Buying a furnace might not be something you do every day, but it’s something we’re very familiar with, so today we’ll tell you everything you need to know about buying a new furnace in Scarborough.
Winter in Scarborough can be particularly cold and damp, so it’s important to have a reliable furnace that will keep your family warm and comfortable.
If it has been 10 or more years since you last had to think about buying a furnace, there’s a lot of information you’ll want to keep in mind about new technologies, cool features, energy efficiency, pricing, models and brands, costs, and more.
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New Furnace Prices in Scarborough
Average* furnace price in Scarborough (including install):
$3000 to $5500
*note many factors can affect price, see further down for details
Average Furnace Prices in Scarborough
The average price range for a new Furnace in Scarborough is $3000 to $5500. You could end up on the higher end (or more) depending on the brand, additional features, warranty terms, installation costs, the size of the unit, and more.
On the other hand, you could reduce your costs by sticking with an economy brand, getting a standard model that doesn’t have a lot of features and technologies, looking for an efficiency rating that matches your budget, and checking out rebates and promotions.
Higher than average
Slightly above-average price range, which may be due to factors like a more complicated installation, or purchasing a top-of-the-line unit or premium brand.
Typical price range: $3000 – $5500
The average price range for a typical high-efficiency unit with a typical installation from an established, fully licensed & insured local HVAC contractor. Prices will vary within this range based on installation factors, brand & model, unit size/BTU output & efficiency, among other things.
Lower than average
Below-market pricing; be careful if the price is exceptionally low. The lower the price is below average, the higher likelihood that you may receive a more hastily done installation, low-end or used components, limited labour warranty coverage & ongoing support, or the company may be less established or lacking in insurance and/or licensing & certification.
Furnace Cost Calculator
Who Are Our Top Scarborough Furnace Contractors?
What to look for when choosing a heating & air conditioning contractor
People often fret over the brand of furnace to buy, but the contractor you choose is every bit as important. Not only is the quality of the workmanship and installation crucial to the furnace’s lifespan, the company you choose will be relied on for future servicing and warranty coverage.
Always choose an established company that has:
- Good, independently-verified feedback
- A solid track record and no outstanding disputes
- Verified insurance, licenses, and certifications
- Experienced staff, with manufacturer training
- Registered to offer rebates
Checking all of these things is difficult and time-consuming.
That’s why we’ve already done it for you!
Learn more about our independent local HVAC contractor Certification program, designed to help you get a reliable heating system at a fair price, from reputable local dealers.
Buying a New Furnace in Scarborough
There are two ways you can ensure you’re getting a high-efficiency furnace, and after we talk about what those are, we’ll discuss why it’s an important consideration when updating your heating system.
The two marks of a high-efficiency furnace are a high AFUE rating and the ENERGY STAR logo. AFUE stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency, and the higher this number, the more efficient the unit, and the more you’ll save on energy bills.
In Canada, winters tend to be cold enough that most new furnaces have an AFUE rating of at least 90 percent, and entry-level models will range from 90 to 92 percent. Slightly more expensive and higher-efficiency models will have an AFUE of 95 percent or higher. The other efficiency indicator is ENERGY STAR certification, which guarantees both high-efficiency and excellent performance.
The one drawback of high-efficiency furnaces is they tend to cost more upfront than standard- or mid-efficiency units. But even though you might save some money on the sticker price, you’ll end up paying more over time because of higher energy bills.
Higher efficiency units mean you use less fuel to heat your home, and that means less money coming out of your wallet every month. Over the lifetime of the furnace, you’ll save more by making room in your budget for the high-efficiency unit.
Getting the Most Suitable Furnace at the Most Affordable Price
There are lots of things that will affect the total cost of your new furnace. When shopping, you’ll want to match your budget with the features and specifications that are important to you and your family. With that in mind, here’s a breakdown of the major factors that will impact the cost of your new heating system, and some ways you might be able to save:
- Brands: In the HVAC world, there are only a handful of manufacturers who make furnaces, but they release them under a wide variety of brand names. That means you could get the same furnace for a better price by going with a standard instead of premium brand.
