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.
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.
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.
Heat pumps do not work in Alberta alone.
While heat pumps are designed to heat efficiently and cool homes by drawing heat from the outside air during cold months and expelling hot air from inside during warmer months, their effectiveness varies based on the climate.
In milder climates, heat pumps can be an excellent alternative to traditional furnaces and air conditioners. Some homeowners even prefer them for their dual functionality. However, in colder regions like Alberta, especially places like Edmonton, the efficiency of heat pumps diminishes.
The reason? As temperatures drop, heat pumps struggle to extract enough warmth from the frigid air to heat a home adequately. In contrast, traditional furnaces are specifically designed to provide consistent and reliable heat, even in the harshest of winters. For Alberta homeowners, where winters can be particularly brutal, relying solely on a heat pump can be a gamble.
Therefore, while heat pumps might be a viable option in some parts of the world, in Alberta, a traditional furnace remains the trusted and recommended choice for ensuring warmth and comfort throughout the year. There are also other and more reliable heating and cooling solutions available to Alberta homeowners.
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 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!
If you live in Edmonton or other northern areas your furnace should be professionally serviced once per year. This will prevent you from having to get expensive furnace repairs or replacements and will extend the life of your furnace. In fact, regularly scheduled inspections and service on your heating system can help identify potential breakdowns and reduce emergency repairs by as much as 95%! Regular service can also lower utility bills by up to 30%.
Harsh winters in Edmonton, and other Albertan cities, can take a toll on heating systems. A company that provides furnace service and maintenance will ensure that everything is in top working condition so that you can rely on your furnace all through the winter without having to worry about issues or failures.
Here’s how much furnace tune-ups & servicing costs in Edmonton.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Boilers can last a really long time. In fact, the average lifespan of a boiler is 10 to 15 years. In order to extend the life of your boiler, it’s important to ensure that it is properly maintained and serviced on a regular basis. Even the best boiler will require maintenance and repairs from time to time.
If your boiler is giving you signs that it needs attention, make sure to call the Pros at ProSolutions for regular maintenance and fast repairs. This will ensure your boiler lasts as long as possible. Some signs to keep an eye out for include: low water pressure, no heat coming from your radiators, banging noises, a pilot light that keeps going out or isn’t blue.
