| #ffffff;" /> | | | | question for you. The contractor should perform |
| If you live in Calgary or surrounding areas, you | | | | a thorough analysis of your home, and complete |
| know how cold the winter can get and how | | | | a heat loss calculation. Climate Change Central |
| costly home heating can be. Fortunately, your | | | | notes that because they run more efficiently, |
| local heating contractor has solutions to make | | | | your new furnace will likely be smaller (in BTU |
| heating your home – and paying for it | | | | input) than your old one. One of the key reasons |
| – easier. | | | | that it pays to shop around for a heating |
| High efficiency furnaces reduce your home | | | | contractor is to gauge what the contractors say |
| heating bill by up to 20%, and give you the added | | | | about your heating requirements. It is common |
| comfort of knowing that your improved energy | | | | for larger than necessary high-efficiency furnaces |
| efficiency is helping the environment. If you are | | | | to be installed. Get a few written quotes to |
| considering a new furnace for your home, you | | | | ensure you are paying for only what you need. |
| probably have lots of questions. This article will | | | | How do I know the efficiency rating of the |
| answer the most common questions | | | | furnace? Look for the Energy Star label on the |
| homeowners ask about new furnace installations. | | | | packaging or promotional material of the furnace. |
| High Efficiency Furnaces – What You Need | | | | The EnerGuide label - on the back of the |
| to Know | | | | manufacturer’s brochure – will tell |
| Below are four key questions about furnace | | | | you the actual efficiency rating of the furnace. |
| installations. For more detailed explanations, talk to | | | | The higher the rating, the better the efficiency. |
| a heating contractor in Calgary. Actually, it is best | | | | Ratings are based on Annual Fuel Utilization |
| to talk to multiple heating contractors, so you can | | | | Efficiency (AFUE). To qualify as high-efficiency, the |
| evaluate costs and compare the | | | | furnace should have a rating of at least 90%. |
| contractor’s knowledge and experience. | | | | Some newer gas condensing furnaces even have |
| High-efficiency furnaces take particular expertise, | | | | ratings of 97%. |
| so you need to find a contractor who is familiar | | | | How do I select a heating contractor? Calgary, like |
| with the technology. | | | | any city, has several heating contractors ready to |
| How much will it cost? According to Climate | | | | serve you. The best advice is to look around. Find |
| Change Central, an initiative of the Alberta | | | | out if the contractor offers free estimates. |
| government, switching from an old furnace to a | | | | Ensure you get a detailed, written quote that lists |
| high-efficiency model will cost about $5,000. There | | | | all of the expenses associated with the purchase |
| are many variables in the costs that you should | | | | and installation of the furnace. Ask whether the |
| be aware of. First, cost depends on the actual | | | | contractor will complete a home assessment to |
| model you select. Second, there are installation | | | | determine your heating needs. Ask about the |
| costs as well, including changes to ducts and pipes | | | | warranty for parts and labour. Lastly, you should |
| or venting, a new thermostat, and labour. | | | | ask about their experience with high-efficiency |
| What size of furnace is right for my home? Your | | | | furnaces and obtain a list of references. |
| home heating contractor can answer that | | | | |