy is part of your renovations, you may be eligible.

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Affordable home renovation

The city’s Réno Logement abordable program is available to owners of buildings with 6 or more units who want to make substantial renovations that include replacing an oil heating system.

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