With winter just around the corner, Edmonton homeowners are bracing for the cold months ahead. Just like you wouldn’t leave home without your winter jacket, your home also needs a reliable source of warmth. If you’ve realized it may be time for a furnace installation in Edmonton, there are a few factors to keep in mind first.
In this short article with Weiss-Johnson, we’ll be exploring the ins and outs of furnace installation in Edmonton. From knowing whether you truly need one, to key steps before installation, let’s delve into the details below.
#1: When to Replace vs. Repair
Before calling your local HVAC company for a furnace installation in Edmonton, know whether you need a full replacement or simply a repair. Generally, there are a few telltale signs you may be overdue for a replacement. If your furnace is over 18 years old, it’s likely outdated and no longer running at full efficiency. Another indicator is having increasingly frequent or costly repairs. At that point, a replacement is usually the more practical choice.
#2: Lock In Your Warranty
Furnace manufacturers offer different warranties, often with component-specific conditions. Your HVAC technician will discuss the warranty with you, along with the steps to take to ensure it’s valid. After your furnace installation in Edmonton is complete, make sure to complete your warranty registration. This ensures your furnace is covered for as long as possible, often up to 10 years.
For extra protection, ask your HVAC technician if an extended warranty is offered for your furnace.
#3: Consider More Than Size
Furnaces are measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units), which dictate their heating output. Generally, the smallest home furnaces can range from 30,000 to 40,000 BTUs, while the largest can be up to 140,000 BTUs!
Contrary to popular belief, there’s much more to finding the right furnace than home size. While home size certainly plays a role, factors such as insulation, number of windows, flooring, and local climate matter just as much. A furnace sized for Vancouver’s damp winters likely won’t work in Edmonton when it’s 30 below! Your HVAC specialist will carefully analyze your home to find the best furnace options for you.
#4: Have Your Ductwork Inspected
Your home’s heating is controlled by much more than just the furnace. It’s all an interconnected system, with ducts and vents bringing warm air to every part of your home. But over time, leaks and holes can cause this air to become wasted—leading to your system needing to work harder to produce the same heating output. In the average home, 20% to 30% of hot air is often lost this way.
Before your furnace installation in Edmonton, it’s recommended to have your duct work professionally cleaned. Doing so will allow you to catch all system inefficiencies so your furnace will work better—your wallet will thank you!
#5: Compare Different Furnace Types
The higher the AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating, the more energy efficient it will be. In Canada, the minimum AFUE in modern furnaces is 92%. But there are also furnace factors to consider, namely staging types.
A single-stage furnace can only turn on or off, using full capacity to heat a home before shutting off. A dual-stage furnace offers greater flexibility, with low and high-capacity options depending on how much heating is needed. Lastly, a modulating furnace operates by gradually adjusting the blower speed and burner capacity to exactly how much heat is needed. Modulating furnaces are among the most efficient, as they’re able to adjust automatically without any extra effort from you.
#6: Know Your Contractor
Just as important as the furnace itself is who’s going to be installing it. Your furnace installer must be fully qualified, licensed, and experienced. Otherwise, you risk both your home’s safety and your furnace manufacturer’s warranty.
If you’re in the market for a furnace installation in Edmonton, look no further than Weiss-Johnson to assist.
Trustworthy. Dependable. The Only Weiss-Johnson
Since 1977, we’ve been providing homeowners with year-round, comprehensive HVAC services. We’re Edmonton’s choice for complete HVAC services, but don’t take our word for it. Reach out today for a free estimate for your furnace installation in Edmonton and discover why we’ve been trusted for nearly 50 years.
