There are several steps involved in installing your new furnace. These steps will vary depending on the furnace you choose, your home’s existing furnace system, and any changes you want.
At this point, it’s important to check your work, make sure everything is connected properly and there are no gas leaks.
Please note: these steps are extremely simplified and meant to provide an overview to understand the professional furnace installation process better. It is highly recommended that you have your furnace professionally installed in order to avoid dangerous problems and issues with your new furnace. Having to get furnace repairs on your new unit would not be covered under warranty without professional installation.
Hiring a professional will be more costly initially but will save you money in the long run.
If there is a crack in the heat exchanger of your heating system, your furnace could be leaking carbon monoxide (CO). This can be dangerous for you and your family, as CO can cause serious bodily harm and even result in death. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless, and odourless gas and therefore is not easily detected, especially in small quantities.
Your furnace may be leaking carbon monoxide if you or other members of your household are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
If you think your furnace is leaking carbon monoxide contact a local heating company right away. If you think you are experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, please seek professional medical advice immediately.
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.
Shopping for a new furnace and wondering what are BTUs? BTU stands for British Thermal Unit – a value traditionally assigned to heat. Technically, a single BTU is the amount of energy that is necessary to increase the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit at sea level. As far as a heating system goes, BTUs refer to the amount of heat that a furnace is able to output.
When it comes to furnaces, the larger the square footage that needs to be heated, the more BTUs you’ll require. For example, it’s suggested that a 1,500 square foot home has a furnace that is able to output 45,000 to 90,000 BTUs.
Can’t decide if a furnace service plan is worth it? Beyond saving you time, money, and the headache of an unexpected furnace breakdown in the dead of winter, here are some of the benefits of a service plan:
The cost of furnace replacement varies depending on factors like the type of furnace, its size, labour costs, and any additional accessories or modifications needed for installation.
On average, you can expect to invest between $5,500 to $10,000+ for a new furnace, including installation. High-efficiency models or complex installations may push the cost higher.
There are several heating systems to choose from, including:
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:
For more info om furnace shopping, read our full article on “how to choose the right furnace“.
Furnace size is determined by your home’s square footage, insulation, climate, and other factors. It’s best to consult with a professional technician who can perform a load calculation to determine the right size for your specific needs.
Oversized or undersized furnaces can lead to inefficiencies and comfort issues.
Yes, there are energy-efficient and eco-friendly furnace options available. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified furnaces that meet strict efficiency and environmental standards. High-efficiency furnaces, often with AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) ratings of 90% or higher, are also environmentally friendly. They consume less fuel and produce fewer emissions, contributing to reduced carbon footprint and lower energy bills.
Heat pumps, which use electricity to transfer heat rather than burning fuel, are another eco-friendly option. Additionally, consider furnaces with features like variable-speed blowers, which improve efficiency and comfort. Your HVAC professional can help you choose the best option based on your environmental concerns and budget.
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.
A residential boiler system is used to heat a household. The boiler heats water inside a tank and distributes this hot water (or, in some cases, steam) via pipes, radiators and/or a radiant in-floor system in order to heat the inside of a home. Once the water has cooled and can no longer provide heat, it is sent back to the boiler to be reheated.
Although the name might suggest otherwise, modern-day boilers do not boil water. The term boiler comes from the fact that, in the past, steam boilers were common. Steam boilers boil water in order to create steam for heating purposes. Today, however, most boilers are water heating systems that distribute hot water, rather than steam, in order to heat a house.
