You should consider replacing your furnace if it’s over 15-20 years old, requires frequent and costly repairs, produces uneven heating, or if your energy bills have been steadily increasing.
It’s also a good idea to upgrade to a more efficient model to save on long-term energy costs.
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.
Furnace filter replacement is important if you’re using your AC. Maybe not as frequently as in winter when monthly changes are best. But check the filter regularly to see that it is functioning properly, and replace when necessary.
If you run your AC during the spring or fall, you will want to check your filter more often since this time of year has more allergens and particulates in the air that can cause you to become sick.
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.
It typically takes between four and eight hours to install a new furnace in Edmonton or the surrounding areas. However, install time can vary depending on factors like the age of your home and the condition of its wiring and ductwork.
No need to worry about spending a long night freezing inside your home during an Albertan winter. A professional furnace company can have your new furnace up and running within a day to keep you and your family comfortable and warm!
When getting free furnace installation quotes in Edmonton area, make sure to ask how long the installation is expected to take. Local furnace companies will have a good idea based on their experience in your area.
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.
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.
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 hire a professional heating company to do the job. 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.
Furnace filters should be changed every three months. Regularly changing your filter will ensure the air quality inside your home, as well as the safety and comfort of you and your family. In addition, regularly changing the filter will ensure your furnace doesn’t overheat, resulting in damage or an unexpected breakdown.
Preventative maintenance like this extends the longevity of your furnace and helps reduce maintenance and repair fees.
Not sure how long ago your filter was changed or if it needs to be replaced? A heating services provider can take a look at your filter and let you know if it should be replaced with a new one.
Heat pumps do not work in Alberta.
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.
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.
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.
