{"id":4355,"date":"2024-12-02T11:22:25","date_gmt":"2024-12-02T16:22:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/?p=4355"},"modified":"2024-12-02T11:22:39","modified_gmt":"2024-12-02T16:22:39","slug":"the-history-of-heating-in-toronto","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-4355-the-history-of-heating-in-toronto","title":{"rendered":"The History of Heating in Toronto"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Throughout history, humans have sought ways to protect themselves from harsh environmental conditions such as cold weather. Over the years, technological advancements have made home heating safer and more convenient. With proper maintenance and occasional repairs, modern heating systems often require no more than a flip of a switch and thermostat adjustment. However, a warm, well-insulated home has not always been this easy to achieve. Learn more at <a href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/\">toronto.name<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/ad_4nxef2dhnkfzdnt1f1gmu8hvkkrdwo3g7xkfxptuhaarbudgaw4k0m0deznhylfguuizm4deyryqbodwg7hz_hu4xu5pf3txhnaihxrmlbufftcmagiqd3sk8l0o7ljlal5bkix6yfwkeytcghu7capqyaohoz__r6efer.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3f8c0aca1ac\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3f8c0aca1ac\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-4355-the-history-of-heating-in-toronto\/#How_Did_People_Stay_Warm_Centuries_Ago\" >How Did People Stay Warm Centuries Ago?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-4355-the-history-of-heating-in-toronto\/#Sources_of_Heat_in_Toronto_Before_the_19th_Century\" >Sources of Heat in Toronto Before the 19th Century<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-4355-the-history-of-heating-in-toronto\/#Central_Heating_Systems_and_the_Rise_of_Electric_Heaters\" >Central Heating Systems and the Rise of Electric Heaters<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-4355-the-history-of-heating-in-toronto\/#Sewage_Pipes_as_a_Heat_Source\" >Sewage Pipes as a Heat Source<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-4355-the-history-of-heating-in-toronto\/#Why_Are_Torontonians_Switching_to_Heat_Pumps\" >Why Are Torontonians Switching to Heat Pumps?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Did_People_Stay_Warm_Centuries_Ago\"><\/span>How Did People Stay Warm Centuries Ago?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Recent discoveries suggest that around 44,000 BC, Neanderthal ancestors used indoor hearths for warmth and cooking. It is believed that early humans used fire in caves to combat the cold. While other heating methods emerged over the years, the hearth remained the most common option until the 14th century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In ancient times, hearths located beneath ceilings were used for heating and cooking. However, exceptions existed, such as heated floors. Evidence shows that by 1000 BC, Koreans used a type of heated floor called ondol. Firewood burned under stone floors absorbed heat, which was then transferred to the home. Later, Romans developed the hypocaust heating system, which involved building structures on pillars with spaces in the floors and walls. Fires were lit beneath the buildings, allowing heat to flow through these spaces and escape via chimneys. This effectively warmed homes while keeping smoke out of living spaces. The use of the hypocaust declined with the fall of the Roman Empire, reverting to hearths during the Middle Ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/ad_4nxc_hyitpghiuzxp1aqpsyuxl_ixvvr6cykkqike864zew541pv1hdee8lbraq3mjnpxsqym6airi-5vqvzcuabqyogei6mueoqglg9aigsbv6zmwtvxw8lyhbaooyxa7yzprbhq7qkeytcghu7capqyaohoz__r6efer.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The invention of the chimney in the 12th century replaced central roof openings with vented fireplaces. Originating from sloped chimneys in Norman castles, this innovation allowed fireplaces to be positioned at the sides of rooms. Improved chimney designs enabled the construction of multiple fireplaces within homes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sources_of_Heat_in_Toronto_Before_the_19th_Century\"><\/span>Sources of Heat in Toronto Before the 19th Century<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In <a href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/uk\/eternal-2520-nob-hill-farms-istoriya-pershogo-produktovogo-magazynu-na-shodi-toronto\">Toronto<\/a>, fireplaces remained the primary source of home heating until the 17th century when stoves were introduced. The shift occurred due to the creation of safer and more efficient stove models, such as the Franklin stove, named after Benjamin Franklin. Other advancements included Eliphalet Nott\u2019s base burner stove in 1833 and Isaac Orr\u2019s airtight stove three years later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During this period, wood was the main fuel source for fireplaces and stoves. Coal became widely used only when it could be delivered to basements by carts. While coal is still mined for electricity production, it has largely been replaced by oil and natural gas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the 19th century, notable inventions such as radiators (created in Russia in 1855) and Thomas Edison\u2019s electric heater in 1883 revolutionized home heating. After the Civil War, boilers, radiators, and steam or hot water systems became more popular for heating homes in Toronto. Steam systems were used in larger buildings, while most homes employed low-pressure water radiators for safety. By the late 1800s, Dave Lennox developed steel coal furnaces using affordable cast-iron radiators to efficiently heat homes. This eliminated the need to huddle near fireplaces or stoves for warmth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/ad_4nxegf_7sh1gftuue8ppjtnrodp8mktfxhipozsnm-t2jesgm3eogcyoamizbtcw3qco6q2lpbdulaccvyp5y7t5vxtahaxk4bvsffiygqlpyhisykwouxfdvwfyj77fy8oelqg1dkeytcghu7capqyaohoz__r6efer.