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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.

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.

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.

There are several heating systems to choose from, including:

• Gas Furnaces: These are efficient and widely used for their affordability and heating capabilities.
• Electric Furnaces: These are suitable for areas with milder winters but tend to be less energy-efficient.
• Heat Pumps: They can both heat and cool your home, providing year-round comfort.
• Hybrid Systems: Combining a heat pump and a gas furnace for maximum efficiency in different weather conditions.
• Ductless Mini-Splits: Ideal for heating individual rooms or spaces without a central duct system.

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.

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:

• Headache
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feeling hungover
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Blurred vision
• Loss of consciousness

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 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.