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The difference between a boiler and a hot water tank has to do with the way in which each uses the hot water that it produces.

Both boilers and hot water tanks take cool water, heat this water and then distribute it throughout a home via pipes. However, the water that is heated by a boiler is distributed throughout the home via pipes, radiators and radiant in-floor systems in order to heat it – to keep the rooms, floors, garage, etc. comfortable and warm.

On the other hand, a hot water tank heats water that is used for cooking and cleaning purposes – for showers, dishwashing, laundry, etc.

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.

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.

Furnace size is determined by your home’s square footage, insulation, climate, and other factors. It’s best to consult with a professional technician who can perform a load calculation to determine the right size for your specific needs.
Oversized or undersized furnaces can lead to inefficiencies and comfort issues.

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

Furnace on the fritz? Here are a few things to check if your furnace isn’t working:

• Power switch – is the power on? If so, try turning the furnace off and then on again.
• Furnace filter – check to see if the filter is clogged. If it is, exchange it for a new one. You should be changing your furnace filter ever 3 months.
• Batteries in the thermostat – check the batteries in your thermostat and replace them if they’re low.
• Flame sensor – turn off the power to your furnace (this is an important first step) then remove the sensor and clean it.
• Pilot light – check to make sure the pilot light is on. If it’s out, relight it using your furnace model’s igniting instructions.
• Air intake and exhaust pipes – check the exhaust flue for blockages and clear any blockage you find. For example, during the winter in Alberta, you might find icicles covering the screen of the flue. Remove these to solve the problem.

If one of these is not the issue, you may need a professional to help you uncover and solve the problem. Don’t wait until it’s too late – a broken furnace, especially during an Edmonton winter, can result in broken and burst water pipes! Find a local furnace repair contractor to fix the problem as soon as possible.

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.

If you live in Edmonton or other northern areas your furnace should be professionally serviced once per year. This will prevent you from having to get expensive furnace repairs or replacements and will extend the life of your furnace. In fact, regularly scheduled inspections and service on your heating system can help identify potential breakdowns and reduce emergency repairs by as much as 95%! Regular service can also lower utility bills by up to 30%.

Harsh winters in Edmonton, and other Albertan cities, can take a toll on heating systems. A company that provides furnace service and maintenance will ensure that everything is in top working condition so that you can rely on your furnace all through the winter without having to worry about issues or failures.

Here’s how much furnace tune-ups & servicing costs in Edmonton.