DO I NEED A NEW FURNACE?

furnace Energyguide label

Replacing a furnace can be a fairly straightforward affair. You call a couple heating, ventilation and air conditioning companies (commonly referred to as HVAC companies) and they give you quotes to replace it.

That’s great if you know you need a new furnace because your current one has reached the end of its life. But what if your current furnace is still working fine. Will a new furnace help make your home more energy efficient or improve uncomfortable rooms? Here’s some advice to help you decide.

vented water heater and furnace

When replacing your furnace is an easy decision

A good rule of thumb is that if your furnace has a pilot light, or has a metal vent with a gap just above the furnace (see photo) then go ahead and replace it before winter.

Keep using your high efficiency furnace

If the label on the side of your furnace says that it’s greater than 90% efficient to start with, replace it when it dies since you already have a high efficiency furnace. You won’t save enough gas with a higher efficiency furnace to pay for the upgrade.

Determine how much money you can save money with a new furnace

If your furnace efficiency is below 90%, it’s useful to know how much you can lower your heating costs to determine if you should replace your furnace right away or if you could wait. You’ll want to determine if you can save enough money in fuel costs to justify replacing the upgrade.

  1. Start with your yearly gas bill to figure out much how much you’re paying for the natural gas used to heat your hot water for the whole year.

Most people use about the same amount of hot water for showering, dish washing, and washing clothes all year round, so you need to figure out how much natural gas you use monthly to heat water.

  1. Look up your bill for a warm weather month when you were home with the furnace off but not frequently using a natural gas barbeque.
  2. Take that monthly amount and multiply it by 12 to get your yearly cost to heat water.
  3. Then subtract your water heating costs from what you paid over the year for natural gas.
  4. Take your resulting number and multiply it by your furnace efficiency. It’s usually listed on the side of your furnace (or boiler). Turn it into a decimal. If your furnace it 83% efficient, it would be .83.

That number you have is the absolute minimum cost for a fuel-fired appliance (for example natural gas or propane) if it were 100% efficient.

  1. You can then reuse the formula with your new furnace options.
  2. Use results of Step 6 to calculate your savings by replacing your furnace with each option.

Taking time to do this math can help you determine if the savings on your fuel costs are enough to upgrade your furnace.

What if you have uncomfortable rooms?

If you have rooms that are uncomfortably warm or cold, first check to make sure that all the vents in the house are open. Then take some time to “balance” the house. Open vents in rooms that are used and close the ones in rooms that are not used. If you had to adjust more than a couple, give the house a day or two to settle in to its new temperature profile.

The vents might also have a little circular adjustment plate inside the duct. Some are accessible from the vent, and some are accessible on the main duct coming out of the furnace in the basement. If your home has them, you can try using them to adjust air flow.

If there are still rooms that are uncomfortable, the next step would be to tape up wherever there is a takeoff from the main duct such as to take air upstairs.

The duct is probably pretty dirty, so clean it first so the dust doesn’t prevent the tape from sticking. Then use a high-quality aluminized tape to seal around each takeoff.

Another option – though it isn’t the most efficient option – would be to run your furnace fan continuously instead of on auto. But doing so means using electricity and it decreases the time until the motor needs to be replaced.

Some people will have settings on their vent cover’s diffuser to tell them what setting to choose for summer vs winter. Your basement for instance, will rarely need any air conditioning in the summer, so all the vents should be closed. However, it will probably need to be open for full heating in the winter.

You might need to change your water heater too

If you have an exterior chimney and a water heater that is vented into the chimney, you should replace your water heater with a sealed-combustion unit at the same time that you are doing the furnace replacement. Otherwise, the chimney can cool down when there’s no longer the furnace venting through it, and the venting from the water heater could possibly backdraft and let combustion products into the home and potentially lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

You can do so fairly inexpensively, if like most people, you rent your water heater. If for some reason you can’t replace your water heater at the same time, ensure you have carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Everyone needs to have these detectors according to a fairly recent law.

What if you don’t need a new furnace?

