Furnaces

Whether you’ve recently moved into a new home with an existing furnace or are simply unsure about the system in your current home, it can be a difficult process trying to determine exactly how old your furnace is.

A furnace will typically need to be replaced after anywhere from 15 to 20 years of service, so it’s important to know exactly when your furnace was installed.

There might be a tag or sticker that’s easily visible that tells you the make, model, serial number, and production date. But if you’re not so lucky, then there are still ways to find out the age of your heating system.

This comprehensive guide aims to help you date your furnace accurately even if you’re missing the original documentation or receipts.

A Key to Determining Furnace Age: The Serial Number

Find the Serial Number

When trying to determine the age of your furnace, the first item you’ll have to locate is the unit’s serial number.

However, finding this sometimes isn’t immediately obvious. Depending on the specific manufacturer as well as the year of production, the serial number might be found in a number of different locations.

Typically, you’ll be looking for either a paper or metal tag, sticker, or imprint. Newer models will often have the information somewhere along the outside surface of the furnace. However, if it’s not there, open the cabinet door to see if there’s anything posted inside.

Older models may require a bit more digging. Shut off the power to your furnace and take a look around inside the unit. The serial number could be stamped into one of the components. Common places to find the serial number include the:

• Gas valve
• Fan or fan blades
• On the inside of the access panel
• On the blower compartment panel
• The interior cabinet

Using the Serial Number to Date Your Furnace

Once you’ve located the serial number, you’ll probably have to investigate to figure out the exact details of your furnace. This is because the serial code rarely states the actual production date clearly.

There are a few ways to do this. Some are easier than others, but we’ll go over all the tricks to help you figure out the age of your furnace.

Method One: Check with the Manufacturer

The easiest way to use a serial number is to check with the manufacturer. In the case that you know the brand, simply use the brand’s furnace age chart to identify your own model.

Alternatively, call the manufacturer to ask about the production date of your furnace, assuming they’re still in business. A manufacturer representative may be able to approximate the age of your furnace by looking at a photo of the unit, even without a serial code.

Method Two: Deciphering the Serial Number

When you don’t know what brand your furnace is, can’t find an age chart, or can’t get in touch with the manufacturer, you can still use the serial number to date the unit.

The orientation and combination of the numbers and letters will differ depending on the make and year, but most serial numbers contain the week or month and year of production. Let’s talk about some of the most common serial number styles:

• Week/month and year as the first four digits: It’s usually the first four digits of the serial code that indicate the manufacturing week/month, followed by the year. So, in the case that you see 2-3-9-8 followed by more digits or letters, for example, it likely means that the furnace was produced in the 23rd week of 1998.
• Year and week/month as the first four digits: Alternatively, the year might come first and the week/month second. In that case, the first four digits of the serial number might look like this: 0-2-1-2, for 2002, December, or 2002, the twelfth week.
• Date at the end: Sometimes, but not often, it’s the last four digits of the serial number that indicate the model’s production date.
• Letters indicating months or years: Another variation you might see is using a single letter to represent a month or year. For example, a serial number might read 02B, where 02 is the year (2002) and B means February. When letters represent months, the code usually starts with January being A, February being B, etc. However, sometimes January will start at M, February N, etc.
• Serial number with a letter at the beginning: When a serial number starts with a letter, this often represents something like the factory or location, and the date of production usually follows.

Tips about serial numbers:

Some manufacturers skip the letter I (and sometimes J as well) to avoid confusion with the number 1, so September might be represented by J or K.

If the serial code reads 0-7-3-4, it’s easy to tell that it was made in the 34th week of 2007, as it isn’t likely to be from 1934.

Analyzing Serial Number Examples from Actual Manufacturers

Other Ways to Determine the Age of Your Furnace

Look for Service Tags

Another trick to identifying the age of your furnace is to look for a sticker or tag indicating the date when your furnace was last serviced. This tag may list the date that the furnace was installed. Although this isn’t the same as the production date, it can give you a decent estimate of the unit’s age.

Ask an HVAC Specialist

Experienced HVAC technicians will have many years under their belts, and that likely means they’ve seen it all. These experts might be able to identify your furnace just by looking at it, even if the brand and serial number aren’t obvious.

