Sep. 09, 2024
Need a new furnace for your Edmonton home? This Furnace Buying Guide provides all the information youll need to buy a new furnace in -.
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When buying a new HVAC system, there are multiple factors to consider from size and efficiency to the best furnace brands. As one of the best furnace installation companies in Edmonton, weve put together this furnace buying guide to explain how to choose a new furnace. Once youre done reading, youll know precisely how to pick the perfect furnace for your home. Plus, our furnace experts will share their recommendations for the best furnaces, including what they have in their own homes!
Ready to take a deep dive into the world of furnaces? Heres what you need to know when buying a furnace in -.
Please note: This Furnace Buying Guide was originally published in . The guide was updated in September to reflect the best furnace buying tips for -.
To choose the best furnace for your Edmonton home, its a good idea to know how a furnace works. So, we will break down the process for you in this furnace buying guide. Dont worry how a furnace works is not nearly as complex as most people think! In fact, well explain it in just five simple steps.
Since were willing to bet you have a gas furnace in your Edmonton home (most furnaces in Alberta are gas), lets look at how a gas furnace works.
In addition to understanding how a furnace works, its essential to know the components of a furnace. Recognizing these parts and what they do will help you better understand your HVAC system, especially when it comes to maintenance and furnace repairs!
Most gas furnaces have the following components.
Want to see where these furnace components are located? Scroll back in the furnace buying guide to our furnace component diagram. In this diagram, youll see where each furnace component is typically located. Please note: this may differ from furnace to furnace.
A thermostat regulates temperature and controls a furnaces on/off operation.
A conduit or duct that draws in fresh air from outside. This fresh air is necessary to safely and efficiently burn fuel in the combustion chamber.
A box-like chamber that collects heated air from the furnace before it is distributed throughout your home.
Your furnaces burner is a device that mixes gas and air to facilitate combustion. This produces heat, which warms the cool air circulating in your HVAC system.
A chamber where the return air ducts from different rooms converge. The return-air plenum collects the used air from your home and directs it back to the furnace to be filtered, heated (or cooled), and redistributed.
Your furnaces air filter removes particles, like dust, pollen, mould, and bacteria, from the air before its heated.
The blower fan circulates air through your furnace, into the ducts and throughout your home.
A heat exchanger is a series of coils or tubes which transfer heat from the combustion gases to the circulating air. This heats the air before it is distributed throughout your home.
A gas line is a pipe (also called a branch line) that connects your main gas supply to your furnace, allowing for the continuous and regulated flow of gas. This gas supply fuels the combustion process within your furnace.
The exhaust flue is a duct or pipe that directs exhaust gases from the combustion chamber to the outdoors. This ensures that harmful gases do not accumulate in your home.
A furnace pilot flame is a small gas flame that remains continuously lit and ready to ignite the main burner if the thermostat calls for heat.
A furnaces control board (or circuit board) functions as the brain of the system. It controls and manages the various functions and operations of the furnace to ensure it works safely and efficiently. For example, the control board:
*Component not pictured in the furnace buying guide diagram above.
Most furnaces last approximately 15 to 20 years. This means you should replace your HVAC system every 15 to 20 years.
Keep in mind that this is an average. A high-quality system will be the most reliable and last the longest especially if it is well-maintained. In fact, regular maintenance will help maximize the lifetime of your furnace and reduce the likelihood of major repairs.
If you have an older furnace thats still running, you might think, If it aint broke, why fix/replace it? For many things, this saying is 100% true. But, when it comes to furnaces, is it better to have an old furnace or a new furnace?
In most cases, a new furnace is better than an old one.
Why? Older furnaces can continue to operate for many years. However, newer furnaces are much more energy-efficient! As a result, you will save money on utility bills. New furnaces also have modern features such as smart thermostat compatibility, noise reduction technology, and improved air filtration systems. These features enhance comfort and convenience. Moreover, a new furnace can increase the value of your home, making it a beneficial investment in the long run.
Thus, replacing your furnace every 15 to 20 years is advisable to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability.
PRO TIP: Theres a formula that HVAC professionals use to decide if its worth repairing or replacing a furnace. Continue reading this furnace buying guide to learn this formula.
