Purchasing a new furnace is a decision that should not be taken lightly.
After all, you want to be able to depend on the furnace unit you choose to get you through our harsh Canadian winters— without having to worry about sudden malfunctions.
Thankfully, a high-quality furnace can last 15 years or more if properly maintained, and depending on the brand you choose, they often come with extensive warranties for added peace of mind.
But in order to guarantee the durability, performance, and longevity of your unit, you must approach furnace shopping strategically and educate yourself about the different features and services each brand has to offer.
As one of Edmonton’s leading cooling and furnace cleaning companies, we pride ourselves on providing our clients with accurate, up-to-date information they can depend on when making decisions about the devices they purchase.
Below are some of the most important factors to consider when deciding between furnace brands:
1. Price Point
Furnace shopping is comparable to car shopping. Sure, a Rolls Royce will come with a night vision rearview camera, seats that massage your body, and a built-in champagne chiller— but ultimately, if it’s outside of your budget, it doesn’t really matter.
There are a broad spectrum of furnace features that homeowners can avail of, but before you set your eye on a top-of-the-line unit with all the bells and whistles, you need to consider what you can afford— and then search for the ideal unit within that price bracket.
If you’re looking for an affordable furnace from a well-respected brand, we recommend checking out companies like Goodman and Ameristar.
2. Efficiency
Some furnace manufacturers specialize in high-efficiency units. These furnaces come with an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 90-98 percent, making them incredibly environmentally friendly.
But these units don’t just benefit the environment— they also benefit the bank accounts of the homeowners who buy them. While they do cost a little more upfront, they cut down on energy bills, making them much more cost-effective in the long run.
Additionally, those who buy high-efficiency furnaces could qualify for government rebates. Check with your provincial government to see if you are eligible!
If you’re interested in purchasing a high-efficiency furnace for your home, we recommend Trane. This is based on longevity, ease of repairs, and accessibility of parts, which translates to money saved down the road.
3. Serviceability
There are several types of furnace units, as well as different methods of installing them. The class of furnace you choose, along with the configuration method used when it is installed, will determine how serviceable your unit is.
Serviceability is important to consider when purchasing a residential furnace since it will impact how much you pay for repairs and maintenance.
For example:
Before making your selection, chat with your local HVAC specialist about which furnace brands are most popular with parts retailers, as well as which are easiest to maintain and install.
Airflow configuration plays a role in how convenient and affordable your unit will be to repair and set up. See our blog on types of furnaces for more information on this.
Conclusion
In summary, yes, brand name is important when shopping for a home furnace. Warranties vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and the costs associated with setting up and repairs can vary depending on the brand you choose.
However, there are financing options available that can make your purchase more affordable— regardless of which brand you go with.
At Acclaimed, we partner with SNAP Financial to offer simple, budget-friendly payment solutions that meet their needs.
There are numerous other factors to consider too, like Better Business Bureau ratings, extended service agreements, and the cost of parts— all of which differentiate furnace brands from one another. Additionally, homeowners need to take into consideration the craftsmanship that goes into the installation of their furnace and all of the factors involved in choosing a qualified company to do so. Check out our blog on what to look for when choosing a company to install your furnace for more information on what to listen for.
In the end, only you can decide which features are most important to you.