Moreover, they might see other clues to help you date the unit, and will be able to recommend options for maintenance or upgrading.

Common Problems with Old Furnaces

Older furnaces can act up from time to time because they’re not built with the same efficiency or durability as newer furnaces. Sometimes, simple wear-and-tear on your furnace is enough to cause issues that are difficult to take care of.

Here’s a list of common problems:

Pilot Light Troubles

Most modern furnaces have a Hot Surface Ignition, similar to the filament in a lightbulb. Older furnaces use a flame that is kept going by a constant small amount of gas. This doesn’t tend to be very efficient, and can cause trouble by creating carbon monoxide.

Damaged ignition, drafts or debris can also hinder the pilot light from working, and will likely need repair or replacement.

Blower Problems

This can be a simple or complicated problem to solve in an aged furnace, but essentially it means that heat and air are not getting to where they need to be. Sometimes the belt just needs to be lubricated, other times it may need to be replaced. If the blower itself is running constantly, it indicates a need for repair.

Chronic Cycling

Older furnaces can start catching bad habits from neglect. One such action is the furnace turning on and off quickly, or going through its cycles constantly. It could be something like a dirty air filter or a malfunctioning sensor.

Noisy Furnace

Modern furnaces typically have more insulation and will be in better condition than an older furnace. When your furnace starts to make odd sounds, it could likely be any issue. Starting with the sound will help you pinpoint what’s going on. Rattling, squeaking or rumbling mean different things, which could indicate loose panels, a slipped belt, or old bearings; or possibly something else.

Malfunctioning Thermostat

This may have nothing to do with the furnace itself and may simply require new batteries or attention. If it’s an older thermostat, there’s the possibility that it has become defective.

Benefits of New High-Efficiency Furnaces

Modern furnaces are a lot more efficient than the older ones, partly due to new technology and partly due to the basic standards that they’re required to meet.

The AFUE rating shows how much fuel is actually going into heating your home, so a rating of 90% means that 90% of your gas is used as intended with only 10% wasted. Modern furnaces sold in Canada need to have an AFUE of at least 90% and most are much higher (up to 99%), while older furnaces are lucky to be close to 70%.

Beyond the higher efficiency ratings, new furnaces are also advantageous because they have more sophisticated design features and technologies, including:

Electronic Ignition

One of the eco-friendly and cost-saving features in a new furnace is the electronic ignition, which has replaced the pilot light. Electronic ignition creates a spark as needed and doesn’t waste fuel running a pilot light that is constantly on, whether it’s needed or not.

Airflow

Airflow is typically induced and controlled so that every part functions regularly and efficiently. An ECM or Electrically Commutated Motor will provide precise control of airflow, resulting in a quieter furnace with a more efficient operation.

Fans and Valves

Variable-speed fans and modulating valves help heat your home with precision and stop the on-off cycle that is common in older furnaces. This means that you use exactly the amount of energy needed and no more to heat your home, and it increases longevity from less tedious cycling.

Reduced Noise

You’ll also notice less noise from the droning and rattling of an old furnace. Modern furnaces are sound-insulated, and also have parts that are seamless and won’t clang. In addition, the variable-speed fans operate quietly since they don’t need to run at full speed or stop, which is often a cause of a noisy furnace.

Thermostats

Smart thermostats can help regulate throughout the seasons, so you won’t have to worry about getting stuck on one setting and forgetting. They have a lot of features beyond just temperature.

Some thermostats can send text messages and other alerts about maintenance and issues that arise. When paired with a humidifier, they can help create a comfortable atmosphere in your home, year-round.

Talk to an HVAC Expert for Professional Advice

Once you’ve determined that your old furnace needs replacing, it’s a good idea to call an HVAC professional to get a suggestion and estimate for what your home needs.

Heating a home adequately and eliminating cold spots is about choosing the right features, sizing the furnace properly, and managing airflow.

Our guides can give you a place to start in your furnace education and help you make an informed choice.

For professional service, get a free no-obligation quote from a certified local HVAC contractor.

