How do I ensure that I get the right gas furnace for my home?

Getting optimal performance depends on more than just choosing the right equipment.

• Consult with experts: Ask an energy advisor or contractor how an ENERGY STAR^® certified natural gas furnace could transform your home.
• Get a heat load calculation: Ask the builder to confirm that the heating contractor calculates the heat requirements to ensure your gas furnace is sized properly.
• Ask about duct design: Have your builder show you a layout of where the equipment and ductwork will be installed. Confirm that the duct connections including vents and registers are going to be well-sealed.
• Don’t forget about commissioning: Commissioning is a critical quality assurance step that should not be overlooked to verify and document that the engineered performance has been achieved.
• Maintain your equipment: Similar to servicing a vehicle, preventive maintenance is a good investment to minimize future problems. Arrange for annual servicing. Clean and replace air filters regularly. Consult the owner’s manual for details.

The FortisBC publication ‘High-Efficiency Furnace Installation Guide for Existing Homes [2.2MB PDF]’ is a helpful guide on the best practice approaches to installing high-efficiency furnaces in your home. The guide provides homeowners and contractors with general information and the steps, common challenges, and solutions, to completing high-efficiency furnace retrofits.

Did you see a building science or energy efficiency term you did not understand? Check out our glossary.