Alberta winters don’t mess around, and neither should your furnace. When it’s minus 30 and dropping, a reliable heating system isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential.
For homeowners in St. Albert and the surrounding area, knowing when to replace your furnace can save time, stress, and money. If you’re not sure whether your system is still up to the job, here are seven signs it may be time for a new one. Ideally before the cold weather arrives.
One of the most common signs of furnace decline is when it takes much longer than it should to heat your home. If your system is running constantly but still not reaching the thermostat setting, that’s a clear sign it’s losing efficiency or developing internal issues.
Once a furnace is out of warranty, you’re on borrowed time. If a major component fails, you may be facing a high repair bill with no coverage, and at that point, it often makes more sense to invest in a replacement. Homeowners are encouraged to start planning before that big breakdown arrives.
An occasional service call is normal. But if your furnace has needed multiple repairs within the same season, those costs add up quickly. Repeated breakdowns are usually a sign the system is wearing out, and continuing to patch it up might only delay the inevitable.
Furnaces that overheat can trigger the high limit safety switch, which shuts the system down to prevent further damage. This can point to internal problems like a failing heat exchanger, a serious issue that isn’t always visible to the homeowner. A certified technician can check for these signs during a maintenance visit.
Older or undersized systems often struggle to distribute heat evenly. If you’re noticing cold spots in certain rooms while others are overly warm, your furnace may not be circulating air effectively anymore. This can also be a sign of ductwork or airflow problems, but in many cases, it’s tied to the system’s overall age or condition.
Many people put off replacing their furnace until it completely fails, but waiting comes at a cost. Emergency replacements often happen during the busiest season, which limits your choices and can drive up installation costs. Planning ahead gives you more flexibility with timing, price, and product selection.
If your furnace is 15 years or older and you’ve already been wondering whether it’s time, you’re likely nearing the tipping point. At this stage, the next major repair might not be worth it. Monitoring performance, avoiding big repair bills, and preparing early can help you make a more economical choice.
When it comes time to replace your furnace, reliability matters. A1 Heating installs brands with proven track records like Aries, Bryant, and Daikin that are chosen for their performance, long warranties (up to 12 years), and low maintenance history. In fact, many of our customers haven’t had a single issue with their new systems in years.
Current regulations require all new furnaces to be at least 95% efficient, with top models reaching 99%. While furnace rebates are now focused on heat pumps, the energy savings from a modern system are still significant and reliability can’t be overlooked when winter hits hard.
If you’ve noticed one or several of these signs, now’s the time to consider a replacement. Getting ahead of the rush means more choices, better pricing, and peace of mind when the snow starts flying.
A1 Heating & Cooling has served St. Albert homeowners since 1979 with honest advice and trusted service. Whether you need a second opinion or you're ready to install, we’re here to help.
📞 Call us or book online to get started before winter sets in.