Resources

• Building Intelligence Center (serial numbers)
• How to Determine the Age of a Furnace
• Is a High-Efficiency Furnace Right for Me?
• How to Determine the Age of a Furnace

Furnace Prices & Replacement Costs

Click here for our full furnace price guide, featuring a more detailed breakdown of furnace costs >>

The average cost of buying a new furnace, or replacing your furnace in Canada varies based on a variety of factors. Typically, a new residential gas furnace including installation, will cost between $2500 – $5000 on average.

This price is just a general estimate of course, and you’ll typically have to get a free in-home estimate done by a local HVAC contractor to get an actual price based on your home and your needs, and budget.

Things that can affect the price include:

• Where you live (prices can vary by region/city/province, as well as rural vs urban areas)
• Your home (the size and age of your home can impact the type and size of furnace needed; every home is different)
• How old your current system is (older systems may need more retrofitting work to meet modern building codes)
• Is it a conversion? If you’re converting from oil or electric to gas or propane, this will typically be a bit more complex and expensive
• The brand and model of furnace you buy

These are some of the main factors that will affect the price of a new high-efficiency furnace for Canadian homeowners.

When Should You Replace Your Furnace?

1. Age of your furnace: If your furnace is over ten years old there’s a good chance that it is not a particularly energy-efficient model or that it may no longer be operating at its initial efficiency level. Many homeowners don’t have their furnaces cleaned and properly maintained every year, which leads to a gradual reduction in operating efficiency. You may be surprised to learn that your 15, 20 or 25-year old furnace is actually only operating at 50 – 60% AFUE, meaning nearly half your utility costs are completely wasted. Upgrading to a new furnace could mean a reduction in up to 40% in annual heating bills.
2. Rising utility bills: newer furnaces, especially ENERGY STAR models (95% AFUE and above) waste less energy which means more money in your pocket. Greater efficiency also means less of an impact on the environment.
3. Broken furnace and/or expensive repairs: your furnace has reached the end of its lifespan and repair costs are more costly than purchasing new. Especially when you factor in the potential savings on your utility bills.

How long does a furnace usually last?

Most furnaces should last at least 15 years, and can last as long as 20+ years with proper maintenance and a little bit of luck. That being said, you may wish to replace your furnace before that point if it starts to require frequent costly repairs and replacing it becomes a more cost-effective option.

Further reading: The TRUTH About Furnace (and A/C) Reliability

High-Efficiency Furnaces – The Basics

A furnace provides central heating throughout your home.  There are several types of heating systems with one of the most common in Canada being a forced-air furnace.  Forced-air furnaces work by blowing heated air through ducts that deliver the warm air to rooms throughout the house via air registers.  This is a preferred method amongst consumers because it provides heat quickly and it has a quick recovery time when temperature is decreased overnight to save energy, so it doesn’t take long for the home to warm back up again in the morning.

The forced-air furnace when coupled with an efficient fan and motor can help the air conditioning unit send cold air throughout the house as well.  Providing the consumer more value for their money.

Energy-efficient furnaces can also make your home more attractive for resale value, as more and more consumers are conscious of the environment and how their energy dollars are being spent. Replacing your furnace is a fairly significant investment, so knowing that it has been recently upgraded is always a bonus for a potential home buyer.

When choosing a furnace for your home it is important to educate yourself on the following factors: estimated annual energy consumption, operating cost and energy efficiency rating of the furnace.

FAQ

Furnace Types – Single Stage vs. Dual Stage vs. Variable Speed vs. Modulating Furnaces

These are the four major “types” of furnace, though a furnace can be both modulating and variable speed (as this refers to burner type and blower speed, respectively). Here’s a comparison of the pros and cons of each one.

See here to read our more in-depth breakdown and comparison of furnace types.

Single Stage

As it sounds, only one stage.  With a single stage model, your furnace is either on or it is off, there’s no in between.

