Kitchener Waterloo Furnace Buying Guide
Expert Information on Home Heating Costs, Energy Efficiency, Installation & More for Kitchener-Waterloo and the Surrounding Areas Homeowners
Cost | Efficiency | When to Invest & What to Look for | Installation
Owning a home comes with countless responsibilities, one of which is the ability to adequately heat your interior during the cooler months of the year to keep your family comfortable and cozy. This is why it is essential that when purchasing a new furnace system for your home, you select one that will not only allow you to create a comfortable environment but also save you money on your month-to-month energy bills. As such, it goes without saying that when it comes to purchasing a furnace for your home, it is always recommended that homeowners reach out to a professional HVAC company for assistance.
At Dunn Heating, we have over 50 years of experience working in the heating and cooling system. Our team of qualified and experienced HVAC technicians has worked with thousands of homeowners throughout the Kitchener-Waterloo community and beyond. We are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to provide homeowners with customized heating solutions tailored to their unique needs. With our assistance and expertise, homeowners can expect us to go above and beyond for them, so their experience with us is nothing less than perfect.
Dunn Heating is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our certified HVAC technicians do not charge homeowners an additional service fee if they require our help after normal business hours, on weekends, or during holidays. Further to this, when purchasing a new furnace system for your home, you will have the option of choosing between several payment plans. This way, you can focus on heating your home for yourself and your family without incurring any upfront costs. On the other hand, if you find yourself experiencing a heating emergency during a cold snap in the area, our team of technicians is able to accommodate your needs and provide you with same-day or next-day installation appointments if required!
Are you ready to work with the professional and friendly HVAC technician team at Dunn Heating in Kitchener-Waterloo? If the answer is yes, please do not hesitate to reach out to a member of our team directly to book your appointment or use our online scheduling system! All initial consultation appointments come with a free, non-obligatory service quote! We are so enthusiastic about collaborating with you to improve the interior comfort of your home!
Should I buy an 80% or 96% furnace?
Evaluating a few key factors, including efficiency, size, and cost, is essential when selecting a furnace. Furnace efficiency is often measured by the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating, which means the percentage of fuel converted into functional heat. An 80% AFUE rating indicates that 80% of the fuel is converted into usable heat, while 20% is lost through exhaust. On the other hand, a 96% AFUE rating implies that 96% of the power is transformed into usable heat. In comparison, only 4% is lost through exhaust.
In general, higher AFUE ratings are more energy efficient. They can save you money on energy bills in the long run and are ideal for the environment. However, they are also more costly upfront than furnace systems with lower AFUE. Therefore, whether it makes sense to buy an 80% or 96% furnace will depend on your specific needs and budget for your installation project.
If you are mainly interested in saving money on energy costs, a higher-efficiency furnace with a higher AFUE rating may be a suitable choice. However, if you are on a tight budget or are only looking to replace an older furnace, a lower-efficiency furnace with a lower AFUE rating may be more reasonable for your needs. It is also essential to consider the size of the furnace. A furnace that is too little for your home will not be able to keep up with its heating demands. At the same time, a furnace that is too large will waste energy and money by heating your home too quickly. This, in turn, will cause your heating system to break down more frequently, costing you more money in the long run.
Overall, whether it makes sense to buy an 80% or 96% furnace will depend on your specific needs, budget, and the size of your home. And a professional HVAC technician can help you determine the correct size furnace for your home, along with all the other considerations we have listed above. Therefore, if you are unsure which furnace equipment will work best in your home for your needs, we suggest reaching out to the team at Dunn Heating to schedule an initial consultation. A certified technician will come to your home and conduct an evaluation before offering you a selection of solutions that will help you maximize your energy efficiency and fulfill your needs.
Are you ready for a new furnace in your home? Dunn Heating is available around the clock, 365 days a year. Our qualified HVAC technicians do not charge property owners extra fees if they need our assistance after regular working hours, on weekends, or on holidays. Furthermore, when buying a new furnace appliance for your home, you will be given the choice of selecting from many installment plans. You can then concentrate on heating your residence for yourself and your household without having to incur any initial costs. If you have a heating crisis throughout a cold spell in the area, our team of professionals can appease your requirements and offer you same-day or next-day installation appointments if necessary!
