Natural Gas Furnaces - Frequently Asked Questions
What will I do with my old oil tank when I switch to natural gas?
Is there a “best time” of the year to purchase and install a new furnace?
Will my new high-efficiency furnace affect my water heater choice?
I'm afraid my old furnace will quit in the middle of winter, is it worth
replacing before it breaks down?
Being left out in the cold in the middle of winter when your old furnace
quits is definitely something you want to avoid. If your contractor is
suggesting that your furnace needs replacing it is wise not to delay. If
it's the cost of replacing your old furnace that’s making you hang on,
consider that some older models of furnace deliver only 55% of their
heat to your home while a new high-efficiency natural gas furnace may
deliver up to 97% of the heat it creates to your home. Your old furnace
is probably costing you money. Your new natural gas furnace will likely
save you money.
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I have a limited budget but I am very impressed by the energy savings a
high-efficiency model could give me. What should I do?
A high efficiency furnace will have a lower operating cost than a
mid-efficiency furnace but will have a higher purchase price.
Click here for operating cost comparisons. Top
What will I do with my old oil tank when I switch to natural gas?
You’ll enjoy more space! Your HVAC contractor will take care of removing
your oil tank from your basement. Be sure this is in the estimate you
agree to. Make sure your oil filling connection is completely removed or
permanently closed. Top
Is there a "best time" of the year to purchase and install a new furnace?
The best time of year to purchase and install a natural gas furnace is in
the spring or fall. At these times of the year, contractors are less
occupied with emergency service work. Top
I heat with electric baseboards and am paying far too much for heat. I
feel it will be too expensive to switch to natural gas and install all
that duct work. Any suggestions?
The cost of the ductwork in addition to the new furnace needs to be
calculated over the long term compared to the cost of staying with
electric for home heating. Ask your contractor about options such as
high velocity duct systems. Top
I’ve started hearing that we should use natural gas wherever possible
instead of electricity. Why is this important?
If you live in Ontario, you may have heard that there are continual
warnings that our electrical grid is being stressed. Reducing the load
on the electrical grid by using fewer electrical products is the best
and easiest way to ease the strain. Choosing natural gas to heat your
home instead of electric is a simple and effective way to use less
electricity. Considering heating represents 40-60%[1] of your energy bill,
switching from electric heating to natural gas heating will help to
reduce the load on the electric grid. You will see an immediate
reduction in your energy bill. See energy cost comparisons of operating
costs.
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Will my new high-efficiency furnace affect my water heater choice?
It may. If you choose a high-efficiency furnace you will need to consider
the venting requirements of your choice. Ask your contractor for more
information. Top
I want the quietest furnace possible, I sleep very lightly and am easily
woken when the furnace comes on.
Choose a two-stage high-efficiency furnace for the least amount of fan
noise. This type of furnace has a fan that operates on a low
setting most of the time. It only increases the speed to a higher level
when a higher heat demand is necessary. The result is quiet operation
and a better night’s sleep for you. Top
