There are several reasons you may be in the market for a new furnace:
- A large estimate to repair your current furnace.
- Your existing furnace is not energy efficient and a new furnace will actually save you money.
- Your existing furnace has had a critical failure, like a cracked heat exchanger.
- To improve your home’s comfort.
Whatever the reason, a new furnace is a large investment in a piece of equipment that you will have for 15 to 20 years.
Home owners are likely to look at the price, manufacturer and warranty when making their decision. An equally important consideration is the contractor that will be installing your equipment. Here are a few considerations:
- Will they stand behind the product after it is installed?
- Do they service the product themselves, or do they contract service to somebody else?
- Is there somebody local you can talk to if you have a problem?
- Do they employ licensed tradesmen? A proper installation requires electrical work, a gas fitter and custom sheet metal work.
Modern furnaces are complex pieces of equipment. A furnace needs to sized, for your home. Once it is installed, it needs to be set up properly to ensure your safety and comfort. Finally, a good contractor will show you how to operate your new furnace to give you the best performance.
Home owners can do many things themselves to keep their system running smoothly including:
- Changing furnace filters
- Adjusting your humidifier for summer and winter
- Keeping fresh batteries in your thermostat
- Making sure that heating vents and cold air returns are not obstructed
- Keeping air intakes and exhaust vents clear of snow and debris
A good contractor will show you how to do all of this after installation. All new furnaces require an annual maintenance check-up. Annual maintenance is important to:
- Keep your manufacturer’s warranty in place.
- Extend the life of your equipment
- Keep your equipment operating safely and efficiently
It only makes sense to have an installation contractor that’s familiar with your equipment and can help you resolve any warranty issues. A good contractor will call to remind you to get your equipment maintained every year.
There are many ways to make sure you are dealing with a reputable contractor, including:
- The Better Business Bureau
- The manufacturer’s website
- The HRAI (Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada) website
If you are thinking of a new furnace, Salmon Plumbing & Heating provides a free no-obligation visit to your home. We’ll take a look at your old furnace and recommend a brand and model that will best meet your needs. If you would like to finance your furnace, we can also help you set up an affordable payment plan.
Just call (519) 451-8910.
Rebates from the government on new energy efficient equipment are designed to help homeowners move into new equipment. We’ll explain all the programs that are currently available and help you with the paperwork.
