The average cost of replacing or installing a new furnace in Ontario is from $3,500 to $6,000. Of course, we want to prolong the life of a furnace so we can save on expenses. But how do we know it is time to replace the furnace in our home?
Actually, the time to replace a furnace will not be the same for every homeowner because it all depends on the factors below:
- Comfort level of your home: Is your home warm enough?
- Energy bills: Are you happy with the amount you pay monthly?
- Risk: Is your existing furnace in danger of having a sudden breakdown?
- Finances: Can you afford a new furnace?
While some homeowners may be able to postpone the replacement of a furnace, for others, it may be an immediate need.
Below are some warning signs to note as they may be telling you to get a new furnace now.
- Age of the unit is 15 years or more.
Generally, a well-maintained furnace can last up to 15 years. Furnaces in Ontario need to work hard for the most part of the year due to our climate.
As the years go by, you may be calling for a technician to repair your furnace a few times, with each service call costing more and more each time.
If you are spending on repairs too frequently, it is time to get a replacement for your furnace.
- You are paying high energy bills monthly.
The legal minimum prescribed in Canada for the efficiency of a furnace is 90% or higher. Energy Star recommends replacing a furnace that is 15 years old for efficiency.
You should compare the efficiency of your existing furnace based on the AFUE found in your manual with a new one. You can get the difference in the efficiency of the 2 units and calculate how much you save each winter from your heating costs.
Further, if your usage pattern has not changed and the price of fuel has not increased but your gas bill keeps going up, your furnace may not be efficient anymore.
- Noise from the furnace.
As a furnace gets older, pops and bangs start to be heard. While this can be really annoying, it also tells you that some of its parts may be failing.
- Cracks, Rust, and too much soot.
These are signs that you must get your furnace inspected to check if it has become a safety problem. Your furnace burns fuel and carbon monoxide, one of its by-products, can be fatal. Cracks and other issues could indicate a gas leak in your home, especially for older furnaces.
- Changes in the cycle of your furnace.
Is your furnace turning on and off more frequently than before? Is it still on even when the house is warm enough? Some of its parts may have broken down and its other components are over-compensating. It may be time for a check-up by a qualified technician, at the very least.
- Uneven heating.
Is your house warmer in some parts more than others? A house may have cool spots based on the location of the room (ground or upper floor, number of windows, ceiling height, etc.)
If you feel more warmth in some areas than others, have a technician look into it as there may be problems with the insulation or with your furnace.
As you can see, there are several factors you can look into before arriving at a decision to repair or replace your furnace.
Professional HVAC contractors know what to look for and will provide you with tailored solutions for your heating needs.
You will be happy to know that we offer a NO PRESSURE and NO OBLIGATION PROCESS wherein you get everything in writing to compare and choose from.
Our reliable partners offer competitive quotes FREE OF CHARGE when you fill out our short online form. Everything is contactless for your complete safety and convenience!