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Over 60 per cent of your annual energy costs go to heating your home, so it is worth heating it as efficiently as possible.
In this guide, you will find helpful tips, resources and checklists to keep your home comfortable and energy costs down.

Is it time for a new furnace?

Think about upgrading if:
 
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Your home’s air is too dry or dusty
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Your system is more than 10 years old
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It’s unusually noisy
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You need major parts replaced
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Rooms served by the furnace are chilly
  

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Working with a contractor

When it comes to hiring a contractor, it pays to do your homework.
Here is how to be better prepared.

How to choose a contractor

How to choose a contractor + questions to ask:
  • Start with our list of participating contractors near you
  • ​Read online reviews
  • ​Ask friends and neighbours for recommendations (check to ensure they are on the list of participating contractors)
  • Get at least three quotes and compare estimates​
  • Ask for an inspection of your current system
  • Get everything in writing​
  • Ask about rebates for high-efficiency systems
  • Ensure your contractor has general liability insurance to protect yourself​
  • Ask about services post-installation, including annual servicing, maintenance, etc.​

What to look for

CHECKLIST: What to look for in an agreement
  • ​Detailed list of all work to be completed
  • ​Itemized list of all equipment to be installed, including name, quantity, model number and energy rating
  • ​Proof of warranty for both the equipment and installation
  • ​Documentation of sizing calculations or results of any tests performed​
  • Liability insurance information (minimum of $2 million)​​
  • Proof of licences and certification​
  • For ECM-equipped furnace replacements:
    TSSA Registration number to confirm licensed technicians (Gas Technician 1 or 2 or OBT 1 or 2 certification number)​​
  • For ENERGY STAR certified CAC system installations:
    313A Refrigeration and Air Conditioning licence or a 313D Residential Air Conditioning Licence​
  • Payment terms and schedule​​
  • Start and completion date​​

What to expect from your agreement

Annual servicing: Your contractor should:
  • Check refrigerant levels and test for leaks
  • Clean condenser coils
  • Replace or clean air filters
  • Inspect ductwork for air leaks
  • Measure airflow through the evaporator coil
  • Inspect, clean and tighten electrical connections
  • Lubricate motors and inspect belts
  • Check thermostat and controls for accuracy





10 tips to tune up

FaLl MainTenance checklist

  • 1

  • Book a check-up

  • Schedule servicing every fall to keep your heating system running safely and efficiently.

  • 2

  • Inspect your detectors

  • All systems that burn fuel give off gases, so put a fresh battery in your carbon monoxide detector.

  • 3

  • Clear the clutter

  • Keep the area around your furnace clear and keep flammable items well away.

  • 4

  • Change or clean furnace filters

  • Do this to improve air quality and airflow. Refer to your owner’s manual to see how often you should do this.

  • 5

  • Wrap your tank

  • Add an electric water heater blanket to insulate and reduce energy loss by up to 40 per cent.

  • 6

  • Set to save

  • Set your thermostat to 21°C when you are at home. Lower it when you are sleeping (18°C) or away from home (16°C).

  • 7

  • Blow hot air

  • Set your ceiling fan to spin clockwise to circulate the hot air downwards.

  • 8

  • Seal the leaks

  • Caulk, seal or weatherstrip drafts around doors and windows to reduce heating costs up to 30 per cent.

  • 9

  • The deal with ducts

  • About 20 per cent of your airflow is lost to leaky or disconnected ducts. Seal holes and cracks with mastic sealant or foil tape (avoid “duct" tape as it does not last long).

  • 10

  • Control humidity

  • Keep humidity levels at 30 per cent to 40 per cent to keep your home feeling warmer and more comfortable.

Shopping for a new furnace?

While high-efficiency units tend to have a higher purchase price, lower operating costs mean you will spend less over time.

Added benefits:

  • Proven reliability

  • Quiet performance

  • Better warranty protection

  • Improved air quality

  • Use less energy

EnerGuide AFUE label
Look for the high AFUE rating

The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating, found on the official Canadian EnerGuide label, is a measure of how efficient your furnace is. The higher the rating, the more efficient the model.


More than $4,000* in heating and cooling rebates

Furnace

Get a $250 heating rebate

when you replace your furnace with a new high-efficiency model

Reduces home heating costs by 25% per year†

Must be equipped with ECM motor. Offer ends December 31, 2018.

AC unit

Get a $600 cooling rebate

when you install a new high-efficiency central air conditioner

Newer models are more reliable and less prone to breakdowns.

Must be ENERGY STAR® certified, minimum 18+ SEER/13 EER rating.

Electrically-heated home?
Air-source heat pump unit

Get up to $4,000

when you install an air source heat pump (ASHP)

Save up to 50% on heating costs†. Also works for cooling!

BONUS!

Get $50 when you install a new adaptive thermostat. Reduce energy costs up to 15%

Hydronic heating system?

Get $30

when you install a new ECM circulator pump for your hydronic heating system

Significantly increases energy savings and is easy to install

Must have a variable-speed ECM motor

Find a contractor near you See program details

*Incentives are available for installation of eligible equipment completed between January 1 and December 31, and submitted no later than February 1. Subject to additional terms and conditions found here. Equipment must be purchased from and installed by a participating contractor. †Estimated annual electricity cost savings are based on past program experience. Actual savings may vary. Subject to additional terms and conditions found at saveonenergy.ca. TM Trademark of the Independent Electricity System Operator. Used under license.

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