Short Answer:
For older buildings in Edmonton, the type of heating system is usually baseboard heating. Many newer buildings use forced air furnaces to heat their apartment units. The heating fuel of choice in Alberta is almost always natural gas.
Long Answer:
Apartments are different than detached homes in that they typically have a shared heat source. This isn’t always the case, but it’s very common – especially with older buildings. Having a central boiler is an efficient way to heat water, but it also reduces the number of individual heating units. Many units can mean more repairs and centralizing this system can be useful for that reason.
Shared heat sources are most commonly baseboard heaters. These are controlled by a zone valve in the unit that allows hot water to run through baseboard radiators that warm up the air around the perimeter of the unit. This system is efficient, but does nothing to move air in a big way around your apartment.
Individual heating units are usually forced air furnaces that will be in a utility room in the unit or one outside on the balcony. These units usually are smaller than what you would find in a house because condos are typically smaller. Sometimes the units are located in the ceiling of the laundry room.
Make sure you know which kind you have and whether your apartment heating system needs any maintenance.
For more information on the different types of heating, check out What are the Different Heating Types?
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