A modern, high-efficiency furnace should last approximately ten to fifteen years. This is based on the average lifespan of a furnace so it is possible that yours may last longer or need to be replaced sooner.
The key to a long-lasting furnace is regular maintenance and upkeep. It’s important to stay on top of minor furnace repairs, tune-ups, and maintenance. Scheduling regular maintenance with a professionals heating company will help to maximize the life of your furnace and minimize the need for major repairs. This is especially true in Alberta, where cold winters can take a toll on your furnace.
A local furnace company will know how to care for your furnace in this climate and what to look for if it is having issues.
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.
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.
A furnace could stop working for a variety of reasons. Most commonly, furnaces stop working because of:
Winters in Edmonton, Alberta can be cold! Avoid layers upon layers of sweaters – if you’re experiencing any of the following issues, get your furnace repaired right away:
If you are in Edmonton and surrounding area, contact ProSolutions Inc, we’d love to be your HVAC company of choice!
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.
Furnace on the fritz? Here are a few things to check if your furnace isn’t working:
If one of these is not the issue, you may need a professional to help you uncover and solve the problem. Don’t wait until it’s too late – a broken furnace, especially during an Edmonton winter, can result in broken and burst water pipes! Find a local furnace repair contractor to fix the problem as soon as possible.
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:
Yes—you definitely should! Even though your furnace isn’t heating your home during the summer, your HVAC system still uses the same ductwork and blower when you run your central air conditioner. That means your furnace filter is still working hard to trap dust, pollen, pet hair, and smoke particles—especially during Edmonton’s dry, dusty summers or wildfire season.
In fact, summer can be one of the most important times to stay on top of filter changes if:
You use central AC
You have allergies
You experience poor outdoor air quality (like wildfire smoke)
You have pets that shed
Not sure when to change it? Our Air Filter Delivery Add-On (available with ProComfort or ProHeating Memberships) makes it easy. We deliver the right filter size on your preferred schedule—so your home stays cool and your air stays clean, no matter the season.
To keep your boiler running efficiently, safely, and reliably, it should be professionally serviced once a year. This annual maintenance helps catch small issues before they become big (and expensive) problems, improves energy efficiency, and keeps your warranty valid.
But remembering to book your tune-up each year? That’s just one more thing on an already packed to-do list.
That’s where the ProBoiler Membership comes in. It includes your annual boiler tune-up, priority scheduling, and exclusive discounts on repairs—all without you having to remember a thing. We track the timing, reach out when it’s due, and make it simple to stay on top of your home comfort.
The cost of servicing your furnace can cost between $150 – $500 per visit, depending on what is being done and the type of furnace you have in your home.
On average, heating and plumbing companies charge a rate of $150 – $300 per hour. However, if you have a membership to a Service Partner Plan, or another annual plan, you can reduce your cost.
By signing up for a plan with a local furnace company in Edmonton like ProSolutions Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, and scheduling regular servicing, you can save money on the services provided and in energy costs.
As well as the cost savings, regular servicing will help to prevent your system from encountering any unexpected problems – especially important during the long winter months.
Check our Furnace Offers & Coupons section for deals on Furnace Tune-ups & Servicing. We always offer competitive pricing too.
A gas furnace is the most efficient way to heat your home and by far the most popular in Alberta. Gas furnaces are reliable, cost-effective, and efficient and manufacturers are continually improving their efficiency and quietness and introducing new features.
Amana is one of the best brands of furnaces, especially for homes in Alberta. Amana is one of the few furnace brands with a stainless steel heat exchanger and the only with a lifetime replacement warranty. This makes an Amana furnace a reliable option for any household.
We also think that Trane Furnaces are an exceptional option in Alberta. They have been very reliable over the past few years and look to continue that manufacturing trend.
If you’re wondering what is the best brand of furnace for your home, talk to a local heating services provider. Their expertise can help you make the best choice for your climate.
Boiler heat is not expensive on a day-to-day basis. In fact, you may save in energy costs when heating your house with a boiler compared to a furnace.
However, installing a boiler is typically more complex and therefore more expensive than installing a furnace. On average, a boiler will cost anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000 to purchase and install (depending on the brand and the system’s energy efficiency rating). Plus, your home will need extensive modifications to make a boiler system work – radiant heating must be implemented.
On the other hand, the average cost to buy and install a furnace in Edmonton is only $5,500 to $10,000+. With boiler heat, you will save in the long run but will have to pay more upfront.
