ProSolutions - Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning
BBB Accredited Business
2023 Best Plumbing Company in Edmonton
Rated: 4.8 / 5 
Read  100's of Reviews
$97 Furnace Tune-Up Sale. Save $77.
Rated: 4.8 / 5 
Read 100s of Reviews

FAQ Category: Heating

Have questions on general Heating questions? Find answers to some of the most common questions on heating in our FAQ section.

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.

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.

  1. Align the new furnace with existing gas lines and ductwork
  2. Connect and seal to the ducting system
  3. Connect intake and exhaust pipes
  4. Connect the gas line
  5. Connect the furnace to the electrical supply and thermostat
  6. Connect the furnace to a drain hole

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.

Here’s how long it takes to install a new furnace.

Furnace on the fritz? Here are a few things to check if your furnace isn’t working:

  • Power switch – is the power on? If so, try turning the furnace off and then on again.
  • Furnace filter – check to see if the filter is clogged. If it is, exchange it for a new one. You should be changing your furnace filter ever 3 months.
  • Batteries in the thermostat – check the batteries in your thermostat and replace them if they’re low.
  • Flame sensor – turn off the power to your furnace (this is an important first step) then remove the sensor and clean it.
  • Pilot light – check to make sure the pilot light is on. If it’s out, relight it using your furnace model’s igniting instructions.
  • Air intake and exhaust pipes – check the exhaust flue for blockages and clear any blockage you find. For example, during the winter in Alberta, you might find icicles covering the screen of the flue. Remove these to solve the problem.

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.

If humidity is too low in your house, this can lead to many different issues. Some of the most common problems created by low humidity in Edmonton homes include:

  • Itchy, dry, cracked skin
  • Sore, dry throat and nose
  • Frequent nose bleeds
  • Respiratory issues and difficulty breathing
  • Lung and sinus problems
  • Increased chance of colds
  • Dust irritation
  • Increased shocks from static electricity 

In addition to these physical effects, low humidity can damage hardwood flooring, wood furniture, paint, and wallpaper (causing it to crack/peel). Low humidity also makes it more challenging to maintain proper air temperature. Dry air is more difficult to heat. Therefore, your furnace will be forced to work harder to keep your home warm. As a result, you’ll have higher heating bills, and your furnace may experience more frequent repairs and a shorter lifespan

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.

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.

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 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:

  • Vent, blower, and ductwork cleaning
  • Inspection of the flue for damage and dents
  • Examination of all belts and their tension
  • Adjustment of the furnace’s pilot light flame
  • Calibration of the thermostat
  • Visual inspection of all electrical wiring
  • Inspection of the furnace filter
  • Cleaning and removing any debris

A checklist that includes no less than 22 points of inspection should be used during your furnace service.

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:

  • Identification of potential breakdowns before they occur
  • Piece of mind and the ensured safety and comfort for you and your family
  • Lower utility bills as a result of regular maintenance
  • No premium fees for emergency service
  • Automatically scheduled service – so you don’t have to worry about calling to book an appointment!
  • Priority service
  • Discounts on furnace services provided
  • Professional services from trusted experts
  • Satisfaction guarantee

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 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 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.

Didn't find what you're looking for? Search here.
Generic filters
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Search in excerpt
Subscribe For Deals
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
© 2025 Prosolutions Inc.
arrow-right-circle
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram