Buying Guide: Choosing The Best Furnace For Toronto Homes

When winter’s chill sets in, the last thing you want is a furnace that can’t keep up. Whether upgrading or installing a new furnace in your Toronto home, choosing the right furnace for your space and heating needs is paramount. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll walk you through key things to consider when selecting a furnace-from finding the right size for your space to fuel types, efficiency ratings, and more.

Choose the Right-Sized Furnace for Your Toronto Home

Choosing the right furnace size is essential for comfort and efficiency. If your furnace is too small, it will have difficulty heating your home. On the other hand, if it is too large, it will frequently cycle on and off, wasting energy. The best way to determine the right size for your Toronto home is to consider factors like square footage, insulation, space layout, and more. If you’re unsure, keep reading and learn how to calculate the proper size furnace for your Ontario home, or call us, and we’ll be glad to help you select an ideal furnace for your home.

How to Calculate the Right Size

Determining the right furnace size requires considering many different factors. These calculations are made to obtain efficient heating. Here’s how you can calculate it:

1. Your Home Square Footage

Start by determining the square footage of the area you want to be heated. Generally speaking, the larger the house, the more powerful the furnace should be. A rough estimate of the heating capacity would be to multiply your home’s square footage by the number of BTUs required per square foot, generally 30 to 60 BTUs, which can vary depending on the climate and insulation.

2. Insulation Quality

Well-insulated homes retain more heat, so they require a smaller furnace size. Poor insulation means the house will lose heat, and you may need to increase your furnace size due to poor insulation.

3. Ceiling Height and Layout

Standard calculations assume an 8-foot ceiling. If you have higher ceilings or an open-plan layout, this raises the space needing heat and thus requires you to adjust your furnace size accordingly.

4. Age and Condition of Your Home

Older homes typically have less insulation and less efficient windows and doors. A newer, well-insulated home can often get by with a smaller furnace.

If you still need assistance, don’t hesitate to call our team at North Wind. We’ll perform a thorough assessment of your home and help you select the best furnace size for maximum efficiency and comfort.
If you’re still unsure how to calculate this, don’t worry – North Wind is here to help. We offer expert consultations and will assess your home’s needs to recommend the best furnace size. If you are still confused, call North Wind. Our team will be able to help you calculate the best-sized furnaces for you.

Choose a Furnace with a Good Efficiency Rating

Selecting a furnace is all about efficiency. An efficient furnace will comfortably warm your house while minimizing energy use, saving you money on utility bills. Efficiency in furnaces has been rated using the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating (AFUE rating). The AFUE rating shows what percentage of the energy in your fuel gets converted into heat for your home.

• AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency): AFUE measures a furnace’s efficiency by dividing the heat output by the total energy consumed. A higher AFUE means better efficiency. Look for furnaces with an AFUE rating of 90% or higher for maximum savings.
• ENERGY STAR Rating: Furnaces that earn the ENERGY STAR label meet strict efficiency standards. This ensures that the model will help you save on energy consumption while providing reliable heat.
• SEER and EER Ratings: Though these ratings were more common for air conditioning systems, they also apply to some furnaces. They refer to a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or Energy Efficiency Ratio. The SEER rating reveals the cooling efficiency, and the EER rating is an energy efficiency measure in a specific mode. These ratings can also provide further detail on how your furnace will operate over time.

Which Type of Furnace Is Best for You?

Within the furnace family, there are several varieties, each one suited to a different set of needs and desires. Here’s a brief rundown of the most common types:

Single-Stage Furnaces

These furnaces have only one gear: all-out. They represent the most basic and least expensive options. They are ideal for homes with less demanding heating requirements and people on strict budgets.

Two-Stage Furnaces

Two-stage furnaces offer more flexibility than single-stage models. They operate at two speeds: low and high. On mild days, the furnace operates at low speed, saving energy, and only ramps up to high speed when it’s colder outside. This results in more consistent temperatures and better energy efficiency.

Modulating Furnaces

Modulating furnaces are the most advanced and precise. They adjust their heating output in small increments to maintain a consistent temperature and improve efficiency. These systems work best for homeowners who want the most comfort and efficiency possible.

Variable-Speed Furnaces

Variable-speed furnaces run at various speeds, adjusting airflow to meet your home’s heating demands. These models are energy-efficient and will provide the most consistent indoor temperatures. They’re ideal for larger homes or homes with multi-level layouts where a single-stage furnace is not likely to provide adequate comfort.

What Fuel Type is Best for Toronto Furnaces?

Regarding heating, most houses in Toronto have to choose from two options: gas and electric furnaces. Here’s a breakdown of each:

Gas Furnaces

This is because gas furnaces are reasonably priced and very reliable. They will heat your home up fast and may maintain warm temperatures, even during the coldest months. Being generally more efficient than electric furnaces makes them a more economically viable choice in the longer term for the colder Ontario weather.

Electric Furnaces

Electric furnaces are an alternative if natural gas isn’t available in your area. While they’re less efficient and more expensive to operate than gas furnaces, they’re often easier to install and maintain. They can be a good choice for smaller homes or those looking for a low-maintenance heating option.

Gas furnaces are normally the better value choice in Toronto since they offer greater efficiency during the colder months.

Smart Integration

Today’s furnaces offer more than simple heat; many are made to integrate perfectly with smart home systems. Smart thermostats, like Nest or Ecobee, allow you to operate your furnace from anywhere using your smartphone. These systems study your heating habits, regulate temperatures accordingly, and help you save energy costs by optimizing the furnace’s performance.

Not all furnaces will be compatible with a smart thermostat, but most modern furnaces will be. You want to make sure that your furnace and thermostat will work together well before installation. If you are uncomfortable, North Wind can walk you through how to check for compatibility and set up your smart home to operate as efficiently as possible.

Stay Warm This Winter with North Wind

Picking the proper furnace will keep your home warm, cozy, and energy-efficient. Knowing furnace size, efficiency ratings, furnace types, and fuel options, you’ll be well on your way to making an informed decision. If you have any questions or need further guidance, remember that North Wind HVAC can always provide professional advice on all furnaces, installations, and maintenance matters. Let us help you find the best furnace for your home this winter!

Need assistance in selecting the right furnace for your Toronto house?

Contact us today at (647) 558-5528 or (705) 828-4482. We’ll be glad to assist you in selecting and installing the furnace that best suits your needs!

Written by

James Kowalski

Senior HVAC Technician | G1 Gas Technician (TSSA)

James Kowalski is a senior HVAC technician with over 15 years of hands-on experience servicing residential and commercial heating systems across the Greater Toronto Area. Licensed by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) with a G1 Gas Technician designation, James specializes in complex furnace diagnostics, high-efficiency system installations, and emergency heating repairs. He holds HRAI certification and has trained dozens of junior technicians throughout his career.