Tempo:
The following sections describe typical house space conditioning and ventilation systems and identify the wood frame construction required to accommodate installation, operation and maintenance.
SPACE HEATING SYSTEMS In Canada, natural gas, oil and electricity are the most commonly used energy sources. The most common space heating systems are: forced-air electric, forced-air fuel-fired, electric baseboard and forced-flow hot-water (hydronic) heating, which includes in-floor radiant heating systems, radiators and baseboard convectors. Air, ground or water-source heat pumps (typically with electric backup heat) coupled with forced air systems are also available. Solid fuel-burning (wood or wood pellet) furnaces and wood stoves are also used, particularly in remote locations where other options are limited. Natural gas fireplaces have become increasingly common, though they are often supplied for aesthetic and local room comfort purposes, not for house-wide heating. Space heating systems are typically installed by qualified mechanical or electrical contractors that are properly trained and certified for the work involved. A knowledgeable contractor
will install space heating systems in accordance with code, regulations, utility requirements and manufacturers’ instructions. For builders, the main consideration for space heating systems in wood frame construction is to ensure required clearances between heating appliances, piping and ductwork and wood framing and other combustible materials. Builders must also provide space for the heating appliance and the supply and return air duct system for forced-air systems or supply and return piping for hydronic systems. Wood framing is often required to support heating system components, and additional support may have to be provided beyond that simply needed to frame the house. Accommodations for venting fuel-fired appliances directly through exterior walls or up through chimneys must also be carefully planned and constructed to ensure safe, effective and efficient operation.
Forced Air Heating Systems Forced-air heating systems are comprised of a heating appliance such as a furnace, fan-coil, or heat pump and duct work to carry the heated air to all rooms in the house and return cooler air back to the heating appliance. Figure 161
161 Basement plan showing typical heating layout bedrooms
dining room basement up to toe-space in kitchen counter return air duct
basement bedroom bathroom entrance hall
copper tubing in conduit encased in concrete floor and connected to burner oil feed and vent pipes oil storage tank living room
SPACE HEATING SYSTEMS In Canada, natural gas, oil and electricity are the most commonly used energy sources. The most common space heating systems are: forced-air electric, forced-air fuel-fired, electric baseboard and forced-flow hot-water (hydronic) heating, which includes in-floor radiant heating systems, radiators and baseboard convectors. Air, ground or water-source heat pumps (typically with electric backup heat) coupled with forced air systems are also available. Solid fuel-burning (wood or wood pellet) furnaces and wood stoves are also used, particularly in remote locations where other options are limited. Natural gas fireplaces have become increasingly common, though they are often supplied for aesthetic and local room comfort purposes, not for house-wide heating. Space heating systems are typically installed by qualified mechanical or electrical contractors that are properly trained and certified for the work involved. A knowledgeable contractor
will install space heating systems in accordance with code, regulations, utility requirements and manufacturers’ instructions. For builders, the main consideration for space heating systems in wood frame construction is to ensure required clearances between heating appliances, piping and ductwork and wood framing and other combustible materials. Builders must also provide space for the heating appliance and the supply and return air duct system for forced-air systems or supply and return piping for hydronic systems. Wood framing is often required to support heating system components, and additional support may have to be provided beyond that simply needed to frame the house. Accommodations for venting fuel-fired appliances directly through exterior walls or up through chimneys must also be carefully planned and constructed to ensure safe, effective and efficient operation.
Forced Air Heating Systems Forced-air heating systems are comprised of a heating appliance such as a furnace, fan-coil, or heat pump and duct work to carry the heated air to all rooms in the house and return cooler air back to the heating appliance. Figure 161
161 Basement plan showing typical heating layout bedrooms
dining room basement up to toe-space in kitchen counter return air duct
basement bedroom bathroom entrance hall
copper tubing in conduit encased in concrete floor and connected to burner oil feed and vent pipes oil storage tank living room
©
2026
Lehal.net