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The difference between a boiler and a hot water tank has to do with the way in which each uses the hot water that it produces.

Both boilers and hot water tanks take cool water, heat this water and then distribute it throughout a home via pipes. However, the water that is heated by a boiler is distributed throughout the home via pipes, radiators and radiant in-floor systems in order to heat it – to keep the rooms, floors, garage, etc. comfortable and warm.

On the other hand, a hot water tank heats water that is used for cooking and cleaning purposes – for showers, dishwashing, laundry, etc.

It can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,500 to repair a furnace, depending on the issue. If you’re in the Edmonton area, the average cost to repair a furnace will be around $700.

Make sure the furnace company you choose to do your repairs is upfront with their pricing. They should be able to provide you with the price ahead of time so that you know exactly what to expect before moving ahead!

Want to save some money? Often professional heating and plumbing companies will offer a Service Partner Plan – we call ours the ProComfort Plan. This type of plan will help you keep on top of the regular maintenance your furnace needs for a fraction of the price. Regular furnace tune-ups and maintenance will help prevent any major issues, saving you from repairs and replacements that could cost you thousands of dollars! With plans like this, there is often a discount for members, meaning you’ll save money with every visit.

Need a new heating system and wondering whether it’s better to rent or buy a furnace? Renting a furnace is definitely cheaper initially but is not the right option for every household.

If you rent a furnace, you will pay a monthly fee and the HVAC dealer will be responsible for maintenance and repairs. However, there are some drawbacks. It is likely that over time you will pay at least double what the furnace is worth. And, because you do not own the heating system, it does not add to the value of your home.

If you can afford to buy a new furnace this is the best option. By buying the furnace outright, you won’t pay any interest and may also be able to benefit from manufacturer or government rebates. Owning the furnace will also add to the value of your home.

The size of the furnace you’ll need largely depends on the size of your home. Size recommendations based on square footage are:

1,200 square foot home: 36,000 to 72,000 BTUs
1,500 square foot home: 45,000 to 90,000 BTUs
1,800 square foot home: 54,000 to 108,000 BTUs
2,100 square foot home: 63,000 to 126,000 BTUs
2,400 square foot home: 72,000 to 144,000 BTUs

Other factors that affect the size of the new furnace installation you’ll need include:

• Climate zone (for example, Edmonton is in Climate Zone 5)
• Quality of insulation
• Window thickness
• Ceiling height
• Number of people living in your home
• Preferred temperature
• Size and state of the basement

For more info om furnace shopping, read our full article on “how to choose the right furnace“.

The average cost to install a furnace in Edmonton is between $5,500 and $10,000+. The cost depends on various factors, including brand, size, company, etc. However, with the average cost of a new furnace being around $3,000 – $6,000, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 in total, including installation. 

Check out our Current Offers to see how you can save with deals and rebates. 

In Alberta, a heat-loss calculation must be done when installing a new furnace. When hiring a professional to do your install, this will be factored into the price.

Hiring a professional heating company to install your furnace is essential. It may cost more initially but will save you money, time, and headache in the long run.

It shouldn’t take a professional heating company in Edmonton too long to install a new boiler. For a simple boiler replacement, you can expect a trained professional to take between 4 and 6 hours.

Your new boiler will be up and running in less than a day. However, installing a brand new boiler, where one didn’t exist before, is a bigger job. Upgrading your current boiler to a different system or moving your boiler to a new location can also be more involved and will take a bit longer.

Because these jobs are more complex, they may take a team of professionals a few days to complete. Typically, you can expect to wait no more than a week for your new system to be up and ready!

The most energy-efficient furnace is one that is ENERGY STAR certified and has an efficiency rating of 97% or higher. When you see an ENERGY STAR symbol on your appliance, you can be certain that it has been certified as energy efficient. 

When it comes to the type of furnace, gas furnaces are typically the most energy-efficient. Although preferred in some situations, electric and oil furnaces are less efficient. Therefore, gas-powered furnaces are recommended.

The heating professionals at ProSolutions PHAC recommend the following high-efficiency furnaces:

• TRANE S9V2-VS Gas Furnace
• AirEase A97MV High-Efficiency Modulating Gas Furnace
• Goodman GMVM97 Modulating, Variable-Speed Gas Furnace

The key to knowing when to replace your furnace versus when to repair it depends on its age and how many more years you can expect it to last. But, rather than humming and hawing about these questions, there is a simple equation you can use to help you decide.

This equation compares the cost of repairing the unit to the cost of replacing it. Here’s the calculation you can use to decide when you should replace your furnace:

“Cost of Repair” x “Age of Unit (in years)” > “Cost to Replace Furnace” = Replace Furnace

Multiply the cost of the furnace repair by the age of the unit. If this number is less than the cost of replacing your gas furnace, then opt for the repairs. If this number is larger, it will be cheaper to replace the furnace.

If you’re living in Alberta, in the St. Albert/Edmonton area, and you’re still unsure, talk to a local heating company. With their expert knowledge about your particular climate, they will be able to help you make a decision as to whether you should repair or replace your furnace.