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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

• TRANE S9V2-VS Gas Furnace
• AirEase A97MV High-Efficiency Modulating Gas Furnace
• Goodman GMVM97 Modulating, Variable-Speed Gas Furnace

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 call the Pros at ProSolutions for regular maintenance and fast repairs. 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.