- Heating output: Before settling on a specific make and model, know what furnace size you need for your home. Too large and the furnace will cycle frequently and break down prematurely, meaning you’ll have to fork out more money for a replacement before you need to. Too small and the system will constantly run to keep up with your comfort needs, and your heating bills will be through the roof.
- Warranty: A better warranty (more on these later) might add a few dollars to the purchase price of your furnace, but it could save you hundreds in repair and maintenance costs down the road.
- Energy efficiency: Like warranties, you’ll end up paying more for a higher efficiency furnace, but the amount you’ll save in long-term energy bills will far outweigh the initial higher price tag.
- Rebates: There are plenty of ways to save money on a furnace, and that includes rebates, deals, and promotions from the government, HVAC manufacturers, or HVAC companies.
- Where you live: Geography can impact the cost of your furnace. For one thing, if you’re in a rural community far from any HVAC manufacturers or companies, chances are you’ll pay more than an urban neighbour for the same unit. Competition in large cities can also lower prices, but at the same time, you might pay less for labour and maintenance elsewhere because contractors might not have the same insurance rates, fees, and other costs.
- Additional features: Features and technologies are one of the most significant considerations when it comes to convenience versus budget. The more bells and whistles the furnace has, the more you’ll pay. Some of the most popular features homeowners like in a new furnace include variable-stage blowers, Wi-Fi capabilities, air purifiers, secondary heat exchangers, high efficiency ratings, and zoned heating capabilities.
Furnace Warranties
We mentioned earlier that you might spend more on a furnace with a better warranty, but imagine how much you could save on repair and maintenance costs over the lifetime of the unit.
All furnaces sold in Scarborough will come with a heat exchanger and parts warranty from the manufacturer, but you should pay attention to the terms when you’re shopping around. Warranties can last anywhere from a year to a lifetime, and the extended terms could result in big savings. Moreover, some manufacturers also offer additional warranties, like ones that cover labour.
Popular Furnace Brands in Scarborough
There are lots of brands on the market to choose from, and some of the most popular in the Scarborough area are:
- Lennox
- Trane
- York
- KeepRite
- Amana
- Goodman
- Napoleon
- Carrier
- American Standard
- Rheem
- Bryant
Top Brands by Tier and Price
Economy Tier
Average price: $3,500
Brands: Goodman, York, and Keeprite
Mid Range
Average price: $4,600
Brands: Rheem, American Standard, Trane, Napoleon, and Amana
Premium
Average price: $5,950
Brands: Lennox, Bryant, and Carrier
Available Rebates and Deals
At the moment, the government is offering a $750 rebate when you replace a natural gas furnace with an AFUE below 95 percent with a system that’s 95 percent or higher. These rebates are subject to change at any time, and there could be new ones available, so check back with our rebates page regularly.
Current Furnace Deals, Offers & Promotions in Scarborough
Financing Options
HVAC manufacturers and companies, like auto makers and dealerships, know that a new furnace is a big expense, so many of them offer financing options that could help you afford the upgrade you need, and get a more reliable and more efficient furnace without breaking the bank.
Some of the financing options you can ask about include:
- Payment deferrals
- Leasing plans
- Monthly payment programs
Installation & Permits Required
Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit. ~ International Residential Code 2009
https://www.scarboroughmaine.org/departments/planning-and-codes/codes/faq/
Scarborough Information
The city of Scarborough is actually part of the Greater Toronto Area, and this urban community has plenty to offer residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for tasty dining experiences, nightlife, a trip to the zoo, great shopping options, or even a walk along the bluffs, Scarborough has something for everyone. Winters here can be quite damp and chilly because of the proximity to Lake Ontario, so you can keep your family toasty and warm all winter by upgrading your older furnace to a newer and more efficient model.
Scarborough Statistics
Population: 632,098
Average summer temperature: 20 C
Average winter temperature: -4.6