Please contact a member of the team directly to reserve your appointment or use our online booking system! All initial consultation appointments include a complimentary, non-binding service quote! We are excited to collaborate with you to enhance the indoor comfort of your residence.
Which brand of furnace is most reliable?
It can be challenging to determine which brand of furnace is the most reliable, as different brands may have their own strengths and flaws. In general, furnaces from reputable manufacturers with a record of producing high-quality products are more likely to be trustworthy and reliable long-term.
When shopping for a new furnace, it is essential to research and compare different brands and types to find the one that ideally meets all of your needs and budget. Some factors to consider when selecting a furnace brand include the following:
- Energy Efficiency: Look for a furnace with a high annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating, which indicates the percentage of fuel converted into usable heat. Higher AFUE ratings are more efficient and can save you money on energy bills in the long run.
- Size: Make sure to choose a furnace that is the correct size for your home. An undersized heating system will not be able to maintain the heating needs of your residence. At the same time, a furnace that is too large will waste energy and money by heating your home too quickly. A professional HVAC technician can help you determine the correct size furnace for your home.
- Warranty: Look for a furnace with a good warranty, which can provide peace of mind and protect you in case of any issues with the unit.
- Customer reviews: Read customer reviews and ratings to get an idea of other people’s experiences with different furnace brands.
- Price: Consider the upfront and long-term costs of different furnace brands to find one that fits your budget.
Overall, it is crucial to take your time and consider various factors when choosing a furnace brand to ensure that you get a reliable and efficient unit that meets your needs. In addition, working with a professional and experienced HVAC company in your area can also help ensure you install a furnace that meets your unique needs.
Are you ready to work with Dunn Heating? We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If homeowners necessitate our assistance after regular hours, on weekends, or on holidays, we do not charge any additional fees. Furthermore, when choosing a new furnace for your home, you will have the option of selecting from a range of different payment plans. You can then concentrate on warming your household for you and your household without paying any initial costs. If you have a heating crisis during a cold period in the neighborhood, our professional team can accommodate your requirements and, if necessary, provide same-day or next-day installation appointments!
Make sure to contact a member of the staff directly or use our reservation system to schedule your consultation. Every initial consultation appointment comes with a complimentary, non-binding service quote! We are excited to collaborate with you to enhance your living environment.
Are furnaces hard to get right now?
It is difficult to determine whether furnaces are currently hard to get, as the availability of furnaces can vary depending on various factors, such as the specific brand and model, the region, and the time of year.
Generally, the demand for furnaces tends to be highest during the colder months, when people use their heating systems more frequently. The need for furnaces may be higher than usual in some areas due to the pandemic, as individuals spend more time at home and may be using their heating systems more often.
If you require a new furnace, it is a good idea to shop around and compare different brands and models to find one that meets your needs and budget. Consider purchasing a furnace in advance if you know you will need one in the future, as this helps ensure you can get the unit you need when you need it.
Overall, the availability of furnaces may vary depending on your specific location and the time of year, so it is a good idea to do your research and plan ahead if you need a new furnace. Regardless, the team at Dunn Heating has a selection of high-quality furnace systems for you to choose from based on your needs! Book your initial consultation appointment with us today!
What are the most common furnaces on the market?
When buying a new furnace for your household, you may be shocked to know that there are several types, capacities, sizes, energy efficiencies, and brands of furnace units available for you to choose from. Because of this, it can oftentimes be challenging for homeowners to select which one would be ideal for their home and needs, especially when they do not know what they are searching for. Therefore, to help homeowners have a better idea about what to look for when beginning their search, the team at Dunn Heating has put together a list of furnace types that are most common on the market and how they operate. Here is a closer look at these furnaces in more detail below:
- Gas furnaces: Gas furnaces use natural gas or propane as a fuel source and are popular for their efficiency and relatively low cost.