Pros of Single Stage Furnaces:

• somewhat lower initial price

Cons of Single Stage Furnaces:

• inefficient energy use
• inconsistent temperature delivery throughout your home
• inconsistent temperature control; frequent hot-cold fluctuations
• noisy
• higher energy bills

Dual Stage

A dual stage furnace has high and low settings. It starts off in the first stage which is low output.  The low output stage meets your home’s heating needs 80% of the time.  It switches to the second stage which is high output in response to extreme cold weather changes

Pros of Dual Stage or Two-Stage Furnace:

• improved temperature delivery throughout your home
• better temperature control
• efficient energy use
• adjusts to weather changes
• lower energy bills
• quiet

Cons of Dual Stage or Two-Stage Furnace:

• somewhat higher initial price than single stage

Variable/Multi-Speed

This refers specifically to the blower, which monitors and adjusts incrementally, to ensure the highest comfort and most precise heat distribution throughout your home

Pros of Variable/Multi-Speed Furnaces:

• more efficient
• provides better airflow
• quieter
• ECM:  decreases furnace electrical energy consumption by 70% when used continuously

Cons of Variable/Multi-Speed Furnaces:

• somewhat higher initial price

Modulating

This refers specifically to the burner, which adjusts incrementally in order to respond to the heat demands of the home

Pros of Modulating Furnaces:

• improved temperature delivery throughout your home
• better temperature control
• efficient energy use
• equipped with variable speed blower

Cons of Modulating Furnaces:

• initial cost of purchase is usually more expensive

Advanced Furnace Features

The following features and technology are often featured on top of the line ENERGY STAR furnaces. There is certainly nothing wrong with buying a heating system which doesn’t have any of these features, but for those looking for peak performance and efficiency, look for the following. However furnaces with these features rarely come cheap!

• ECM Motors
• Dual heat exchangers: when two heat exchangers are used the furnace is able to draw more heat from the burned gas, which makes them more energy efficient
• Ignition systems: pilot lights are becoming a thing of the past, in favour of an electronic ignition system which increases a furnace’s efficiency rating.
• Programmable & “smart” thermostats: Not a furnace feature per se, more of an addon. But programmable thermostats are easy to use and will save you money. New ‘smart’ thermostats can learn from your personal heating preferences and adjust your home’s heating automatically, like lowering the temperature during the day when you’re at work. Turning your thermostat down just one degree each night results in a 2% reduction (PDF) on your annual heating bill.

Choosing a Fuel Type for your Furnace – Propane vs. Natural Gas vs. Oil

When choosing a fuel type for your furnace the two major options for Canadians are: natural gas or propane. The biggest factor that must be taken into consideration when deciding between a natural gas or propane furnace is whether you live in an urban or rural area.  Your location will dictate which energy source is more appropriate for your furnace.  Most urban city centers are equipped with natural gas pipelines making it the obvious choice.

In rural settings natural gas pipeline infrastructure is not as readily available or may not be installed, which makes propane the most cost-effective energy source over oil and electrical heating. Propane is somewhat less efficient than natural gas but is still a good alternative. One downside is that propane heating requires the installation of a large tank on your property, which is refilled periodically.

Oil is becoming increasingly rare as a heating fuel for homes. Oil furnaces are not energy efficient, with some having an AFUE of only 60% (PDF). That means for every energy dollar only 60 cents is going to heat your home, and the rest is being wasted, making it significantly costlier to heat your home. Not only is money being wasted and energy lost, an oil furnace puts more strain on the environment by burning more fossil fuel, which increases your eco-footprint. This is why so many Canadians are choosing to make the switch away from oil heat.

And with the exception of people living in Quebec who get relatively cheap electricity from Hydro Quebec, homeowners with electric heating in Ontario and elsewhere are increasingly switching to natural gas or propane due to high heating costs.

For more information on conversions from oil or electric to propane or gas, see here.

ENERGY STAR Furnace Ratings Explained – Is it worth it?

When you see a home heating system with an ENERGY STAR certification in Canada you can rest assured that you are in the presence of an efficient furnace, and high-efficiency means the biggest bang for your energy dollar.

To qualify as an ENERGY STAR home heating system, it has to have 95% AFUE or more, (that means 95 cents of every energy dollar are going to actually heating your home) and fan efficiency of 2% or less. Note, ‘fan efficiency’ refers to the ratio of electrical energy consumption to the total energy consumption of the furnace during heating operation.