Want your furnace to last longer? Here are some tips to help you extend the life of your furnace.
Finding a professional furnace installation and maintenance expert to install your new furnace and conduct regular maintenance is as important as choosing the best furnace.
A local furnace company is the best choice if you live in the Edmonton area. A local company will be familiar with the climate. As a result, they will know how to properly install and care for your HVAC system for maximum efficiency and a longer lifespan.
Hiring a local company is especially important in Alberta, as winters can be extremely cold, taking a toll on your furnace.
Regularly changing your air filter will ensure your system doesnt have to work harder than necessary. As a result, you can extend the lifetime of your furnace and reduce the need for maintenance and repairs. In addition, regularly replacing (or cleaning) your air filter will guarantee optimal air quality inside your home.
An annual tune-up guarantees that your HVAC system is running efficiently and effectively. Having a professional technician examine your furnace at least once per year will also allow you to identify and fix any issues before they become bigger, more expensive problems.
In some cases, determining when your furnace needs to be replaced is straightforward. For example, if any of the following are true, we suggest consulting a local Edmonton furnace company. An experienced HVAC company, like ProSolutions Inc., can tell you whether your furnace needs to be replaced.
If your HVAC system requires repairs, it can be more difficult to decide if it is worth fixing or replacing especially if the repairs will be costly.
Luckily, heating, plumbing, and air conditioning companies use a simple equation to determine whether a unit should be repaired or replaced. This equation compares repair costs and how many years a furnace has left with the furnace replacement cost.
So, if you need to decide whether to repair or replace your furnace, heres how you can tell:
Step 1. Calculate Cost of Repair x Age of the Unit (in years)
Step 2. Compare the number above to the cost of replacing your unit
Step 3. If the number you calculated in the first step is greater than the cost of replacing your furnace, then you should REPLACE YOUR FURNACE
Your furnace is 10 years old and will cost $700 to repair.
Replacing the unit would cost $5,000.
In this case, it would be wise to replace your furnace. Heres why.
$700 (cost to repair) x 10 (age of unit) = $7,000
$7,000 > $5,000 (cost to replace)
After reading this section of our Furnace Buying Guide, are you still unsure if you should repair vs. replace your furnace? Our Edmonton heating services company can help! As Edmonton homeowners, the experts at ProSolutions Heating Inc. are familiar with the local climate. As a result, we can help you decide if it makes sense to replace your HVAC system or if it would be more cost-effective to repair it.
PRO TIP: got furnace problems and want to save the hassle (and cost) of calling in a professional? Try these DIY furnace troubleshooting tips before you call a heating company.
Wondering what is the total furnace replacement cost near me? In Edmonton, youll pay around $5,500 to $10,000+ for a new furnace, including installation. That said, the cost of a new furnace depends on many factors, including:
Another factor to consider when comparing furnace prices is the type of blower motor. There are three common types:
*More on single-stage vs multi-speed vs variable-speed furnaces below.
To help you decide which heating option best suits your budget, heres what you can expect to pay for each type of furnace.
Type of Furnace
Furnace Cost (Including Installation)
Single Stage
$ $
2-Stage ECM
$ $2-Stage Variable
$- $+
Although it will cost more initially, having a professional heating company install your furnace is crucial. This is because a properly installed and calibrated furnace will save you money in the long run. It will run more efficiently and be less likely to experience major issues that require costly repairs.
In Alberta, a heat-loss calculation is also required when installing a furnace. This calculation will be done by the Edmonton heating company you hire.
The time of year you purchase and install your new furnace can also impact cost, availability and your overall experience. So, what time of year is best to replace a furnace?
As any furnace buying guide will tell you, the best time to replace a furnace is during the off-season, which is spring or fall. During the off-season/warmer seasons, more discounts and promotional offers are available. If you buy and install your furnace during these times, furnace availability is better, youll get quicker installation, and you wont run the risk of freezing while you wait for your new furnace. Moreover, because HVAC companies have more availability at this time, youll be able to schedule the installation at the most convenient time for you!
In addition to purchase and installation costs, Edmonton homeowners should consider operating costs when choosing a new furnace.
So, what type of furnace is cheapest to run?
