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Frequently Asked Questions about Furnaces & Installation

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You may want to consult our furnace troubleshooting guide.

Do I need a new furnace?

There are two common reasons homeowners choose to replace their furnace:

1. The current Furnace is Not Repairable or is Requiring Frequent Repairs. The Average cost to repair a furnace is $400.00 to $500.00. The older the furnace the longer wait times for parts.

2. The furnace is contributing to High monthly energy bills. Rising fuel costs across Canada are making it easier to financially justify investing in a new, energy efficient furnace. There are also rebates available on Extra High Efficiency Furnaces. If you decide to purchase a more efficient furnace, not only will you lower your bills, but you'll be reducing the amount of greenhouse gases you are generating while heating your home.

How do I know what size of furnace to buy?

A properly sized furnace is necessary if you are to heat you home efficiently.

Take the Square Footage of your home and divide it by .28

The above equation should tell you approximately the amount of BTUs needed to heat your home.

A furnace that is too large for your home will turn off and on too frequently, and will waste energy warming up and cooling down. A furnace that is too small will not heat your home adequately on the coldest days. Remember that size of furnace you currently have may not be the right size for your needs let a professional help you decide. We will gladly help you select the right furnace for your needs.

Do I need a high-efficiency furnace?

A mid-efficiency furnace will cost between $2,500 and $3,500. A high-efficiency furnace will cost between $4,000 and $5,500, and is usually between 5-14% more efficient. To find out if you should invest in a high-efficiency furnace, consider the following:  

1. How long you plan to live in your home and whether you are planning on selling in the near future. If you plan to live in your home for longer, your investment in conserving energy will pay off. A high-efficiency furnace can also help raise your home's selling value.  

2. The cost of energy to run your furnace. You may already have a high-efficiency furnace installed, without even knowing it! Speak to a professional who can help you determine potential energy savings should you buy a new furnace.

3. How much you use your furnace on a yearly basis. This includes during the air conditioning season—do you run furnace and air conditoning all year round?  

As the cost of natural gas and other energy sources rise, it makes sense to choose a high-efficiency model.

What is the difference between different models?

While most major brands of furnaces share many features in common, there are a few features that set different models apart:

1. Sound insulated cabinet. Some furnace manufacturers have started to surround the furnace with sound insulation. The result is a quieter furnace and a quieter house.

2. Dual-Speed Motor. A two speed motor on the fan circulates warm air through the house. Dual-speed motors save energy, help eliminate hot and cold spots, and are quieter because the fan is not always running at the highest setting.

3. Variable-Speed Motor. A relatively recent development, this type of fan motor does not just have one or two speeds, but is adjustable across a wide range of speeds. Variable-speed motors are more responsive to the heating requirements of your home and are much quieter and energy efficient than other units.

4. Warranty. When shopping for a furnace, it is important to compare warranty terms. Warranties will vary by which components of the furnace are covered and for how long. One variable to focus on in particular is the length and terms of the warranty covering the heat exchanger, which is one of the most expensive parts of the furnace. If a manufacturer is willing to stand behind their heat exchanger for an extended period, you can be more confident about its quality.

5. One Stage Furnace. It means your furnace has one setting for its flame, When there is a call for heat the furnace turns on to full power and runs until the temperature you requested has been reached.

6. Two Stage Furnace. It means your furnace has a high and low setting for its flame, when there is a call for heat the furnace has the ability to run on a low flame first and if it needs more heat it will automatically go to a higher setting of heat. This can save you money during the Spring and Fall, when you need your furnace but not at its full power. It's like running a smaller furnace so it uses less gas.

How else can I reduce my energy costs?

A programmable electronic thermostat gives you more control over your home. It can reduce the heat during the hours you are asleep and at work, and raise the temperature in the hour before you wake up or return from work. This means you do not have to sacrifice comfort for efficiency.

Using a programmable thermostat can save significant amounts on heating bills.

What is the most important factor when I buy a new furnace?

There is no single factor that will affect the performance and life of your new furnace as much as installation. Choosing an experienced installer from an established organization will give you peace of mind, and it will also ensure that you will receive the follow-up service you deserve.

No one without the appropriate gas licenses, safety training, and experience should attempt to install or repair their own furnace. There are numerous factors that need to be considered, and these vary depending on the model of furnace chosen.

Here's why Ottawa trusts Reid's service:

1. We back our installation work with a full 24-hour emergency response service. We have offered this benefit to our customers for over 30 years at no extra charge.

2. All our technicians are trained and licensed. We also have some of the most experienced employees in the city, with over 15 years of experience installing furnaces.

3. Our technicians receive additional training through Rheem every single year.

4. Our technicians are known for their great service. They listen to customer concerns, and answer questions to ensure you are confident and satisfied. They treat your home with respect and take care to ensure you're pleased with the finished work.

5. We always install according to manufacturer specifications.

For more information about furnaces, contact us at 613.233.1115

246 Rochester St. • Ottawa, ON • K1R 7N1 • info@homeservicegroup.ca • 613.233.1115 • Fax 613. 237.1080

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