As I write this in early September many people are still running their air conditioning, but we’ve already had one short cold snap that reminds us that heating season is just around the corner. In the September issue of the magazine Art Irwin writes the early days of home heating in this country and his experience which dates back the 1950s.

That got me thinking about all the different types of heating systems that I have lived with over the years. When I was a kid in Victoria, B.C. in the 50s and 60s our house was heated by a big coal burning furnace. I still remember the chute in the side of the house for taking coal deliveries. About 1960 an oil burner was installed in the big old furnace and suddenly we had a whole lot more space in the basement; not to mention the fact that it was a lot cleaner.

Since that time there have been several forced air systems, both oil and natural gas. In Manitoba we endured electric baseboard heat for six years. It was awful; how can it be too dry and yet you’re getting mold at the same time? And extremely expensive, even with Manitoba’s relatively low electricity rates.

When we visit my brother in Northern Ontario we experience wood heat. And, at home, today, the original cast iron radiators with a modern modulating/condensing boiler and indirect DHW tank have proven a good combination in our 90-year-old home.

The point is, any of these heating systems done well can provide a high level of comfort. We may find fault with electric baseboard systems, but electric boilers, furnaces and heat pumps can provide a substantial improvement in efficiency and comfort. With natural gas, propane and oil systems, there are many options these days.

Good equipment, combined with a quality installation, will provide a high level of comfort and reliability for customers – and reduce call-backs. It’s worth taking a little extra time to do it right.

I hope everyone has a profitable heating season!