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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

A modern, high-efficiency furnace should last approximately ten to fifteen years. This is based on the average lifespan of a furnace so it is possible that yours may last longer or need to be replaced sooner. 

The key to a long-lasting furnace is regular maintenance and upkeep. It’s important to stay on top of minor furnace repairs, tune-ups, and maintenance. Scheduling regular maintenance with a professionals heating company will help to maximize the life of your furnace and minimize the need for major repairs. This is especially true in Alberta, where cold winters can take a toll on your furnace.

A local furnace company will know how to care for your furnace in this climate and what to look for if it is having issues.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

Heat pumps do not work in Alberta.

While heat pumps are designed to heat efficiently and cool homes by drawing heat from the outside air during cold months and expelling hot air from inside during warmer months, their effectiveness varies based on the climate.

In milder climates, heat pumps can be an excellent alternative to traditional furnaces and air conditioners. Some homeowners even prefer them for their dual functionality. However, in colder regions like Alberta, especially places like Edmonton, the efficiency of heat pumps diminishes.

The reason? As temperatures drop, heat pumps struggle to extract enough warmth from the frigid air to heat a home adequately. In contrast, traditional furnaces are specifically designed to provide consistent and reliable heat, even in the harshest of winters. For Alberta homeowners, where winters can be particularly brutal, relying solely on a heat pump can be a gamble.

Therefore, while heat pumps might be a viable option in some parts of the world, in Alberta, a traditional furnace remains the trusted and recommended choice for ensuring warmth and comfort throughout the year. There are also other and more reliable heating and cooling solutions available to Alberta homeowners.