- Oil furnaces: Oil furnaces use oil as a fuel source and are often used in areas where natural gas is unavailable. They tend to be less efficient than gas furnaces and may produce more pollution.
- Electric furnaces: Electric furnaces use electricity as a fuel source and are often a good choice for homes that do not have access to gas or oil. They are typically the most efficient furnace, but they can also be the costliest to operate throughout the year.
- Dual fuel furnaces: Dual fuel furnaces can use gas or electricity as a fuel source and change between the two depending on the availability and cost of each. They may be a good choice for homeowners who want the efficiency of an electric furnace but also want the opportunity to use a more affordable fuel source.
Overall, the most common furnace on the market will depend on the specific region and the availability of different fuel sources in your area. In some areas, gas furnaces may be the most common, while electric or oil furnaces may be more common in others. At Dunn Heating, we are pleased to offer a wide selection of gas, oil, electric, and dual furnaces for homeowners to choose from. During your initial consultation appointment with our team, one of our certified HVAC technicians will be able to guide you in choosing a furnace that suits your needs, whatever they may be.
With customized service solutions, you can rest assured knowing your best interests are being kept in mind throughout your entire experience with us. As such, if you are considering a new furnace system for your home but don't know where to start, there is no need to worry; the team at Dunn Heating in Kitchener-Waterloo is available and ready to help!
Dunn Heating is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our skilled HVAC technicians do not charge extra fees if property owners require our help and support after regular business hours, on weekends, or on holidays. Moreover, when purchasing new furnace equipment for your household, you will have the option of choosing from a variety of installment plans. You can then focus on heating your home for both you and your family without incurring any upfront costs. If you have a heating emergency during a cold spell in the area, our team of professionals can meet your needs and provide same-day or next-day installation appointments if necessary!
To book your consultation, please feel free to contact a member of the team directly or use our online reservation system. Every initial consultation appointment includes a free, non-binding service quote! We are thrilled to work with you to improve the interior environment in which you live.
Whether it's from age, wear & tear, or a breakdown that's beyond fixing, replacing your home's furnace is a rite of passage every property owner goes through - and for most, it's one that comes with a lot of questions, such as:
How long will it take to install a furnace? How long will I be without heat?
Is this really the right time to replace my furnace? Can it wait until next winter?
(Rule of thumb: if furnace problems are on your mind, it's a good idea to at least look at the landscape before it gets too cold - and costly.)
Whether you need a full replacement or a simple repair, the last thing you want is for your furnace to go on the fritz when the winter weather has already settled in.
Get your home heating questions answered below and know before you invest in your home comfort.
Want to talk to a Kitchener-Waterloo and the Surrounding Areas Home Comfort Advisor near you about your home furnace needs now?
Give us a call at 226-887-3052 or contact us online with our fast form. Use the referral code FALLFLASH20 for up to $50 off the installation of a new home heating system.
Home Furnace Replacement & Installation: Your Questions Answered
Click on any of the following questions to jump directly to their answers. Please note you may need to scroll up slightly after jumping to an answer to view it in its entirety.
Cost
Energy Efficiency
When to Invest & What to Look For
Home Furnace Installation
Questions & Concerns
New Home Furnace Cost
Investing in a New Central Home Comfort System in Kitchener-Waterloo and the Surrounding Areas
How much will a new home furnace cost?
As with any major appliance, the overall investment of a new home comfort system will vary from house to house. See below for a list of common price factors.
The size of your home
The size of your house will naturally play a role in the size of the furnace you select, which will impact both overall investment and monthly energy bills.
If you live in a bigger home and are concerned about unavoidable higher prices as a result, talk to a Kitchener-Waterloo and the Surrounding Areas Home Comfort Advisor to discuss your best options for a new furnace that fits your needs today.
Give us a call at 226-887-3052 or contact us online with our fast form. Use the referral code FALLFLASH20 for up to $50 off the installation of a new home heating system.
Your home's heat gain & loss
Just as the size of your property does, the amount of heat that your home naturally maintains and loses throughout the day will be a significant factor in your home comfort investment.