ENERGY STAR is administered and promoted in Canada by Natural Resources Canada and registered in Canada with the United States Environmental Protection Agency. ENERGY STAR home heating systems allow you to save money, while decreasing environmental emissions which reduces your ecological-footprint.  That’s a win for your pocket book and the environment.

Other Important Considerations

Warranty

Warranty information is brand specific so the amount of coverage will depend on which model and company you purchase your furnace from. These typically range from 5 year limited parts warranties to 10-year, 20-year or lifetime ‘comprehensive’ warranties.

Warranties that you are entitled to include: manufacturer warranty which includes parts warranty, heat exchanger warranty). Be sure to read the fine print carefully and ensure that you register your warranties so that they are on file. Some warranties require annual maintenance and cleaning be done a certified technician.

You may also get additional labour warranty coverage on the installation through your licensed HVAC technician who completes your new home furnace installation, typically for the period of one year.

Rebates and Incentives

Different provinces have different rebates and incentives available and these are subject to change. If you are a resident of the province of Ontario, you may be eligible for one of the following rebates and incentives, specific to ENERGY STAR propane or natural gas furnaces:

• Ontario Power Authority rebate of $250 for upgrading to an Energy Star model furnace
• Enbridge Gas Distribution: Enbridge provides $2000 toward home energy audit and upgrade costs
• Hydro One: Hydro One offers $250 off new high-efficiency furnace

For more information on current heating & cooling rebates and incentives in Canada, please see here.

Humidifiers and Air Filtration

These add-ons can help filter your home’s air and maintain optimal humidity, making air healthier and easier to breathe. Air filtration systems, especially those with HEPA filters, reduce allergens and pollutants and makes breathing easier, while also reducing the chance of mould, asthma flair ups, and other skin and respiratory issues. It is important to change your air filter periodically in order to maximize the efficiency of your furnace.

Zoned Heating

Zoned heating allows you to control the temp of individual rooms, which is a fairly expensive upgrade. It can be beneficial especially with large homes, as it allows you to heat the rooms you use the most, while keeping the others at a lower temperature when you’re not using them.

Most houses are non-zoned = 1 thermostat that controls the heating of the whole house (natural gas furnace or propane furnace). Though individual vents may have manual switches to close air flow for a particular room.

Home Assessment

There is a common myth out there that square footage is the only factor required to determine the size of a residential home heating system.  Many factors need to be taken into account when determining the appropriate furnace size to heat your home.

Other factors that may be considered during a home assessment include:

• type of insulation used
• amount of insulation
• climate
• windows: size, type, amount, direction they face
• house material – vinyl siding vs. brick
• seals
• air leakage
• vents
• ductwork

A professional will assess all of these factors in order to provide you with a home heating system that meets your home’s needs. You can request a free quote from local professionals with the form above.

Summary of Key Points

• The minimum efficiency furnace you can purchase in Canada is 92% AFUE
• Top high-efficiency furnaces on the market have AFUE of 95-98%
• BTU needs to be considered when choosing the right size of heating system. Newer furnaces are more efficient so you generally won’t need as high a BTU rating as your old model. Your local expert will help you size your unit correctly.
• In some situations, a heat/loss calculation might need to be conducted by a professional to determine the right furnace for your home
• A high-efficiency furnace uses less energy and lowers your utility bills, helping offset the cost of upgrading
• Lowering the temperature on your programmable thermostat, even by 1 degree Celsius will result in a decrease on your home energy bill.

The only thing left to do is request a free quote from trusted local heating & cooling companies in your area!

---

It can be a challenge finding a cheap furnace that offers good quality and high-efficiency operation at an affordable price. But it doesn’t have to be.

Here are 6 Tips for Canadians on how to get a good deal on a new forced-air furnace for your home. Skip to the bottom for our recommendation on one of the best all-around brands of furnace, offering good performance and solid value.

Furthermore, dealing with a trusted and reputable contractor will help you save in the long run by getting a quality installation and good labour warranty.

1. Go for a High-Efficiency Furnace

Finding a good deal is great but you shouldn’t forgo quality and energy-efficiency just to save a few dollars – the cost, in the long run, will be higher. You should aim for efficiency ratings of at least 95% AFUE.

