- How often should I change my furnace filter?
If you are using a regular throw away filter we suggest you change it out every 3 months. Should you have a permanent filter we suggest you wash it every 3 months. Should you live in an area that is prone to dust and dirt, i.e.; next to, or near a construction site, in a rural environment where there are open fields, etc., you may want to change your furnace filter more frequently.
- Why is it important to replace my furnace filter regularly?
Besides allowing the air to flow freely and unrestricted through your home, it will help to keep your heating and/or cooling system performing to optimum standards. Should you have a heat pump, or air conditioner working in conjunction with your furnace it is more important to keep your furnace filter clean so the air is not restricted and your coil does not freeze up.
- When and how often should I have my furnace serviced?
It is recommended to have your furnace serviced once a year. This will make sure your equipment is performing properly and efficiently, and if you have an extended labour warranty it is required to keep the warranty active, regardless of manufacturer. The best time of year to have it serviced is before it gets cold. We suggest booking your annual service late summer to early fall, this way you go into the heating season knowing your furnace will perform optimally.
- Why should I replace my existing furnace?
Back in the day furnaces came in 2 sizes, big and bigger, so if you have an older furnace chances are it is oversized and extremely inefficient. An old standard efficiency furnace may be running anywhere from 55 to 65% efficient, which means anywhere from 35 to 45 cents of each dollar worth of gas burned in your furnace is effectively going up the chimney.
The old furnaces would end up sending flue gases up the chimney at temperatures of 400 degrees Fahrenheit plus. The new furnaces take the flue gasses and send them through a secondary heat exchanger and in turn they are venting the burnt gas fumes through PVC pipe out the side wall of the house with a temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. That extra 320 degrees or so are being used to heat your home instead of heating the great outdoors.
Also, besides replacing your furnace to save some money on energy costs, there are grant programs and rebates that are running at any given time, to help you make your home more energy efficient.
- If I buy a new furnace how much money will I save on my gas bill?
This question cannot be answered definitively as there are many points to be considered. If you are replacing a 30 year old standard 55 to 65% efficient furnace, you will save more on your fuel costs than you would if you were replacing a 10 year old mid efficient 80% furnace. You also have to keep in mind some other factors such as the price of natural gas, as well as the outdoor temperatures. If we have a mild winter you will use less gas, and will save more money. If we have a colder winter, the furnace will run more often which will cause your furnace to burn more gas.