The day-to-day cost of running a furnace will vary depending on furnace type, size, efficiency, home insulation, and fuel source. That said, gas and propane furnaces are typically the cheapest to run in Edmonton. On the other hand, electric and oil furnaces are more expensive to operate.
Most homeowners in Edmonton opt for a gas furnace because they offer the lowest operating cost.
Buying a high-efficiency furnace can also help reduce operating expenses, as more efficient heating systems convert a higher percentage of fuel into heat, reducing waste.
Wondering how much money a new furnace might save you on your energy bills? Heres what one of our clients had to say. (This client recently upgraded their old furnace to a new high-efficiency heating system.)
Our new furnace saved us about 20 30% off of our gas usage. We ended up turning up the heat a degree or two vs. previous years, so we likely would have saved even more if we kept it all the same. Energy usage is definitely where we saw a major drop, though. I would assume that we saved a minimum of 15 20% off our electricity usage from the furnace upgrades.
So, if youre looking to save up to 30% on your monthly energy bills, buying a new furnace can help!
Cant decide if you should buy a new furnace because youll be selling your home in the near future? No worries!
Although you arent likely to get back 100% of what you paid for your furnace, you can expect to recoup a large percentage. In fact, in Canada, homeowners can anticipate receiving 50% to 80% of the total cost of their heating system back when they sell their homes. This is because a newly installed furnace adds value to the home and increases the selling price (especially if its a high-efficiency system). As well, a new furnace will help to attract potential buyers. This is particularly true in Alberta, where winters can be extremely cold, and a reliable heating system is a must.
Please note: if you want to know more about how to choose a new furnace after reading this furnace buying guide, our HVAC specialists can provide personalized advice. Our top priority is helping you select the perfect unit for your home and budget. So, give us a call anytime!
There are many factors to consider when choosing an HVAC system. This includes common considerations like size and brand and often forgotten factors like furnace type and efficiency.
Below, our furnace buying guide will examine all the elements youll need to consider when choosing a heating system for your home. Our experts will discuss the following:
With these aspects in mind, youll be able to find the perfect furnace to keep you and your family comfortable throughout the winter in Edmonton.
There are several different types of furnaces to choose from. This includes four main types:
Of these options, gas and electric heating systems are the most common in Alberta. But which type of new furnace is best for you? Lets examine some advantages and disadvantages of each.
Furnace Type
Pros
Cons
Gas
-Lowest day-to-day operating costs
-Highly efficient
-Easy to find a new gas furnace and gas furnace repair parts (because this type of furnace is so prevalent in Alberta)
-More expensive upfront to buy and install
-Never 100% efficient
Electric
-Lowest upfront cost
-Easy to install
-Most efficient option
-Smaller than gas furnaces (i.e. great for tight spaces)
-Higher day-to-day operating costs
As you can see, both gas and electric furnaces have pros and cons.
While a gas system is typically more expensive to buy and install, it is less costly to operate, especially in a cold climate like Edmonton. Gas furnaces are also highly efficient. As a result, gas furnaces are by far the most popular option for homeowners in Edmonton and throughout Alberta.
So, according to this furnace buying guide (and HVAC professionals throughout Edmonton), the winner in gas vs. electric is Gas Furnaces. Because gas heating systems are the most reliable and cost-effective in the long run, they come highly recommended by the heating experts at ProSolutions Inc.
For more information, please visit Heating Elements for Home Comfort Devices.
In addition to deciding between a gas vs. electric furnace, youll also need to consider whether you want a single-stage, multi-stage (also known as multi-speed) or variable-stage furnace.
Youre probably wondering how do single-stage vs. multi-speed vs. variable-speed furnaces compare? And what is the difference between multi-speed and variable-speed furnaces? Lets take a look.
Based on their many benefits, variable-speed furnaces are highly recommended by HVAC professionals in Edmonton.
Although high-efficiency furnaces cost more to purchase initially, they use less energy and will help you save money long-term, thanks to lower utility bills. Therefore, when buying a new HVAC system, the more efficient it is, the better!