Older furnaces may often be “mid-efficiency” furnaces in the 80% range. Modern ENERGY STAR® models are much more efficient to operate and will keep your home more comfortable too.

A higher efficiency model might cost slightly more initially but can save you money in the long run, and may even qualify for government rebates.

2. Go for Natural Gas or Propane

Modern gas and propane furnaces are widely sold, making them a popular choice of heating system in Canada. In addition, they generally have the lowest ongoing operating costs.

If you live in a city or large residential area, natural gas is your best option. If you live in the countryside, go with propane.

If you live in a large city such as Toronto, your odds of finding a good deal are better as the competition among HVAC dealers is fiercer. 

Shop around and request a free quote from local distributors with the quick and simple form at the top of this page. 

New natural gas furnaces will generally cost at least $3000 including installation on the low end, and go up from there.

3. Consider Financing or Rent to Own

Another option to consider is financing which may allow you to get a brand new system with no upfront costs, instead spreading the cost out with a simple monthly payment.

While this doesn’t make your furnace cheaper per se, it can make it more affordable by spreading out the cost with manageable monthly payments.

The application process is often simple and straightforward and can often be completed over the phone. Term length can vary from 12 months all the way up to 15 years, and the monthly payments vary accordingly so you can find something that fits your budget.

Rent to own programs are essentially a type of financing. The benefits include full-coverage on repairs, a flat monthly rate, and some companies offer guaranteed approval regardless of credit rating. See here for a full breakdown of the details, pricing, and pros & cons of renting. However these can also include onerous terms and tough to get out of contracts, so proceed with caution.

4. The Cheapest Option is Not Always the Best One

It’s a good idea to look for a good deal. Just remember that if something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Getting a really cheap furnace for under $3000 in most Canadian cities may seem like a steal.

Just make sure you do your research about the company. A hastily installed furnace is far likelier to break down or function incorrectly, leading to more headaches and expense in the long run.

READ: The Truth About Local HVAC Contractor Online Reviews

5. Brand Name Isn’t Everything

Remember that some companies spend a lot of money on marketing and this doesn’t necessarily mean their products are significantly better or more reliable than other brands.

While brands like Lennox and Carrier are popular and widely sold systems, you will certainly pay a premium for that brand name. And while their products may be generally solid, they certainly aren’t the most budget-friendly in most cases.

While these companies may have relatively cheap furnace options, compared to their higher end models, they will still tend to be costlier than other brands.

6. So What Do We Recommend?

A popular widely available brand such as Goodman offers a good balance of reasonable quality and affordability. While their products are basic, they usually get the job done and parts are widely available.

That being said, there are a number of other major brands that also have decent entry-level models that are more affordable than their top-of-the-line units, which are worth considering.

So there are options from Trane, Rheem, Amana, KeepRite, Napoleon and others that can be had for a good price.

A new gas furnace can start in the $3000 – $4000 range give or take including installation in most cities across Canada.

Start by requesting free quotes from our trusted local distributors in your area!

Stay warm and keep your wallet full with cheaper furnaces!

---

Everything you need to know about furnace rental for your home or business.

From the outset, we’d like to mention that we generally advise caution for consumers when considering rent to own financing for your furnace, air conditioner, or other heating & cooling system. Although we recognize that financial difficulties are a reality for many homeowners that make it hard to spend thousands of dollars on a new furnace, if you are able to find alternative financing via a line of credit, or even a loan from a family member, this is often preferrable to the onerous contracts most rental companies employ.

In short, rent to own financing may make sense for some people, but it should be a last resort in most cases. BUYER BEWARE.

That being said, some local heating and cooling contractors do offer ‘rental’ type financing options which may be less burdensome and restrictive than the programs pushed for years by door-to-door marketing companies.

NOTICE: As of February 2018, the province of Ontario has passed a new law with more stringent rules on heating & cooling systems that are sold door-to-door, including rent to own programs. These new rules are designed to protect consumers, and eliminate aggressive sales tactics. We continue to urge caution when dealing with door to door HVAC salespeople. Always do your research, and never sign anything at the door.

The province of Alberta has previously passed similar legislation.

