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3 questions to help you decide
Buying a new furnace is a major investment. Depending on efficiency level and type of furnace – electric, natural gas, oil or propane – you can expect to pay between $2,500 and $5,500 or more.
Understanding the key considerations will help you decide when it's better to invest in a new, more efficient furnace, or when a repair will extend its life for a few years. Take time to research the options and understand the benefits of going high-efficiency. Here are three questions to help you plan ahead and make an informed decision.
Depending on when it was installed, a furnace can work reliably for 15 to 20 years – and likely more, if properly maintained.
As it nears the 15-year mark, pay attention to signs of wear and tear, and monitor your bills for any irregularities. Common warning signs of an ailing furnace are frequent repairs, rising energy bills despite a constant temperature, unexplained noises (such as popping, banging or screeching), and dust or soot build-up around registers.
The easiest way to find out is by checking your records: your contractor’s bill, owner’s manual or the installation label on the actual furnace. If that doesn’t work, find the name plate, model number or serial number, and contact the manufacturer. Another clue is simply the size: older furnaces were designed to heat homes in quick bursts, so they’re substantially larger than newer, more efficient models.
Thanks to innovation and new regulations, the newest models are considerably more efficient. Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations require furnaces to be at least 90% efficient, whereas older models were rated at about 65%. Purchase price tends to reflect efficiency ratings, but the energy savings on your bill can offset the cost in a few years. There are many variables, from heat source to size to type of home, so consult a reputable contractor to help you figure out the up-front costs versus long-term savings.
New oil, gas and propane furnaces carry the EnerGuide label to help buyers compare the energy performance of similar models. Furnace efficiency is rated by the annual fuel utilization (AFUE): the most efficient systems are rated between 90% and 98% efficiency. A furnace with a 98% AFUE rating returns 98% of the fuel burned as heat; the remainder represents the amount of energy lost, mainly through burning.
Greater energy efficiency translates to lower operating costs and long-term savings.
Newer models are often smaller because they can heat more gradually and more efficiently.
Insulated components and variable‑speed operation mean a more peaceful home.
Newer systems do a better job of circulating warm air and maintaining a constant temperature.
New units require fewer repairs and lower your risk of needing an emergency replacement.
Reduce your home’s carbon footprint by burning less fuel and using less energy.
A smart thermostat is your furnace’s best friend and can reduce energy costs up to 15%.
Because it circulates and filters air consistently, a new furnace can be better for indoor air quality.
Depending on the fuel type, ENERGY STAR certified furnaces are 6% to 15% more efficient than standard models.
Will another repair extend its lifespan? Or is the smarter option to replace it? Here are some tips to help you decide:
Your furnace is new to “middle aged” – around 7 or 8 years old – and runs smoothly most of the time.
Your furnace rarely needs repairs, and when it does, they’re covered under warranty.
The repairs are common problems, like clogged drain lines, a broken limit switch or faulty ignition.
The cost of repairs is a fraction of what a new furnace costs – below 50%.
Your furnace is more than 15 years old, and in need of regular repairs.
Repairs are frequent and costly. A furnace typically needs the most repairs in the last two years of its usable life.
Your energy consumption is rising for unexplained reasons. Furnaces lose efficiency as they age, making them run longer to provide the same amount of heat.
The cost of repairs is 50% or more than the cost of a new high-efficiency unit.
1
Higher-than-normal bills
2
Frequent furnace repairs
3
Uneven hot or cold spots
4
Unusual smells or sounds
5
Very dry or dusty air
Clean your filters monthly and replace them regularly to keep the air flowing efficiently – typically every three months. Check your owner’s manual.
Get $250* back when you work with an approved contractor to upgrade to a new high-efficiency furnace with an Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM). What’s an ECM motor, and how does it work? Read more.
Stay warm while keeping costs under control with our handy home heating guide. We’ve got tips on how to tune up your system, what to look for when choosing a contractor, rebates on high-efficiency heating and more.