If your home gets uncomfortably cold but you don’t need a new furnace and you’ve explored the other options I’ve suggested to improve uncomfortable rooms, you should get a home energy evaluation to help you develop a game plan to make your home energy efficient and comfortable.

Considering upgrading your heating system? Contact Team Harding for a free quote!

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Shaniski
Shaniski
20:36 19 Jul 23
We have used them for warranty work on our new home build and have been happy with the after care service provided by Lindsay and Bob.
Chris Hawkins
Chris Hawkins
14:01 28 Mar 23
Repairman showed up on time and was very personable and professional. He had our furnace working again in under 10 minutes and explained what the problem was a dirty flame sensor. I would highly... recommend Team Harding, they installed our Furnace and Air Conditioner and have provided excellent service since 2007.read more
yuan zhang
yuan zhang
16:30 06 Feb 23
I changed the rate because the reaction from site office is extremely satisfy. I have no heat during the weekend and complained. I got a respond very quickly from their site office and find out the... reason of no respond. Then a new appoint was scheduled right way! Also a report has been filed towards this issue and I believe communication will be taken to improve future services. I really like this manner! Thank you.//I have no heat on the coldest day this winter. I called for service at 10:28am, and the office lady said someone will reach me ASAP. I called at 17:26pm again because NO ONE called me the whole day. And I was told there is a long list so THEY DON'T CARE! I HAVE TO WAIT! And this is a same problem happened second time in two years. Do not recommend.read more
Syd Curry
Syd Curry
12:04 01 Feb 23
Very professional, clean install. High quality product.Extremely pleased with overall experience. Highly recommend.
david whelehan
david whelehan
21:24 28 Jan 23
I had an extremely positive experience with Team Harding from beginning to end. I had them install a Sterling Model GG 45,000 BTU Natural Gas Garage Heater with a Nest Learning Thermostat in my... double garage (Man-Cave).The sales rep, Brian was professional, friendly, he wasn’t pushy at all and he came under budget. Kirsten constantly kept me up to date on the installer’s scheduling and was a true professional. The installers came on time, did a tremendous job with the installation and they even cleaned up afterwards. Absolute Rock Stars!Again, thank you so very much to everyone that worked on this project for me.I highly recommend using Team Harding for your home projects.read more
Dipesh Chhabra
Dipesh Chhabra
18:30 06 Jan 23
Great experience, technician Steve was very knowledgeable, Thankyou
Tina Thompson
Tina Thompson
21:07 30 Oct 22
We had issues with our air conditioner in the summer.Colin was diligent to determine the issue and get it fixed.Great job!
Brittney Rush
Brittney Rush
18:45 21 Oct 22
Friendly staff & efficient service!
Natasha Wright
Natasha Wright
17:16 21 Oct 22
Harding is an exceptional company that has always been there for all my HVAC needs.
Don Cumming
Don Cumming
20:10 14 Oct 22
I had a Daikin furnace installed by Harding Heating and Air Conditioning on Sept 9/22.I was totally impressed by the competence, knowledge and professionalism displayed by the Sales Rep Brian... Chartier, the Sales Support Specialist Kirsten Neumarker and the Installers Dan and Luc.I have no reservation in recommending this Company to anyone looking for a Furnace or Air Conditioner.read more
Jurgen Neumarker
Jurgen Neumarker
19:03 14 Oct 22
Harding was best decision we have ever made regarding our heating and A/C service. After switching from another company, we have not looked back. Service is reliable, punctual, professional and... friendly.read more
Charlene Van Hofwegen
Charlene Van Hofwegen
00:11 24 Aug 22
Thank you for a huge job very well done ! Marc went above and beyond to find the problem and remedy the situation.Natasha, thank you for scheduling us in quickly and a big thanks to Marc who worked... tirelessly to get the job completed.read more
Eric Lavoie
Eric Lavoie
13:48 25 Jul 22