The size of your windows and doors on all floors will play a big role in this, as will ceiling height and overall room size.
Your Home Comfort Advisor will work with you to obtain measurements and determine the amount of heat your home is losing, which will help inform the type of system in which you should invest.
Product performance, efficiency, indoor air quality options and warranty
As you might expect, the product you choose to have installed will also play a significant role in price.
Higher-rated home furnaces, with better performance, improved efficiency and good indoor air quality, may be higher in price.
TIP: If you're thinking of sacrificing product quality for a lower price, keep in mind that this is a long-term investment for your home: while you may save some money at the point of purchase, you could end up paying a lot more to cover an expensive part replacement or breakdown repair in the long run.
There's also the warranty: if you want any form of protective coverage for your new investment, there will be an extra initial cost, but it's always a good idea to explore your options for some extra peace of mind.
Operating costs (i.e., utility bills)
All furnaces, whether they're powered by gas, electric, propane or oil, come with operating costs.
It is important to keep in mind that regardless of your heating system's size and quality, regular use will impact the overall monthly amount.
Installation techniques and the certified professionals you choose to service your home
The initial setup & installation of your new home comfort system is the most important step of the process. And as with product quality, when it comes to service, you get what you pay for.
That's why the certified professionals you choose to install your furnace matter: those who cut corners with installation in order to save on the initial investment are likely to face much bigger, more expensive problems in the future.
Some examples include:
- An oversized/undersized furnace unit could cost an additional 10-25% to operate
- Improperly sized and leaky ducting could cost an additional 5-30% to operate
This is why it's essential to choose a certified, trustworthy team of technicians like those at Dunn Heating and Air to install your new home heating system.
Want to talk furnace installation with a Kitchener-Waterloo and the Surrounding Areas Home Comfort Advisor?
Give us a call at 226-887-3052 or contact us online with our fast form. Use the referral code FALLFLASH20 for up to $50 off the installation of a new home heating system.
Post-installation heating maintenance & repairs
An unavoidable aspect of any appliance, furnace maintenance and repairs will come with their own costs down the road.
While most HVAC companies will offer maintenance packages or protection plans that come at a fixed rate, repair costs will vary depending on factors such as the severity of the issue.
Although inevitable, more costly repairs can be avoided by speaking to your Home Comfort Advisor about any available maintenance packages that will help prevent long-term, expensive problems.
Will investing in a new furnace save me money in the long run?
Because most modern home heating systems have improved in terms of overall energy efficiency over the years, yes, replacing an older furnace with a newer model is likely to save you on energy costs in the long run.
Most homeowners realize investing in an energy efficient home comfort system now will provide long-term savings.
Speak to a Home Comfort Advisor about the potential of long-term savings that can come from a new home furnace.
Will a new furnace help increase my home value?
When it comes time to slap a FOR SALE sign on the lawn, potential home buyers will find a new furnace appealing – it's one less thing for them to deal with when they move in, and recent home improvements are always a key selling point.
So while it may not have a direct impact, a new home heating system could still make a big difference: it has high potential to give you an edge with home buyers and could help push up the asking price.
Keep that in mind if you're considering a new furnace as part of a bigger plan to eventually sell your home in addition to your goal of quality home comfort.
Can I pay for a new home furnace in installments? Is financing available?
Yes, you can! Dunn Heating Heating and Air Conditioning is pleased to provide homeowners with financing options for a new home furnace system.
For details on our financing options, please call a Home Comfort Advisor at 226-887-3052 or contact us online with our fast form. Use the referral code FALLFLASH20 for up to $50 off the installation of a new home heating system.
Home Heating Energy Efficiency
What to Expect from New Furnace Cost & Energy Savings in Kitchener-Waterloo and the Surrounding Areas
Are new home furnaces more energy efficient?
In general, yes - modern home comfort systems are designed to use less energy.
