Have questions on general Heating questions? Find answers to some of the most common questions on heating in our FAQ section.
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.
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.
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.
Unless you’re a trained professional, it’s not a good idea to attempt to install your own furnace. Yes, you’ll save money now but the issues and damage that can occur from an improperly installed furnace can result in costs far beyond what you would have spent to hire professionals to do your install.
Hiring a professional heating services provider in your area to install, maintain, and repair your furnace is always the best way to go. This will save you time and money in the long run. In addition to properly installing and calibrating your new furnace system, technicians are trained to help you find the perfect size furnace for your home. This will ensure that your furnace is not too big or too small. This, as well as the additional services provided by professional technicians during installation, including the calibration of your thermostat, will result in a highly-efficient furnace that will save you money in energy costs.
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.
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.
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:
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 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:
A professional technician will have an extensive checklist to go through when providing furnace tune-up service and maintenance. The items on this list cover every part of your furnace in order to ensure that it is in top working condition.
Some of the most important items included in this furnace service checklist are:
A checklist that includes no less than 22 points of inspection should be used during your furnace service.
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.
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’re outside of our service area, contact a local furnace company with top ratings on Google.