I purchased a new home that Harding mechanical install the full system, the first week I took possession an advisor came over to explain the system in details, I have never had 1 issue with this... equipment and installation. In the past 5 years, I have hired Harding mehcanial for my annual maintenance and filter replacement, I just pick up the phone and talk to a live person and get quick answer. I have never met an HVAC company that operates this way, very efficient. Thank you for the amazing service and I will keep on referring family and friends to your company.read more
Georgie Lavoie
Georgie Lavoie
01:28 22 Jul 22
This company installed a new air conditioner at my house and came over quickly and made sure I was satisfied, they called me the following day to make sure I understood everything and that my unit... was working at full capacity.I highly recommend this company, great technician and service from front office to install crew. Thanks and unit working fine especially during this heat wave.read more
Shawn Ku
Shawn Ku
00:57 24 Jun 22
Harding Heating & Air Conditioning were excellent. We had an issue with our furnace fan and I spoke to Natasha Wright (Service Coordinator) who first tried to troubleshoot the problem with me to... save costs, etc. Once that didn't work, a technician, Marc Gagon, attended. He quickly diagnosed the problem (faulty control board), but didn't stop there. He investigated the source - water under the AC coils. Further, he went outside to ensure the A/C unit was working properly. Marc Gagon is very professional, competent and took the time to explain things. He is a asset to Harding Heating & Air Conditioning, along with Natasha Wright. I highly recommend this company for your heating and a/c needs. Shawnread more
Tim C.
Tim C.
21:43 29 Jan 22
Brenden from Harding came and fixed the furnace by replacing the blower. He did a great job. And also well explained the membership plan. 10 out of 10.
Pam Burwash
Pam Burwash
18:14 16 Jul 21
From the very start the quotes I received were very fair. The estimator took the time assess the work that would need to be done and walked me through all the options. My furnace and AC were... installed by a polite, professional crew who also took the time to ensure that I was satisfied with the equipment being installed.Team Harding was there for me during a heat wave. I am thoroughly impressed with their professionalism.read more
Galina Khavrenko
Galina Khavrenko
15:17 15 Jul 21
Got Harding H&AC to deliver and install 2 AC units.Everything was fast, affordable and their customer service is 24/7 for you.
Tim Cinnamon
Tim Cinnamon
18:28 30 Jun 21
We had Brodie and Marc out to our cottage to install a heat pump and they did a fantastic job. Professional, very efficient, clean and knowledgeable. We would definitely use them again in the future.
Lifebeyondpanicattacks
Lifebeyondpanicattacks
04:02 29 Jun 21
Lindsay is a gem, she saved us money and time in this heat wave by fixing our problem over the phone. She went above and beyond her job with her kindness and expertise. We've used Harding multiple... times and have always had the best results! And awesome company with wonderful employees, especially Lindsay!!!read more
Wayne Calvert
Wayne Calvert
19:10 05 Feb 21
Woke up this morning with no heat in the house. Within a couple of hours a Harding service technician was at the door and was able to replace the blower unit in less than 20 minute restoring heat to... my home. Just want to state that the service was great and the staff were professional and friendly.I'm glad I've been with Harding for the past 8 years,...here's to many more.Great job!read more
Amanda
Amanda
20:24 20 Jan 21
Excellent customer service and friendly staff!
Vince Petrella
Vince Petrella
20:59 09 Nov 20
Provided a great and honest service at a reasonable price. I would use their services again in the future.
Gerry Moore
Gerry Moore
13:33 30 Oct 20
Harding Heating and Air Conditioning installed our Furnace and Air Conditioning when we purchased or new home in 2011. We have enjoyed excellent service from them for the last 9 years. We would not... hesitate in using their company again in the future.read more
Sketchyinkblot
Sketchyinkblot
22:02 03 Oct 20
We’ve used Harding for 6+ years and they always exceed our expectations. Friendly staff, knowledgeable technicians and reasonable prices. We couldn’t ask for better. They installed the ac unit at our... first house and anytime we needed them the service calls were great. We bought a new house July 2019. It wasn’t long after that we were told we needed a new furnace and ac. We went withHarding...obviously.read more