Provincial governments, including the Government of Alberta, also offer rebates for high-efficiency furnaces. For example, under the Edmonton Home Energy Retrofit Accelerator program, Edmonton homeowners can receive up to $250 per unit when they install an ENERGY STAR high-efficiency furnace with an AFUE of 97% or higher.
Now, you might wonder how is furnace efficiency measured, and what is AFUE? Our furnace buying guide is here to help!
Furnace efficiency is measured using AFUE.
AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. AFUE is a ratio that describes the amount of fuel going into your furnace vs. how much of that fuel is converted to heat. For example, if your unit has an AFUE of 97%, this means that 97% of the fuel going into the furnace is converted to heat, and only 3% is lost.
A typical gas furnace must have a minimum AFUE of 95% in Canada to be considered energy efficient.
Now that you know how efficiency is measured, you might be asking what determines the efficiency of a furnace?
Several factors determine furnace efficiency, including:
So then, what is the best and most efficient furnace in Edmonton? Our furnace buying guide wouldnt be complete without some top-notch recommendations.
Are you wondering how to choose a new furnace that is efficient and reliable?
The best and most efficient HVAC systems in Canada are ENERGY STAR certified. When you see an ENERGY STAR label on a new furnace, you can rest assured that it will be highly efficient and reliable, providing the best possible home comfort.
The furnace and heating experts at ProSolutions recommend the following furnaces for Edmonton homeowners:
PRO TIP: if you opt for a high-efficiency furnace, you can maximize its efficiency even further with the help of a smart thermostat. A smart thermostat will monitor your home and learn your habits so that it can automatically adjust based on your preferences. You can also manage your smart thermostat remotely. Therefore, you can adjust the temperature at any time, from anywhere. This will help to reduce energy use by optimizing the temperature in your home based on the time of day and whether or not you are away.
Furnace size, or capacity, is another important factor when buying a new furnace.
Our furnace buying guide will walk you through all the most important sizing aspects so you can determine the perfect size unit for your home.
Furnace size matters for several reasons. First and foremost, if you dont have the right size furnace for your home, the unit will not be as energy-efficient as it could be. As a result, you will use more energy, increasing your utility bills. In addition, if your HVAC system is the wrong size, it may experience added maintenance requirements and a shorter lifespan.
A furnace that is too big will turn on and off regularly, reducing efficiency and lifespan and increasing the need for maintenance. Alternatively, a unit that is too small will constantly be running as it tries to keep your home warm. In addition to being unable to heat your home properly, the increased workload will boost energy consumption and wear out the unit.
That said, youre probably wondering what size furnace do I need?
Before our furnace buying guide looks at how you can determine what size system youll need, lets examine how furnace size is measured.
When plumbing and heating companies, like ProSolutions Inc., refer to furnace size, they are not referring to the units dimensions. Rather, size refers to how much heat a unit can produce. Therefore, furnace size is also commonly referred to as heating capacity.
Furnace size, or capacity, is measured in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour. BTU measures energy output. More specifically, it measures the energy required to heat 1 lb of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit. For example, a furnace rated 45,000 BTU will produce 45,000 BTUs of energy per hour.
The higher the BTU rating, the more heat a furnace will produce. Therefore, the bigger the space it can comfortably heat.
Now, lets look at how to choose a new furnace size.
Several different factors determine furnace size. One of the most important aspects is the size of your home. The larger your home, the higher the BTU rating youll need.
Below are size recommendations from heating professionals based on the square footage of your home.
SQ. FT.
BTUs
1,200
36,000 to 72,000
1,500
45,000 to 90,000
1,800
54,000 to 108,000
2,100
63,000 to 126,000
2,400
72,000 to 144,000
Recommended furnace size based on square footage.
Other factors that will influence the size of your new furnace include:
Reading our furnace buying guide and still not sure what size furnace is best for your home? Give the heating pros at ProSolutions a call! Our experienced and local heating technicians can help you determine the perfect size HVAC system for you and your family.
There are many great furnace brands on the market in Edmonton. However, some are better suited to harsh Canadian winters than others.
In Alberta, homeowners require reliable, efficient, and effective heating throughout the winter. To ensure the comfort and safety of you and your family, the heating professionals at ProSolutions Inc. recommend the following furnace brands:
These furnace brands are known for their quality and reliability. So, you can rest easy knowing you wont encounter any unexpected problems with your unit during a cold winter night.