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Central_Heating_Systems_and_the_Rise_of_Electric_Heaters\"><\/span>Central Heating Systems and the Rise of Electric Heaters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1919, Alice Parker patented the central heating system. At the time, the lack of electricity for fans meant that heat was distributed through ducts via natural convection. Less than 20 years later, coal furnaces paired with electric fans delivered warm air through ductwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2024\/12\/ad_4nxcfoejialvajumye4bgfbxqsivkf7wlzkt1gc0isgubcrr7fe3kr6kqxyfxw1l3dtv_b1nvilmjgy4fcc5hbl-euf_jwsto-bnjdcxiacdq8irfsxo7laa8-xha-uerbdh0om02nqkeytcghu7capqyaohoz__r6efer.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>By the mid-20th century, Torontonians had various heating options, including oil, propane, natural gas, and electric-powered boilers and furnaces. As of 2024, wall-mounted or built-in electric heaters remain common in apartments. Other heating systems include heat pumps, which may be air-source or geothermal. Blower motors power fans that circulate warm air throughout homes via ducts and registers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sewage_Pipes_as_a_Heat_Source\"><\/span>Sewage Pipes as a Heat Source<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many buildings rely on gas or other fossil fuels for heating, but beneath our feet lies a free, carbon-neutral heat source: sewage pipes. Alongside wastewater, these pipes carry \u201cwaste heat\u201d from buildings, such as warm water from showers and dishwashers. For example, while outdoor temperatures near Toronto&#8217;s CBC building may hover around 0\u00b0C, the water in nearby sewer pipes is approximately 17\u00b0C. In most places, this heat is wasted, but it doesn&#8217;t have to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As of 2024, buildings account for about 58% of greenhouse gas emissions in Toronto, primarily due to burning fossil fuels for heating and hot water. Heat pumps are a far more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional heating systems. While some heat pumps can replace both furnaces and air conditioners, it\u2019s advisable to consult HVAC contractors or energy advisors before making the switch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Are_Torontonians_Switching_to_Heat_Pumps\"><\/span>Why Are Torontonians Switching to Heat Pumps?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Heat pumps offer several advantages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Clean Energy: Heat pumps produce far fewer greenhouse gas emissions than natural gas furnaces since electricity is a cleaner energy source in Toronto.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Efficiency: Heat pumps can provide more than three times the heating output compared to furnaces and boilers using the same energy input.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cost Savings: With carbon pricing causing natural gas prices to rise, heat pumps allow homeowners to benefit from electricity pricing structures, including anticipated reductions in time-of-use rates. Grants and incentives are also available to offset installation costs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reliability: Over 180 million heat pumps are in use worldwide. As the climate crisis intensifies and natural gas prices rise, heat pumps are expected to play an increasingly significant role in climate solutions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>In Toronto, initiatives like the Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program (STEP) by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) support heat pump case studies documenting installations across the city. These studies provide information on installation costs, homeowner experiences, utility savings, and other valuable insights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/toronto.traneon.ca\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Trane Toronto Heating<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.provincialheating.ca\/blog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Provincial Heating Blog<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/oplusplumbing.ca\/radiant-in-floor-heating\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Oplus Plumbing Radiant Heating<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Throughout history, humans have sought ways to protect themselves from harsh environmental conditions such as cold weather. Over the years, technological advancements have made home heating safer and more convenient. With proper maintenance and occasional repairs, modern heating systems often require no more than a flip of a switch and thermostat adjustment. However, a warm, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":467,"featured_media":3260,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[338],"tags":[2063,2380,1287,2378,2379,2383,2385,1218,2382,2387,1905,2386,2384,2381],"moimportance":[30,33],"motype":[325],"moformat":[22],"class_list":{"0":"post-4355","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-developments","8":"tag-canadian-enterprise","9":"tag-cold","10":"tag-environment","11":"tag-hearth","12":"tag-heat-homes","13":"tag-heat-pump-for-heating","14":"tag-heat-pumps-generate-much-less-greenhouse-gas-emissions","15":"tag-history","16":"tag-home-heating","17":"tag-how-people-warmed-themselves-many-years-ago","18":"tag-nature","19":"tag-sewer-pipes","20":"tag-toronto-heating-history","21":"tag-well-insulated-house","22":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","23":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory","24":"motype-eternal","25":"moformat-longrid-korotka"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4355","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/467"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4355"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4355\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4368,"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4355\/revisions\/4368"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3260"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4355"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4355"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4355"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=4355"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=4355"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=4355"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}