Paul
Paul
21:59 15 Aug 20
Fair price, good follow up. Appreciated!
Lisa Pow
Lisa Pow
14:49 29 May 20
Brendon was great
Tyler Lagasse
Tyler Lagasse
23:51 24 May 20
Showed up on time, and on a sunday! Very impressed with this company!
Trish Lagasse
Trish Lagasse
18:57 24 May 20
Harding just installed the AC in my home during a pandemic on a Sunday. Charbel was very nice to deal with and he was very responsive. Would recommend this company to anyone...very happy customer.
Kim Peckitt
Kim Peckitt
14:29 23 Jan 20
Routine maintenance but professional and courteous technician as always
Anne Bauer
Anne Bauer
01:08 24 Nov 19
Excellent service from Colin this evening. I placed a service call at 5pm and by 8pm, a new blower motor was installed. Thank you very much! Highly recommend Harding!
Don Donaldson
Don Donaldson
20:18 29 Jul 19
Even though we had an on-going issue with our Amana Distinctions AC that was originally installed in June 2012, Harding's team stood behind their product and went out of their way to extend service... without any question about warranty. It was a pleasure to deal with their inside staff as well as two installers that are top-notch. Thanks Steve, Brendan and Megan for superlative service!read more
Jean St-Amour
Jean St-Amour
16:44 08 May 19
Harding installed our new A/C, replacing our 25 years old Lennox.From the beginning of the process to the end of the installation, everything went smoothly.Communication with the main office for... the estimate and the installation schedule was done properly and on time, thanks to Kirsten.The technicians were on time and completed the installation as per scheduling.Both technicians (Mike & Brennan) were very polite and answered all our questions,Very knowledgeable and professional technicians.Overall we are very happy of the work doneWe have no problem to recommend Harding.read more
Steve Piercey
Steve Piercey
14:32 22 Nov 18
We have a 28 year old air-source heat pump that needed some TLC.Harding sent their tech out to diagnose, and provide options and pricing. Very reasonable.Exterior unit needed a new fan motor.... Within a few days an installer came and installed new motor, but made a slight error, and it was rotating the wrong way. Quick call had it corrected. Further found our defrost board was faulty. Harding provided quote upfront for a replacement aftermarket board. Kept in contact as to timeline and expected deliver and installation date.Tech came on-site as promised, did the install, and stayed to make sure unit was cycling properly. Billed for the quoted amount.Harding delivers what's promised, when promised, at quoted price. And has staff who know what they're looking at.Hard to ask for more from an HVAC service provider.read more
Zayan Khandker
Zayan Khandker
05:20 16 Nov 18
Reached the emergency hotline for a furnace issue. Understandably they were very busy on a snowy evening but Eli managed to drop by just before midnight to get it working!
Tom Anderson
Tom Anderson
14:46 18 Jun 18
Great air conditioner price and installation!
Mike Chaytor
Mike Chaytor
23:00 27 Mar 18
Our hot water tank basically blew up after 14 years (my bad for waiting so long). Brian was able to come by within a couple of hours and give us a fair quote, found a tank and coordinated the... install the next day (black vent pipe had to be replaced due to the code changing the colour to white). Install crew showed up on time and completed the job in a very professional manner. Thanks againread more
Lawrence Cynthia Ko
Lawrence Cynthia Ko
22:43 22 Mar 18
Service is always great and with slight occasional follow-ups needed on the customer service calls, but the customer service and service people are great. They arrived promptly and easily fixed the... furnace issue we had as per scheduled. The defective part had to be ordered, but took only a day plus, and it was installed and working the next day, so now the house is warm again. Great service, that's why we've been with this service company since nearly 17 years. Highly recommend this furnace servicing company.read more
Shawn & Veronica
Shawn & Veronica
20:04 08 Jan 18
We just had some furnace issues and we were able to get an appointment the same day. The technician was prompt, polite and took NO time in finding the problem and fixing it. Reasonable pricing too.... Highly recommended.read more
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