When the chill of a Toronto winter sets in, electric heaters offer a quick and convenient way to warm up a space — especially in older homes, apartments, or additions where central heating might not be practical. But as we’ve learned at Ideal Heating & Air Conditioning, not all electric heaters are created equal. In this post, we break down the main types — baseboard, wall-mounted, and portable electric heaters — and compare them to energy-efficient alternatives.
2) Wall-Mounted Electric Heaters
4) High-Efficiency Heating Alternatives
We hope this guide will help you make informed decisions about your home heating systems. If you need professional advice or wish to schedule a free consultation, please contact us.
⚡ Electric Heaters vs. High-Efficiency Heating Options
| System Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Heaters (Baseboard, Wall, Portable) |
• Low upfront cost • Easy to install • Good for spot heating |
• High electricity costs • Less efficient for whole-home heating • Limited control & features |
| Ductless Heat Pump |
• High efficiency • Heating + cooling • Zoned temperature control |
• Higher upfront cost • Needs wall-mounted unit |
| Central Heating (Gas Furnace) |
• Whole-home comfort • Long-lasting • Can pair with AC |
• Requires ductwork • Higher install cost |
Comparing Electric Heaters and Energy-Smart Alternatives From Ideal Heating
1) Baseboard Heaters
In this blog, we’ll compare common types of electric heaters, including baseboard heaters which are pictured above. (Image Source: hi room)
To begin this comparison, we’ll look at baseboard heaters, which are long, low-profile units typically installed along the base of a wall. They use electric resistance to generate heat and warm the air near the floor, which then rises to heat the room. You’ll typically see baseboard heaters in older Toronto homes or apartments without ductwork, cottages or seasonal properties, condo units with room-by-room heating, and/or secondary suites or basement apartments. Baseboard heaters are best used for:
Bedrooms or small closed-off rooms
Older homes without ductwork
Areas needing consistent, quiet heat
Ideal’s Advice
Baseboard heaters are 100% efficient at converting electricity to heat, but they can be costly to run — especially if used for extended periods or in large spaces. One alternative to consider is a ductless heat pump since it provides zoned, energy-efficient heating with much lower long-term operating costs than electric baseboard units.
To learn more about baseboard heaters, see our other blog post Are Baseboard Heaters Worth It in Toronto Homes? Pros, Cons, and Alternatives. You can also browse our ductless heating systems here. Next, we’ll look at wall-mounted electric heaters.
2) Wall-Mounted Electric Heaters
Similar to baseboard heaters, wall heaters are installed into or onto a wall and typically feature a built-in fan to help distribute warm air more quickly. They heat up fast and are often used in targeted spaces that need quick warmth.
Wall-mounted heaters are commonly found in bathrooms, entryways, hallways, or basement suites — anywhere floor space is tight and fast, directed heat is needed. They’re also used in cottages, home offices, and multi-unit dwellings where ductwork isn’t feasible.
Unlike baseboard heaters, wall-mounted units often include fans, so they heat spaces more quickly and can be mounted higher on the wall — ideal for small or high-traffic areas where floor-level heating isn’t practical.
These heating systems are best used for:
Bathrooms or entryways
Homes with limited floor space
Occasional, targeted heating
Ideal’s Advice
Wall heaters are efficient for spot heating, but can waste energy if left on too long or used in large rooms. That’s why Ideal recommends a mini-split ductless system. It gives you the same wall-mounted design, but with significantly higher energy efficiency, smart temperature control, and year-round comfort. Explore our ductless heating options.
3) Portable Electric Heaters
The third most common type of electric heater is a portable heater. Portable electric heaters are plug-in units designed for temporary or supplemental heat. They come in various styles — like ceramic, fan-forced, and oil-filled radiators — and are meant to be moved from room to room as needed.
You’ll often find portable heaters in garages, basements, home offices, or rooms that don’t get enough heat from the main system. They’re also commonly used in rental units, cottages, or student housing — anywhere a permanent heating upgrade isn’t possible or justified.
Portable heaters offer the flexibility to move between rooms and don’t require installation — making them ideal for short-term use, temporary setups, or budget-conscious situations. They’re also helpful as a backup if your main system fails or struggles to keep up.
Overall, portable electric heaters are best used for:
Garages, workshops, or small rooms
Temporary heating during cold snaps
Renters or occasional-use spaces
Ideal’s Advice
Although these electric heaters convert electricity to heat at nearly 100% efficiency, they can be the most expensive option to operate long-term. They also pose safety risks if left unattended or used improperly.
If you find yourself relying on portable heaters regularly, it may be time to consider a ductless heat pump or high-efficiency furnace upgrade. Ideal Heating offers long-term solutions that are safer, more efficient, and better for your utility bill.
4) High-Efficiency Heating Alternatives
Why Choose the Bryant Evolution™ 98 Variable-Speed Modulating Gas Furnace?
- Up to 98.5% AFUE: Ultra-high efficiency for maximum energy savings
- Modulating Heat: Consistent, precise temperature control
- Whisper Quiet: Sound-reducing cabinet with variable-speed blower
- Perfect Heat™ & Humidity™: Adaptive comfort in all seasons
- Smart Thermostat Ready: Supports zoning and remote control
- Built for Toronto Winters: Reliable, powerful, and efficient in extreme cold
- 10-Year Parts & Lifetime Heat Exchanger Warranty
While electric heaters can be convenient, they’re not always the best long-term solution — especially with rising electricity costs in Ontario. Ideal Heating and Air Conditioning specializes in energy-efficient alternatives like:
Heat pumps with heating & cooling
Modern gas furnaces with smart controls
These options are quieter, cleaner, and more cost-effective over time — especially for Toronto’s unpredictable winters. For example, we recommend the following gas furnaces for customers currently using electric heating and looking to upgrade:
The Evolution™ 96 Variable-Speed Gas Furnace 986T, which offers excellent value with high energy savings.
The Evolution™ 98 Variable-Speed Modulating Gas Furnace 987M which is ideal if you’re after ultra-quiet operation and maximum efficiency.
Both of these furnaces are ideal pairings with high-efficiency heat pumps or AC units for year-round comfort and utility savings. If you would like to speak with someone about alternative heating solutions for your home or you wish to book a free heating consultation, contact us.
Electric heaters can have their place — especially in older homes, smaller spaces, or as a short-term fix. But if you’re ready for a more efficient, permanent solution, Ideal Heating and Air Conditioning can help you choose the right system for your needs and budget. With over 35 years of experience serving customers in the GTA and a 5-star rating on Google Reviews, we provide the ideal advice.