Updating the heating system in your Vancouver home to a more energy-efficient electric version can reduce energy use and lower your utility bills. It also supports a more environmentally friendly lifestyle by reducing your home’s carbon footprint. But not all electric heating systems are created equal—some deliver significantly better comfort and efficiency than others.
To help you make a smart investment, we’ve outlined six of the most practical and energy-efficient electric heating options available for residential homes. We’ve also added some insight into how much comfort and value you can expect from each one. Before making any upgrades, we strongly recommend speaking with a professional HVAC technician to ensure the system is properly sized and suited for your home.
Contact Us for Heating Service
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps
Mini-split heat pumps are one of the most efficient electric heating systems available. Instead of generating heat, they move heat from the outside air into your home—making them up to three times more efficient than traditional electric heaters. For every dollar of electricity used, you can get up to three dollars’ worth of heat.
Mini-splits also let you heat only the rooms you’re using, which saves energy and adds comfort. The indoor units work independently, so you’re not wasting money heating the whole house when you’re only in one part of it. They’re a great fit for homes without ducts or for upgrades in specific areas of the house.
Air-Source Heat Pumps (Ducted)
Ducted air-source heat pumps work similarly to mini-splits but are connected to your home’s ductwork. They’re much more efficient than electric furnaces—especially the newer cold-climate models that work well even in freezing temperatures. In moderate climates like Vancouver’s, they often deliver 200%–300% efficiency, meaning you get more heat output than the electricity you put in.
This option is ideal for replacing an older furnace if your home already has ductwork in place. It offers whole-home comfort and lower operating costs compared to resistance-based systems.
Electric Furnace
Electric furnaces use resistance coils to heat air and push it through your ductwork. They’re 100% efficient at the unit, meaning all the electricity is turned into heat—but they don’t have the extra efficiency boost that heat pumps provide. So while they’re clean and reliable, you’ll pay more in monthly energy costs compared to a heat pump.
That said, electric furnaces still have their place—especially in homes with existing ductwork where a heat pump installation isn’t practical due to space or budget. Pairing one with a smart thermostat and zoning controls can help reduce energy waste and increase comfort.
Radiant Floor Heating
Electric radiant floor systems offer a quiet, steady heat that rises from the ground up. While they’re typically used in smaller zones—like bathrooms, basements, or kitchens—they’re very efficient at delivering comfort where you need it most. Because the heat is concentrated near your body and doesn’t rely on blowing air, many homeowners find it more comfortable at lower thermostat settings.
This system uses less energy over time in those zones, and when used as a supplement to another main heating system, it can significantly improve how warm a home feels without cranking up the central heat.
High-Efficiency Electric Baseboard Heaters
Baseboard heaters are straightforward and quiet, using convection to warm up a room. Newer models with built-in digital thermostats or smart controls can offer better efficiency than older analog systems, especially when zoned by room. They’re 100% efficient in converting electricity into heat, but like electric furnaces, they don’t stretch that energy the way a heat pump does.
Still, for smaller homes or well-insulated rooms, baseboard heat offers a low upfront cost and decent control—especially if you’re strategic about when and where they run.
PTAC Units (Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners with Heat)
PTAC units are self-contained electric systems that provide both heating and cooling in a single wall-mounted unit. Often used in hotels, they’re also a great choice for home additions, basement apartments, converted garages, or any area that needs independent temperature control without ductwork.
While they don’t match the efficiency of a ductless mini-split, many modern PTACs offer programmable thermostats, digital controls, and inverter compressors for better energy performance. They give you on-demand heating right where you need it, making them a practical, cost-effective solution for zone-specific comfort in hard-to-reach parts of the home.
How to Choose the Right Electric Heating System
The best heating solution for your home depends on several factors: square footage, layout, insulation, whether you have ducts, and how you actually use the space day to day. Heat pumps typically deliver the best long-term value in both comfort and energy savings, while resistance-based systems like furnaces or baseboard heaters still make sense in certain situations—especially when installed with smart controls and used in zones.
No matter what you choose, investing in programmable thermostats and understanding how your system delivers heat can make a noticeable difference in both your comfort and your energy bill.
At Northwest HVAC Service, we help Vancouver-area homeowners choose and install electric heating systems built for the Pacific Northwest’s unique climate. Whether you’re upgrading to a high-efficiency heat pump or supplementing your current setup, we’ll help you find the best fit for your home and budget. We also offer AC installation, ductless heat pumps, and indoor air quality solutions. Call us today to schedule a no-pressure consultation with one of our licensed professionals.
About Northwest HVAC Service
Northwest HVAC Service is a family-owned business proudly serving Vancouver, WA and surrounding communities since 1998. We specialize in residential retrofit HVAC systems, including electric heat pumps, ductless upgrades, and high-efficiency heating solutions. Whether you’re replacing outdated equipment or improving the comfort of your home, we bring honest advice, expert service, and long-term solutions you can trust.