What does a furnace replacement cost? Here are some furnace prices at a glance:
- Price Range: $1500 – $6,500
- Mid-efficiency furnace: $1,500 – $2,500
- High-efficiency furnace: $3,000 – $5,000
- Installation: $950 – $1,150
- Furnace tune-up: $100 – $125
Are you experiencing an increase in energy costs? Is your furnace turning on and off when it shouldn’t? You might have noticed strange sounds or unpleasant odours coming from the heating system. These are signs that your furnace is losing its efficiency.
Although you might still have time, replacing your furnace before it fails is essential. Replacing the furnace before it dies will ensure that your furnace works properly and can save you money. Old furnaces are more likely to fail, heat inefficiently, and increase your energy costs.
Are you worried that your furnace is in danger of dying? Here are the facts about how to replace it.
You can install a high-efficiency furnace for as little as $3,000 to $5,000. High-efficiency furnaces have an AFUE rating between 90% and 97% and vent through walls via PVC pipes.
It would be best if you considered cost factors.
Here are some other things to consider and the upfront installation cost.
Energy Source
Oil, natural gas, and electricity are the primary fuels for furnaces. To calculate the cost of each furnace type, you should look up the prices of these fuels in your region. There may be additional labour charges if you install a new furnace using a different fuel source.
Oil and gas furnaces produce powerful heat, making them more appealing in colder climates. All heating systems require annual maintenance, but gas furnaces are the most important. If you decide to purchase a gas furnace, keep in mind the maintenance costs. You are at greater risk of dangerous gas leaks or furnace fires if you don’t maintain your gas furnace properly.
Efficiency
Higher AFUE ratings mean that the furnace consumes more heat. Furnaces with an AFUE rating greater than 90% will use 10% less fuel to heat your home. Furnaces that have a higher AFUE rating tend to be more expensive.
High-efficiency furnaces are more expensive to repair as they require more complicated parts than mid-efficiency furnaces. You may not be able to reduce your energy costs if you have an inefficient furnace.
A furnace with an AFUE rating between 90% and 95% will provide the best energy efficiency and cost balance. This range has lower repair costs than furnaces, with a rating above 95%.
Furnace Size
The technician will consider your home’s size, layout, and construction when determining the right size furnace. A furnace that is too small will not heat your home correctly, while one that is too big can cause problems such as short cycling.
Installation
You can buy your furnace separately and pay for the installation. Installing a furnace costs between $950 to $1,150, and the process takes approximately 10.5 hours. You need specific knowledge and training to install a furnace. Canadian law requires that you hire certified installation technicians.
Warranty Plans
Most furnaces come with a manufacturer warranty. Furnace installation companies often offer a labour warranty. Although warranties from manufacturers can last up to 10 years, you will need to maintain the warranty. To claim a furnace warranty, some manufacturers require you to register it. Most furnace installer warranties are valid for one year. Any warranty you receive from furnace installers should be in writing.
Brands
American Standard, Bryant and Carrier are some of the most popular brands of furnaces. Ruud is another name to consider if you are looking for a gas furnace. You may be eligible to receive a tax or rebate if you buy a high-efficiency furnace. You can check your local area for rebates.
Forgoing costs
You will need to replace your furnace’s filter once every two to three months in addition to the annual maintenance. You can clean some furnaces’ filters on a regular schedule. Regular maintenance and cleaning of the filter can save you money. These tasks are essential for maintaining energy efficiency and preventing future problems.
It costs between $100 and $125 to tune up a furnace annually. The tune-up cost is significantly less than furnace repairs. Air filters cost between $4 and $30.
Furnace Trouble Signs
Furnace problems can become more costly over time. You can avoid expensive repairs by staying on top of your furnace maintenance. You should immediately schedule a furnace repair if you notice any of these symptoms.
Age
As your furnace ages, you should consider replacing it. A furnace that is too old can make it difficult to heat your home adequately. If you have high energy bills or a cracked heat exchanger, you should replace the furnace.
There is little that an HVAC technician can do to make an old furnace run more efficiently. Old furnaces lose efficiency naturally. It is a good rule not to repair anything if the repair costs exceed the replacement cost. It’s time for a new furnace if your furnace has required repairs more than twice in the last two years.
Spikes in Monthly Bills
Many times, dirty air filters and damaged internal components are the problems. It is crucial to maintain your furnace. During a tune-up, a technician will clean the furnace’s internal parts.
Inefficient Heating
A furnace technician can improve furnace efficiency if the furnace isn’t too old. Factors that cause inefficient heating include dirty air filters restricting airflow to the furnace and malfunctioning thermostats. The furnace might heat unevenly, not reach the desired temperature, or it may stop turning on altogether. Change the batteries. If this fails, an HVAC technician will be able to diagnose the problem.
Cycling for short distances
An oversized furnace that turns on and off frequently can cause short cycling. The system will turn off when it detects warm air. As well, lack of maintenance can cause short cycling. Short cycling shortens the lifespan of the heating system. Have your furnace serviced by an expert technician.
Troublesome Sounds
Your furnace needs maintenance or repair if it makes unusual sounds like squealing, screeching, banging, or rattling. An expert technician can diagnose the problem and fix it.
The system could have parts that are loosening or broken. If you hear a clicking sound, it is usually a sign that the system has lost its lubrication. Expert furnace technicians will lubricate the moving parts during a maintenance call to avoid this problem.
Strange Smells
Turn off your furnace immediately if you detect gas. You should leave your home until you are sure it is safe to return. You can also bring any pets. Gas leaks pose a danger to your safety.
A burning smell or metallic odour could indicate a problem with your wiring. The possibility of wires melting can lead to a fire hazard. If you smell a burning odour, turn off your furnace immediately.
Routine maintenance will reduce the likelihood of your furnace leaking gas or causing electrical problems. Expert maintenance technicians inspect furnaces for signs of damage and warn you if they are not in good condition.
Dust is what you’d smell if you smelt something burning after turning on the furnace. Your system can collect dust even if it isn’t in use. This dust can ignite when the furnace turns on for the first.
Mould is often responsible for musty odours. Mould can be dangerous to your health, so an expert technician must inspect the source.
How to prolong the life of your furnace
Gas furnaces can last between 20 and 30 years if maintained properly. The average lifespan is between 16 and 20 years. Oil furnaces that are well maintained can last up to 25 years. However, they only last between 15 and 20 years. A high-quality electric furnace will last 18-25 years, while a low-cost model will last 15-20 years.
Your furnace will last longer if you improve the insulation in your home. Your furnace will work more efficiently if your home can hold heat well. Your heating system will not need to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature without proper insulation.
Furnace Repair Toronto has a plan to help you prepare for unexpected repairs. A plan gives you the peace of mind that you know you can call Furnace Repair Toronto 24/7 for any covered repairs.