Furnace Cost Calculator

The most expensive part to replace in a furnace is typically the heat exchanger. It’s a major component so the part itself is expensive, it requires extensive labor and can be costly due to the complexity of the replacement process.

The cheapest time of year to replace a furnace is usually during shoulder seasons like late winter or early spring when demand is lower, and HVAC companies may offer additional discounts and promotions to sell excess inventory from the winter season. Note that this isn’t a hard rule and many factors can affect demand or inventory. Another good time to replace your furnace is when also replacing your air conditioner or other HVAC appliance, where you may be able to get package deals.

Natural gas furnaces tend to be the cheapest to operate due to generally lower fuel costs, however this can vary significantly. Higher end natural gas or propane furnaces with features like a variable-speed blower and modulating burner tend to be the most efficient and therefore cheapest to run.

The life expectancy of a furnace in Canada is typically around 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Factors such as usage, maintenance, and the climate of the particular region can influence its lifespan.

Among the various types of furnaces, conventional gas furnaces are usually the cheapest to purchase and install, making them a popular choice for many homeowners. Entry-level single stage or dual stage furnaces tend to be the cheapest to install but are less efficient and therefore may cost slightly more to operate.

Generally, high-quality furnaces from reputable brands tend to last the longest. With proper maintenance, a well-built furnace can last up to 20-25 years or even more. An often overlook and important factor however is that the unit is properly sized and installed by an experienced professional with careful workmanship. That’s why the contractor you choose can be as important or even moreso than the brand of furnace.

Yes, furnaces can become less efficient as they age. Wear and tear, lack of maintenance, and outdated technology can lead to reduced efficiency and higher energy consumption over time. However a well-maintained furnace with regular filter changes, should stay quite efficient for most of its lifespan.

Rather than turning the furnace off entirely at night or when the house is unoccupied for an extended period, it’s usually better to simply lower the thermostat setting by several degrees. However, consider using a programmable thermostat to ensure the house is comfortable when you return or the time you usually wake up.

The cheapest temperature to keep your house in winter is the lowest temperature that is still comfortable for occupants. For most people, this is around 20-22 degrees Celsius or 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Lowering the thermostat further can lead to energy savings but may sacrifice comfort. Wear layers and use blankets to stay comfortable at slightly colder temperatures.

Keeping the house at a constant temperature can be more cost-effective in some cases, as it prevents the furnace from working hard to raise the temperature during colder periods. However, using a programmable thermostat to lower the temperature when you’re away or sleeping can still provide significant energy savings without compromising comfort.