The Government of Canada's website offers detailed information on furnaces in Canada and their regulations on energy efficiency:
"An ENERGY STAR certified forced-air furnace, fuelled by gas uses 6% less energy, fuelled by oil uses 9% less energy, on average, than a standard model. Space heating represents 61% of your home energy use and offers the most potential for cutting your energy bill. Residential furnaces that have earned the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient designation are the best of the best – they'll save you even more energy. Saving energy saves money and reduces your carbon footprint."
Dunn Heating Heating and Air Conditioning is proud to uphold the ENERGY STAR promise in all of its home heating products.
How will a new furnace impact my energy bills?
Our ENERGY STAR certified home heating systems are designed with improved energy efficiency.
The bottom line: a new furnace will use less energy, which translates to lower monthly heating bills, saving you money in the long run.
Do new home furnaces have a better impact on the environment?
Because of their energy-efficient design, modern home heating systems tend to have less of a negative impact on the environment.
For more information on modern residential furnaces and their energy use, visit this page on the Government of Canada's website.
When to Buy & What to Look For
The Right Time to Purchase a New Furnace - and What Questions to Ask
When is the right time to invest in a new home furnace?
Rule of thumb: You'll know you need to invest in a new home furnace when your current one stops doing its core job of heating your home comfortably, consistently and efficiently.
In other words, you should start to think about replacing your home heating system if your current one is showing significant signs of age & wear and tear and may not make it through another winter.
It should also be on your mind or if you experience a breakdown that is either too costly or too far gone to fix.
Additionally, you may want to consider a new furnace as part of an overall home improvement project if renovations are on your mind.
If you're looking for a professional opinion on whether you need a full furnace replacement or a simple repair, contact a Dunn Heating Home Comfort Advisor today.
What should I be looking for a in a new home furnace?
Most homeowners will look for specific features within a new home heating system before making their investment. See below for a list of common decision-making factors and click on each to learn more.
Service guarantees
It is absolutely essential you fully trust the certified professionals who are installing a new heating system in your home.
Aside from the fact that they'll be in your personal space for a time in order to set it up, you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing that a fully qualified & certified individual is taking care of the full setup of your system.
Be sure to learn about a company's service guarantees before making a decision for home furnace installation.
Furnace lifespan & longevity
Since this is a long-term investment that you'll want to keep working for your family for many years to come, most homeowners will focus on questions about product longevity and lifespan.
The last thing you want is to have to turn around and fully replace your almost-new furnace after just a few years of use.
That's why it's important to ask questions about the more common causes of irreparable furnace issues, and how your service provider will help you avoid them with things like regular maintenance.
Knowing this before you make your investment will help you avoid consistent, costly repairs or a full furnace replacement before you need it down the road.
Warranty & protection plans
For a lot of homeowners, knowing you're protected for unpreventable problems that cause your home heating system to break down provides an extra bit of peace of mind.
Be sure to ask about the types of coverage that are available and how they'll help you avoid paying big bucks for various types of system repairs.
Just about every HVAC company offers home furnace warranty & protection plans, but it's important to know the details of them to avoid any surprises when it comes time for a service call, so be sure to ask.
Air quality
Different home comfort systems can substantially improve your home's indoor air quality.
When you're weighing your options between furnaces and home heating packages, it's a good idea to talk to your Home Comfort Advisor about how each is likely to affect the air quality inside your residence.
Product efficiency
Another question that's top of mind for most homeowners when investing in a new home heating system is how efficient it will be in terms of energy and cost savings.
Modern furnaces have made vast improvements in terms of how well they can heat a whole home without causing your energy bills to skyrocket, but this varies depending on the size of the system and other factors.
Be sure to ask about the efficiency of any heating unit you're interested in installing in your home for a better idea of the difference you'll see in your energy bills.
Product features
Although the end goal of consistent home comfort remains the same, everyone has their own preferences for which product features they want to choose.
Homeowners in the market for a new furnace will often focus on specific features when they're making their decision, such as the thermostat, Wi-Fi capabilities, filtration and modulation.
You may want some, none or all of these types of features, but you should always inquire as to what is and is not included with each system when you're choosing how to make your investment.
