If you live in Toronto or the GTA, you know very well how important your furnace is this time of year. The dead of winter is a bad time to experience heating issues. If you fear your furnace may need maintenance or replacement, it’s best to schedule it now before the unit gives out, which could leave you in the cold, and it could cause significant damage to your home in the event of frozen and burst water pipes as a result.
Furnace units are designed to last for twelve to twenty years with proper maintenance. If you notice your furnace is not working as well as it used to or you have a red tag from your gas utility indicating a malfunction, call a professional right away. If you notice your energy bills becoming more expensive but you haven’t changed the temperature level on your thermostat, you likely have a furnace that needs repair or replacement. It’s best to get a quote for both and weigh your options based on price.
If your furnace is less than eight years old, repairing it will likely make more sense than replacing it. Once the unit has been running for longer than eight years replacing it may make the most sense. Annual maintenance is necessary no matter how old the unit is – to keep it in good working shape and also to spot any possible problems before they occur.
When weighing your options, look at both the cost of repair as well as your energy cost compared to the cost of a higher efficiency model. The long-term savings of a new model is often more favorable to your wallet once your unit reaches the twelve year mark. Every year, mid efficiency furnaces lose roughly 1.5-2% of their efficiency. After ten years your unit could be operating at just above 50% efficiency. That means you’re sending a lot of money straight up the chimney with no heat to show for it.
High efficiency models operate between 96-98% and lose efficiency much slower than older models. The money they save can equal the cost of replacement in as little as a year. If you are ready or considering upgrading your furnace to a high-energy efficient model, you have to consider the size and the efficiency level that is optimal for your home.
If you need help selecting the right heating equipment for your home in Toronto or the GTA, call Mckinnon Heating and Cooling. Our professional technicians and support staff will take the time to determine your heating and comfort requirements as well as your budget so that we can recommend the ideal furnace for your home.
By phone: 1-416-694-1187 or use the Free Quote service on our website. If you have an emergency, call us right away, we will have a technician out to you ASAP.