Looking for some brand-specific guidance? Check out our branded furnace buying guides below. Whether youre wondering about Trane, AirEase, Ducane or other top furnace brands, our heating specialists are familiar with all of them!
Considering a mini-split? Need a trailer furnace? We can help there too! Ask us about mini-splits or trailer furnaces 780-453-.
Weve compiled these guides to help you decide which furnace brand is best for your home (and budget).
Need personalized assistance choosing the best furnace? Our team can help. Give us a shout, and well offer our expert advice.
In addition to type, efficiency, size, brand, and cost, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind when buying a new furnace.
Our furnace buying guide wouldnt be complete without mentioning the following aspects of how to choose a new furnace:
HVAC maintenance and tune-ups are extremely important. Regular maintenance will help to ensure your furnace is running efficiently and help extend its lifetime.
Although your furnace requires regular maintenance, including filter changes and tune-ups, it should not need constant repairs. This is why its so important to buy a reliable brand. Furnaces from reliable brands are less likely to need regular repairs. Parts and qualified technicians are also readily available if repairs are necessary.
Want to know how to spot furnace problems before a complete breakdown? Check out these tell-tale Furnace Warning Signs.
Youll also want to ensure your new furnace has a good warranty. A furnaces warranty says a lot about the brand and whether they believe in their product. Therefore, less reliable brands will typically have more limited warranties. If youre looking for a great warranty, check out Amana. Amana furnaces are the only ones that come with a lifetime replacement warranty!
Modern HVAC systems offer an array of features, with high-end units offering the most innovation and technology. Some of the most popular furnace features that you may want to consider for your home include:
Need a new furnace but dont have the cash upfront? Dont worry. There are numerous furnace financing options available for Edmonton homeowners.
To offer you some of the best furnace financing solutions out there, ProSolutions has partnered with SNAP Home Finance. Together with our furnace financing partner, we offer the following financing options.
Both of these financing options are fast, easy, flexible and low-cost. Better yet, these financing plans are available for all home improvement projects, including new furnace installation, maintenance and repairs, and more.
Dont wait until its too late get the perfect furnace for your home and pay later. Apply for furnace installation and repair financing today!
Did you know approximately 85% of residential greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to space and water heating? Thus, our furnace buying guide wouldnt be complete without examining environmental considerations. When buying a new furnace, its essential to consider the environmental impact!
While no government intervention has been introduced in Alberta, as of yet, governments around the globe are making changes to promote eco-friendly heating. For instance, Quebec and Vancouver have introduced fossil fuel heating bans. These bans currently only target new home construction and were introduced to reduce methane and reach net-zero emissions. Canadas goal is to reach net-zero emissions by .
Heres what the fossil fuel heating bans look like in these areas.
Vancouver
So, what is the best alternative to a gas furnace? In Edmonton and throughout Alberta, electric heating is the next best choice. In warmer climates, many people are also switching to heat pumps due to their efficiency.
If a gas furnace is still the best choice for your home, dont worry our furnace buying guide wont leave you wondering where to turn. There are gas furnace options that allow you to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions. To heat your home with minimal impact on the environment, carefully consider these furnace features and options:
Furnaces with a high AFUE rating waste less energy. As a result, buying a furnace with a high AFUE rating will help you consume less fuel and reduce your emissions. For optimal efficiency, look for furnaces with AFUE ratings of 90% or higher.
Furnaces that have the ENERGY STAR label meet strict energy efficiency guidelines. These furnaces are more efficient than their counterparts and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, an ENERGY STAR-certified gas furnace uses approximately 6% less energy than a standard model.
A furnace with a sealed combustion chamber loses less heat to the outside. As a result, you can reduce your energy consumption.
Variable speed blowers automatically adjust the speed and volume of airflow in response to changes in heating demand. Thus, this feature provides more even temperature distribution and reduced energy consumption.
Instead of the simple on/off operation, two-stage or modulating furnaces can adjust the burners output based on the amount of heat thats needed. This leads to less energy consumption and more consistent temperatures.
Rather than having a pilot light thats always on (i.e., a standing pilot light), modern furnaces use intermittent pilot lights, which are more energy-efficient.