Air conditioning upgrade bundles
Many homeowners will look into upgrading both their furnace and air conditioning units at the same time
Sometimes this is a better investment and a more affordable option in the long run. Advantages of buying a furnace and AC bundle include:
- Better deals in buying a full system vs. a single system
- Better thermostat/thermostat features with two systems in one
- More convenient – get both systems installed at once and don't worry about replacing either for the future
- Extend equipment life, as a matched system is designed to work in sync
- Your warranty may be voided if your AC leaks and damages your furnace – a new AC system would help prevent this
- You may get further minimizations to your additional investment, as more allowances may be included with a furnace/AC bundle
Investing in both a new home heating and cooling system at once can help you save money in the immediate and long-term, and ensures you're set up with a top-of-the-line efficient system for all seasons.
Promotions & deals
As saving money is usually top of mind for the majority of homeowners looking at a new furnace, many of them will ask about any existing promotional sales before making a final decision.
Dunn Heating & Air Conditioning offers monthly deals for homeowners looking to upgrade their existing home heating system. Click here to learn about our current promo.
Always be sure to ask your Home Comfort Advisor about any existing sales or specials on furnace installation – you never know how much of a difference it could make in your initial investment.
What kinds of questions should I be asking when I look for a new home heating system?
Questions commonly asked by homeowners who are looking for a new home furnace system include:
- How much will it cost to install? Are there any additional/hidden installation fees?
- How long will it take? How long will my home be without heat?
- Will the technicians need to return at all immediately after installation?
- How long can I expect my new furnace to last with regular tune-ups and maintenance?
- What kinds of certifications do your technicians have?
- What are your company's service guarantees?
- What kinds of warranties and protection plans are available?
- What kinds of post-installation maintenance and repair services do you offer? How much of a priority will I be when I need help with my home comfort system?
- What kind of impact will a new furnace have on my monthly home heating bills? Will I save money?
- What kinds of promotions and deals are available for your furnaces?
Home Furnace Installation
Setup & Installation of a New Home Heating System in Kitchener-Waterloo and the Surrounding Areas
Is home furnace installation available near me?
Yes! Dunn Heating and Air Conditioning offers full-service home furnace installation in the Kitchener-Waterloo and the Surrounding Areas, and will handle all the heavy lifting when it comes time for a replacement and setup.
Looking for furnace installation in the Kitchener-Waterloo region?
Give us a call at 226-887-3052 or contact us online with our fast form. Use the referral code FALLFLASH20 for up to $50 off the installation of a new home heating system.
How long will installation take? Will I be without heat?
The length of time needed to install a furnace varies from house to house.
We can provide you with a detailed estimate during your in-home consultation, but you can expect installation to take at least 6 hours for a furnace.
Luckily, this means that you should not be without heat for more than a small amount of time throughout the day – once we've set up and are out of your way, you'll have your home comfort system up & running immediately.
Can I try to install a new home furnace myself?
PLEASE NOTE: You cannot legally install a home furnace without a certification. Attempting to do so is unsafe and comes with the risk of significant damage to your home, serious injury or even death. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO INSTALL A HOME FURNACE BY YOURSELF.
Furnace installation is a job that requires a certified professional.
Give us a call at 226-887-3052 or contact us online with our fast form and use the referral code FALLFLASH20 for up to $50 off the installation of a new home heating system.
What if I have issues after installation?
Dunn Heating and Air Conditioning offers round-the-clock residential furnace repair for any issues that may be impacting your home comfort.
Call us anytime at 226-887-3052, 24/7/365 for help with any heating problems you're experiencing and we'll be there to warm things up again in a jiffy.
We also offer ongoing post-installation furnace maintenance services to ensure your home heating system is always tuned up and fully functioning all winter long.
Questions & Concerns
Follow up With a Home Comfort Advisor in Kitchener-Waterloo and the Surrounding Areas for More Information
Still have questions about investing in a new central home furnace system in Kitchener-Waterloo and the Surrounding Areas? We're happy to help!
Give us a call at 226-887-3052 or contact us online with our fast form. Use the referral code FALLFLASH20 for up to $50 off the installation of a new home heating system.
75 Rankin Street
