HVAC Buying Guide

What Size Furnace Do I Need?

Sizing is the most important factor when buying a furnace. An oversized furnace will short-cycle — turning on and off frequently — which wastes energy and wears out components faster. An undersized furnace will run constantly and never fully heat your home.

A proper heat load calculation (Manual J) takes into account your home's square footage, insulation levels, window area, ceiling height, and local climate. In Calgary, with temperatures regularly hitting -30°C, proper sizing is critical.

As a general guideline for Calgary homes:

• Up to 1,000 sq ft: 40,000-60,000 BTU
• 1,000-1,500 sq ft: 60,000-80,000 BTU
• 1,500-2,500 sq ft: 80,000-100,000 BTU
• 2,500+ sq ft: 100,000-120,000 BTU

Gas vs Electric Heating

In Calgary, natural gas furnaces are the most common and cost-effective choice. Natural gas is significantly cheaper per BTU than electricity in Alberta, making gas furnaces the preferred option for whole-home heating.

Electric options include heat pumps (which are becoming more viable as cold-climate models improve) and electric baseboards. Heat pumps can be highly efficient but require a backup heat source for extreme cold.

Understanding Efficiency Ratings

Furnace efficiency is measured by AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency):

• 80% AFUE: Standard efficiency. Lower upfront cost but higher operating costs.
• 96% AFUE: High efficiency. More expensive upfront but saves 15-20% on heating bills annually.
• 98% AFUE: Premium efficiency. Maximum savings, best for homes with high heating loads.

For Calgary's cold climate, a high-efficiency furnace (96%+) typically pays for itself within 5-7 years through energy savings.

Top Furnace Brands for Calgary

As a Lennox Premier Dealer, we recommend Lennox for its reliability and efficiency. Other quality brands include:

• Lennox: Industry-leading efficiency, quiet operation, excellent warranty
• Carrier: Reliable, wide product range, good dealer network
• Trane: Built tough, excellent for cold climates
• Goodman: Budget-friendly, decent reliability
• Daikin: Good efficiency, competitive pricing

What to Ask Your Contractor

Before hiring any HVAC contractor, ask:

1. Are you licensed and insured in Alberta?
2. Will you perform a proper Manual J heat load calculation?
3. What brand do you install and why?
4. What warranty do you offer on parts and labour?
5. Do you handle permit applications?
6. What does the installation include?

AC and Heat Pump Buying Tips

When buying an air conditioner, look for a SEER rating of 16 or higher. Higher SEER means lower operating costs. For Calgary's short summers, a 2-ton (24,000 BTU) unit works for most homes up to 2,000 sq ft.

Heat pumps are increasingly popular as a combined heating and cooling solution. Cold-climate heat pumps now operate efficiently down to -25°C, making them viable in Calgary.

Next Steps

Ready to purchase? Call Infills Mechanical for a free in-home assessment. We will size your system properly, explain all your options, and provide a transparent quote with no hidden fees.