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Shopping for a new furnace and wondering what are BTUs? BTU stands for British Thermal Unit – a value traditionally assigned to heat. Technically, a single BTU is the amount of energy that is necessary to increase the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit at sea level. As far as a heating system goes, BTUs refer to the amount of heat that a furnace is able to output.

When it comes to furnaces, the larger the square footage that needs to be heated, the more BTUs you’ll require. For example, it’s suggested that a 1,500 square foot home has a furnace that is able to output 45,000 to 90,000 BTUs.

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.

Need a new heating system and wondering whether it’s better to rent or buy a furnace? Renting a furnace is definitely cheaper initially but is not the right option for every household.

If you rent a furnace, you will pay a monthly fee and the HVAC dealer will be responsible for maintenance and repairs. However, there are some drawbacks. It is likely that over time you will pay at least double what the furnace is worth. And, because you do not own the heating system, it does not add to the value of your home.

If you can afford to buy a new furnace this is the best option. By buying the furnace outright, you won’t pay any interest and may also be able to benefit from manufacturer or government rebates. Owning the furnace will also add to the value of your home.

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.

Unless you’re a trained professional, it’s not a good idea to attempt to install your own furnace. Yes, you’ll save money now but the issues and damage that can occur from an improperly installed furnace can result in costs far beyond what you would have spent to hire professionals to do your install. 

Hiring a professional heating services provider in your area to install, maintain, and repair your furnace is always the best way to go. This will save you time and money in the long run. In addition to properly installing and calibrating your new furnace system, technicians are trained to help you find the perfect size furnace for your home. This will ensure that your furnace is not too big or too small. This, as well as the additional services provided by professional technicians during installation, including the calibration of your thermostat, will result in a highly-efficient furnace that will save you money in energy costs.

The cost of furnace replacement varies depending on factors like the type of furnace, its size, labour costs, and any additional accessories or modifications needed for installation.
On average, you can expect to invest between $5,500 to $10,000+ for a new furnace, including installation. High-efficiency models or complex installations may push the cost higher.

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.

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.