A condensing furnace incorporates a secondary heat exchanger. This additional heat exchanger extracts heat from exhaust gases before theyre vented away, recovering heat that would otherwise be wasted. Condensing furnaces improve efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and are among the most efficient gas furnaces.
These furnaces are an excellent option for Edmonton homeowners, as they are particularly well-suited for colder climates where the condensing process is more effective.
Pairing your furnace with a smart thermostat can significantly reduce energy consumption. Smart thermostats learn your heating preferences, optimize heating schedules, and offer remote control via your smartphone. As a result, you can minimize your energy consumption when heating is unnecessary.
In addition to these eco-conscious furnace features, regular maintenance can help you cut energy use and emissions. Routine maintenance (including changing your furnace filter and scheduling an annual tune-up) will ensure your heating system runs at optimal efficiency.
For Edmonton homeowners, investing in a new, high-efficiency furnace will reduce their carbon footprint and lead to savings on heating bills. To get the best of both worlds, be sure to consult a local HVAC company to determine the best and most efficient heating solution for your home.
As previously mentioned, finding the best furnace installer is essential, as furnace installation significantly affects how effectively and efficiently your new system works. Location, experience, and reputation are some of the most important aspects of choosing the best furnace installer.
If you live in the Edmonton area, youll want to work with a local Edmonton company like ProSolutions Heating. The professional and experienced technicians at ProSolutions Inc. have the local experience needed to properly install and calibrate your new furnace for maximum home comfort!
Youll also want to determine a companys experience level and reputation in your community. To help with this, check out online reviews and feedback.
As homeowners, we know that buying a new furnace isnt cheap! So, weve included some money-saving tips in this Furnace Buying Guide to help you save as much as possible.
Tip #1 Look for Furnace Deals and Offers
Keep an eye out for furnace deals and offers from local Edmonton HVAC companies. Youll often find savings on heating systems and installation!
Check out our latest promotions and deals here Plumbing & Heating Offers
Tip #2 Research Government Rebates and Incentives
Government rebates and incentives can also help you save! So, be sure to watch for new government programs that will help you put money back in your pocket.
Tip #3 Get Multiple Quotes
When buying and installing a new furnace in Edmonton, make sure to shop around. But keep in mind the lowest price isnt always the best option. Weigh the pros and cons of a cheap installer vs. a professional furnace installation company with experience and a good reputation
The Key to Long-Term Savings: Quality Over Price
Its great to save money where you can, but choosing quality over price will always be more cost-effective in the long run!
So, be sure to invest in a reliable furnace brand that offers a good warranty. This will help you avoid frequent repairs and replacements, saving money in the long run. Also, ensure that you invest in professional furnace installation. This will guarantee that you avoid future problems and additional costs due to improper installation.
Whether youll be buying a new furnace this year or not, the end of summer is the perfect time to start preparing for winter!
Schedule your furnace maintenance now to avoid the fall furnace tune-up rush. And, if you need a new furnace, its never too early to contact a local contractor. In fact, the sooner, the better! Edmonton plumbing, heating and AC companies like ProSolutions will help you determine whether you should replace or repair your HVAC system. They can also help you choose the best unit for your home.
Ready to get started? Maximize your home comfort this winter with the perfect furnace for your Edmonton home.
Contact us today for a free quote!
Still have questions about buying and installing a new furnace in your Edmonton home? Check out the FAQs below. If you dont see the answer to your question, call our experts at 780-453- wed be happy to help!
The time it takes to remove and install a furnace can vary based on different factors, including the complexity of the installation and the setup of your home. However, the process typically takes anywhere from 4 to 6+ hours. That said, it is best to consult your HVAC contractor for a more precise estimate.
Below are some important questions you should ask when shopping for a new furnace and installation company.
Questions About the Furnace
Questions About the Furnace Installation Company
While its important to ask about the features and specifications of the furnace itself, its also essential to ask the HVAC company about their work and experience. For example, when looking for a good furnace installation company in Edmonton, be sure to ask the company about their:
Want to make sure you find the best furnace company in Edmonton? Check out these tips on how to find the best furnace repair company.
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