Furnace Rental Companies

There are a number of large providers like Reliance Home Comfort, as well as many smaller local providers. In addition, many ordinary HVAC contractors may offer their own in-house rental-style financing options.

ALTERNATIVE: Get financing offered through local HVAC contractors

Most established heating & cooling companies typically offer flexible financing options through third party financial partners. For more info, you can easily request a free quote from our local Certified Partners across Canada!

Find out more: https://furnaceprices.ca/posts/furnace-financing/

How Much Does it Cost?

The cost of a propane or natural gas furnace rental, or rent to own financing as it is sometimes called, varies somewhat depending on different factors including the length of the term and the company you choose. For the most part, prices range between $49.99 per month to $89.99 per month, usually on a 7-year, 10-year, or occasionally a 15-year term. Installation costs are generally included and most companies don’t require any down payments, so all you pay is the agreed upon flat monthly fee.

TIP: Make sure it’s an Open Agreement, meaning you can buy out or pay off the unit at any time without penalty. It’s also a good idea to choose a company that offers Transferable rentals, so you can transfer it to a new home owner should you sell your home.

Furnace Manufacturer, BTU Output and Efficiency Rating

The monthly price will also depend on the brand or manufacturer of furnace you choose, with higher-end models manufactured by a company like Lennox typically costing more than Goodman, for example. Although companies like Carrier and Lennox do make good products, in most cases you’re paying for the brand name as much as anything so consider whether the added cost is worth it. Because rentals are generally ‘full-coverage’, you don’t really need to be as worried about reliability since any repairs should be taken care of anyway as part of your rental agreement.

The energy efficiency or AFUE rating, as well as the size and BTU output of the unit will also affect the price. Larger units and those with higher efficiency ratings are more expensive.

Do you have good credit or bad credit?

For some people, paying thousands of dollars out of pocket for a new heating system isn’t an option. And securing traditional financing or loans may be difficult for a variety of reasons, including a low credit rating or past bankruptcy.

Although companies like EnerCare (formerly Direct Energy) and Reliance Home Comfort may only accept people with a high or good/excellent credit score, certain companies are more forgiving and will accept anyone as long as you’re the homeowner (i.e. you don’t rent your house or condo).

Are you converting from oil to propane or natural gas?

Another consideration which will affect the cost is whether you are doing an oil to gas, oil to propane, or propane to natural gas conversion. Conversions are more complex and will often result in higher installation costs and therefore a higher monthly rate.

Do you have ductwork in your home?

If you currently have baseboard heating, radiators, or otherwise have no ductwork in your home, you must also consider the cost of having heating ducts installed throughout your home. Alternatively, consider a ductless heat pump rental instead.

Are Furnace Rentals a Good Idea? – Renting vs. Purchasing Your Furnace

Should you rent your furnace or buy it? When comparing the cost of a rental to ordinary financing, or the cost of simply purchasing one and paying upfront for it, rent to own programs might seem quite expensive. You may be tempted to compare the total cost of renting a furnace (over the 10-year term, for example) to the cost of purchasing one outright, however there are a few things you should consider.

• For one thing, rentals allow you to pay for the unit over an extended period, meaning you don’t have to pay upwards of $3000+ all at once for a new HVAC system.
• Second, most rental programs come with full-coverage protection on all parts AND labour, meaning you don’t have to pay for service calls, repairs or even full unit replacement in the event it breaks down and can’t be fixed. Given the amount of use a furnace usually gets in Canada and the potentially high cost of repairs (usually anywhere from a few hundred to over $1000 dollars for something like a cracked heat-exchanger), this should not be overlooked.
• Many rental companies also include complementary annual maintenance, which helps keep your furnace running smoothly and efficiently.
• No Protection Plans required. Some companies charge up to $50/month for “Furnace Protection Plans” when you own your furnace, in case it breaks down. This type of coverage is included in the price of a rental.

Is renting right for you?

In the end, it all comes down to what best fits your life, financial situation, and personal preference. If you have the cash to replace your furnace and worry about any maintenance and repairs as they come, then buying outright may be the best option for you.

