Question 1

How often should I service my furnace?

Accepted Answer

We recommend servicing your furnace at least once a year, ideally before the heating season begins. Regular maintenance helps ensure efficiency, extends the lifespan of your system, and can prevent costly breakdowns.

Question 2

What are signs that my furnace needs repair?

Accepted Answer

Common signs include unusual noises, insufficient heating, frequent cycling on and off, higher than normal energy bills, yellow pilot light instead of blue, and the furnace being more than 15 years old.

Question 3

How long does a typical furnace last?

Accepted Answer

With proper maintenance, most furnaces last between 15-20 years. However, this can vary based on the brand, model, usage patterns, and how well it's been maintained over the years.

Question 4

Do you offer emergency furnace repair services?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency furnace repair services throughout Metro Vancouver. Our technicians are always ready to respond to urgent heating issues.

Question 5

How much does a new furnace installation cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of a new furnace installation varies depending on the brand, model, efficiency rating, and the complexity of the installation. Contact us for a personalized quote based on your specific needs.

Question 6

What size furnace do I need for my home?

Accepted Answer

The right furnace size depends on several factors, including your home's square footage, insulation, climate, and layout. Our technicians can perform a load calculation to determine the appropriate size for your specific needs.

Question 7

How can I improve my furnace's efficiency?

Accepted Answer

Regular maintenance, changing filters every 1-3 months, sealing ductwork, adding insulation, using a programmable thermostat, and keeping vents unobstructed can all help improve your furnace's efficiency.

Question 8

What is the difference between a high-efficiency and standard furnace?

Accepted Answer

High-efficiency furnaces typically have an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating of 90% or higher, meaning they convert at least 90% of their fuel into heat. Standard furnaces have lower AFUE ratings, typically between 80-85%. High-efficiency models cost more upfront but save money on energy bills over time.

Question 9

How often should I change my furnace filter?

Accepted Answer

For standard 1-inch filters, we recommend changing them every 1-3 months. For thicker filters (4-5 inches), every 6-12 months may be sufficient. However, this can vary based on factors like pets, allergies, and air quality in your home.

Question 10

What brands of furnaces do you service?

Accepted Answer

We service all major furnace brands, including Lennox, Carrier, Trane, Goodman, American Standard, York, Napoleon, Rheem, Daikin, and many more.

Question 11

Do you offer financing for new furnace installations?

Accepted Answer

We can discuss financing options when you contact us for a quote. There are several options available to help make a new furnace installation more affordable.

Question 12

What maintenance tasks can I do myself?

Accepted Answer

Homeowners can change air filters, keep the area around the furnace clean, ensure vents are unobstructed, and check thermostat settings. However, we recommend professional maintenance for tasks involving internal components.

Question 13

Why is my furnace making strange noises?

Accepted Answer

Strange noises can indicate various issues: rattling might suggest loose components, grinding could mean motor problems, and banging might indicate delayed ignition. It's best to have a professional diagnose the specific cause.

Question 14

How long does furnace installation take?

Accepted Answer

A typical furnace installation takes about 4-8 hours, depending on the complexity of the installation and whether any modifications to existing systems are needed.

Question 15

What is a heat exchanger and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

The heat exchanger is a critical component that transfers heat from the combustion process to the air that circulates through your home. A cracked heat exchanger can leak carbon monoxide, making it a serious safety concern that requires immediate attention.

Question 16

Should I repair my old furnace or replace it?

Accepted Answer

If your furnace is over 15 years old, requires frequent repairs, has a cracked heat exchanger, or is inefficient, replacement is often more cost-effective in the long run. We can help you evaluate the best option for your situation.

Question 17

What is the difference between a furnace and a heat pump?

Accepted Answer

A furnace burns fuel (usually natural gas) to create heat, while a heat pump transfers heat from the outside air to inside your home (and can reverse the process for cooling). Heat pumps are generally more energy-efficient but may struggle in extremely cold temperatures.

Question 18

Do you service commercial furnaces?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide installation, repair, and maintenance services for commercial furnaces and heating systems throughout Metro Vancouver.

Question 19

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve all of Metro Vancouver, including Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey, Richmond, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Port Moody, and surrounding areas.

Question 20

How can I schedule a service appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can schedule a service appointment by calling us at 778-909-5731 or sending an email to info@furnace-service.ca. We'll respond promptly to arrange a convenient time for your service.

Question 21

What should I do if I smell gas near my furnace?

Accepted Answer

If you smell gas, leave your home immediately and call your gas company from a safe location. Do not use any electrical devices, phones, or light switches in your home. Once you're safe, you can contact us for furnace service.

Question 22

How do I know if my pilot light is out?

Accepted Answer

If your furnace isn't producing heat, one possible cause is an extinguished pilot light. You can check by locating the pilot light assembly (usually near the bottom of the furnace) and seeing if there's a small flame. If not, follow the manufacturer's instructions for relighting or call us for assistance.

Question 23

What is a MERV rating for filters?

Accepted Answer

MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rates how effectively air filters trap particles. Ratings range from 1-20, with higher numbers indicating better filtration. Most residential furnaces use filters with MERV ratings between 8-13, which balance good air quality with proper airflow.

Question 24

Why does my furnace short cycle (turn on and off frequently)?

Accepted Answer

Short cycling can be caused by an oversized furnace, thermostat issues, airflow problems, or a malfunctioning flame sensor. This problem wastes energy and puts extra wear on your system, so it's best to have it diagnosed by a professional.

Question 25

Is carbon monoxide a concern with furnaces?

Accepted Answer

Yes, carbon monoxide (CO) can be produced if your furnace isn't burning fuel properly or has a cracked heat exchanger. This odorless, colorless gas is dangerous, which is why we recommend CO detectors and regular furnace maintenance to ensure safe operation.

Question 26

What is the warranty on your furnace repairs?

Accepted Answer

We stand behind our work with a comprehensive warranty on all repairs. The specific warranty period depends on the type of repair performed. Contact us for details about our warranty coverage.

Question 27

Can you help with furnace permits and inspections?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we handle all necessary permits and inspections for furnace installations and major repairs. We ensure that all work complies with local building codes and safety regulations.

Question 28

What is a two-stage or modulating furnace?

Accepted Answer

A two-stage furnace has two operating levels (high and low), while a modulating furnace can operate at many different levels. Both offer more consistent heating and better efficiency compared to single-stage furnaces that only operate at full capacity.

Question 29

How can I prevent furnace problems?

Accepted Answer

Regular professional maintenance, changing filters as recommended, keeping the area around your furnace clean, ensuring proper ventilation, and addressing minor issues before they become major problems are all effective ways to prevent furnace issues.

Question 30

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept various payment methods including cash, credit cards, and e-transfers. We can discuss payment options when you schedule your service.

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