A Comprehensive Furnace Purchasing Guide

Furnace Prices & Replacement Costs

Most people pay between $2500 – $5000 to get a new furnace installed. This price range is a general estimated average. You can get the actual price depending on your needs and the type of furnace you need to fulfill your needs. The price for furnace installation in Toronto or replacing one differs in every location depending on several factors.

One of those factors is the area you live in. Generally, the price of furnaces will be higher in rural areas than in major towns. The size of your home and the layout will also determine the price as it affects the size of the furnace you need.

Your heating system is another essential factor to consider when creating a furnace budget. Older systems will need to be adjusted for the furnace to fit the current codes.

Your choice of the heater and whether you want it to be converted to use a different power source will also impact the purchase and installation price. Furnaces that need conversion will typically cost more than those that don’t.

Another factor that plays a role in the price you pay is the furnace model and brand. New models may be more expensive than older counterparts due to their high energy-efficiency levels.

When Should You Replace Your Furnace?

Every furnace has different longevity. Some will last up to 15 years, others will last for a shorter period, and others up to 20 years. Proper maintenance can help prolong the lifespan of your furnace, but if the repair costs start being too costly, it’s time to replace it. Some of the factors you should consider are:

The longevity of the furnace: Any furnace that has already been in use for ten years will most likely start giving you trouble. Its energy efficiency will begin to deteriorate, and it will not operate as well as it initially did.

Energy bills: If your utility bills spike, you’ll know you’re consuming more power than you did before. An old furnace could be one of the reasons for that increase. New furnaces tend to have higher ENERGY STAR ratings that ensure they don’t waste a lot of energy.

Frequent damages: A furnace that breaks down frequently will be more expensive to repair. Buying a new one can be a more cost-effective solution.

Choosing a Fuel Type for your Furnace – Propane vs. Natural Gas vs. Oil

Most furnaces in Canada have two fuel choices, namely propane gas and natural gas. Your location should be the main determining factor when you’re choosing between the two. If you live in an urban area, natural gas may be the best option because of the availability of pipelines and connections.

If you live in a rural location, getting natural gas may be a problem because of the less advanced infrastructure in such regions. It will be easier for you to get propane gas instead. Even though propane isn’t as efficient as natural gas in heating, it is still a good choice and will give you the desired results to keep your house warm. You will need a large gas tank to store the propane in, and you will have to refill it regularly.

Another fuel option that is slowly gaining popularity is oil. Oil is the least effective, with only 60% used in heating the home and the other 40% being wasted. That shows that oil doesn’t just waste your money; it also contributes to the detriment of the environment. It takes longer for you to get the heat you require when you use oil, which increases the carbon footprint in the eco-system.

Electricity is another efficient source of energy, but it comes at a steeper cost. Quebec is the only place with cheaper electricity due to Hydro Quebec. Residents of other Canadian regions, including Ontario, are converting to natural gas.

ENERGY STAR Furnace Ratings Explained – Is it worth it?

The ENERGY STAR rating is one of the most underrated concepts, but it is very effective. Homes that have ENERGY STAR certifications normally have higher efficiencies.

To get the ENERGY STAR rating, your furnace must be at least 95% AFUE. Out of every dollar you spend on energy, 95 cents should into heating your home. The fan efficiency should also be 2% maximum. This is the ratio of the electrical consumption to the energy consumption by the furnace when it heats.

ENERGY STAR falls under the Natural Resources Canada – a body under the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The ENERGY STAR certificate is meant to help you save money by using energy-efficient appliances that reduce the carbon footprint you release. The rating doesn’t just protect you. It also protects the environment.

Get a furnace with the highest rating if you want to enjoy low utility bills and help save the environment. Any product with a 95% rating is good, but 98.9% and above is the best.

Other Important Considerations

Warranty

Every company has different warranty periods for every model of furnace they make. Some furnaces may have 2-year warranties, while others will have more than 10+ years. Some even have lifetime warranties.
When you buy a brand-new furnace, you’re entitled to a manufacturer’s warranty that covers all the parts, including the heat exchanger. The warranty allows you to get new parts for free and get maintenance and cleaning services done by a certified professional. Make sure you read the warranty carefully and file it.

Rebates

Rebates and incentives differ in every location, and they constantly change. For instance, Ontario has incentives of $250 for people who upgrade to ENERGY STAR furnaces.

Air filtration

Maintaining the quality of air and humidity in your home is essential. HEPA filters are the best at removing allergens and pollutants to give you healthy air. Remember to change your filters frequently.

Zoned heating

Getting zoned heating is expensive, but it allows you to control the temperatures in every room, which is cost-effective in the long-term. You can heat the room being used while keeping the others at a lower temperature by using different thermostats.

Home assessment

Other than the size of your home, the insulation you have, and the climatic conditions, vents also affect the heating and determine the furnace you buy. The material used to build the house, the windows you have, and their location, seals, ductwork, and air leakage also play a role in the furnace you buy.

Summary

• Buy a furnace with a minimum of 92% AFUE. A high-efficiency furnace will reduce your monthly utility bills.
• Consider the BTU when choosing a heating system. Let an expert help you.
• You can also select a furnace by calculating the heat/loss.

Toronto furnace repair experts providing fast results, knowledgeable technicians and professional service, contact us today 416-332-2493