However an increasing number of home owners have been opting for the apparent ease and convenience that rent to own programs are designed to provide. In many cases the entire process of singing the paperwork to having your new system installed can be completed in as little as 24 hours.

People with disabilities or senior citizens may also benefit from the hands-off servicing and repairs that comes with rental programs, in case the unit malfunctions or breaks down.

Businesses, Rental Properties & Commercial Spaces

Additionally, some business owners (or tenants) prefer rentals for their commercial space or rental property. The main advantages for businesses and landlords is that furnace rentals provide a simple hands-off solution, which is often tax deductible. This is especially true if the houses or buildings you rent out/lease are in a different town or city than you live. If there are ever any problems with the unit, the service calls are taken care of, which means one less headache to deal with.

Key Advantages of Renting

In particular, furnace rental programs usually have:

• No upfront costs, including free installation and no down payments
• Peace of mind. Predictable cost, making it easier for budgeting. Don’t have to worry about unexpected expenses and repairs.
• Most also include a protection plan to cover any cost of repairs or unit replacement.
• Unlimited service calls, and many offer 24-7/365 service.
• Some may also not require credit checks, which is a bonus for people who may be having difficulty securing traditional loans or financing. So this may be a good option if you have bad credit or a recent bankruptcy, or no credit history.
• Relatively quick and easy process.
• Save money on heating bills. By making it easy for anyone to replace and upgrade their furnace to a newer high-efficiency model, you can start saving money on your energy bills (sometimes hundreds of dollars annually) potentially offsetting most of the cost of the rental.

Disadvantages

• Higher overall cost. Like anything else, it’s always cheaper if you pay upfront in full vs. spreading payments out over several years. However this doesn’t account for the cost of repairs or replacing your unit if it ever breaks down, which you don’t have to worry about with renting.
• Less choice. Most rental companies only offer a few major furnace brands, so if you have your heart set on a less popular brand, it may not be an option.
• Somewhat less flexibility. Although most rental agreements can be transferred if you ever sell your home, it does add an extra step as opposed to just owning your furnace outright.

How Furnace Rentals Work

Most furnace rental programs are fairly straightforward. Generally the home owner must be the one signing, meaning if you rent your home, you may need the landlord’s approval and signature. After the contract is signed, the new furnace will be installed at a scheduled date.

You will get your new furnace immediately and then pay a set monthly fee for the agreed-upon period. This can make things simple from a budgeting perspective as there are no surprises and you know exactly how much you’re going to have to pay every month, and you don’t have to worry about any unexpected costs.

Government Rebates

For additional savings, the government may provide a cash rebate or tax credit for upgrading your furnace.

Check out our full list of current government heating & cooling rebates.

Essential Things to Consider

Once you have finally decided whether furnace rental services are right for you, make sure you consider the following:

-Find a company offering a hassle free set-up and installation. Make sure they’ll also remove and dispose of the old unit too!

-Make sure the company is TSSA-certified (Ontario) or applicable licenses and certifications for your region

-Get a free quote or consultation! (Most companies should provide a free quote)

Ultimately, furnace rentals aren’t going to be the right option for everybody. But many home owners reportedly enjoy the simplicity and convenience, affordability and low upfront costs, and peace of mind.

Availability

Other Products Available for Rental:  Ductless heat pumps/mini-split systems, central air conditioners, hot water heaters & tankless hot water heaters, boilers and combi boilers, water softeners, HRVs/ERVs
Geographical Availability: Across Ontario including Toronto, Ottawa, Barrie, Belleville,  London, North Bay, Sudbury, Brockville, Windsor, Sarnia, Leamington, Trenton, Brantford, Chatham, Owen Sound, Timmins, Sault Sainte Marie, Thunder Bay, Cornwall, Guelph, Renfrew, Hamilton, Kingston, Napanee, Cambridge, Oakville & Burlington, Kitchener, Stratford, Muskoka, Niagara, Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Pembroke, Petawawa, St Catharines, Norfolk County, Markham, Mississauga, Oshawa, Woodstock, and so on.

Some companies have also recently started offering this service in Western Canada in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Regina and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Edmonton, Alberta; Calgary, Alberta, and the Vancouver, BC area (including Richmond, Surrey, and Burnaby), among other places.