A London Homeowner's Guide to High-Efficiency Furnace Installation Costs & Savings

AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It measures how much of the fuel a furnace consumes is converted into usable heat for your home. A 96% AFUE furnace converts 96% of fuel into heat, wasting only 4%. The minimum standard in Canada is 90%, but high-efficiency furnaces with 95-98% AFUE provide significant long-term savings. For London's cold winters, choose 96% AFUE or higher.

High-efficiency furnace installation in London typically costs $3,400-$5,500 depending on brand, AFUE rating, and installation complexity. A standard 96% AFUE Goodman furnace starts at $3,400 installed. Premium brands like Lennox or Carrier with 96-98% AFUE range from $4,200-$5,500. After Enbridge rebate ($650), net cost can be as low as $2,750. Get a free quote for your specific home.

London homeowners can access up to $650 Enbridge rebate for qualifying high-efficiency furnace upgrades (96% AFUE or higher). The Canada Greener Homes Grant offers up to $5,000 for qualifying home energy retrofits. Additional provincial programs may be available. We handle all rebate paperwork for our customers — you don't need to figure it out alone.

Upgrading from an 80% AFUE furnace to a 96% AFUE furnace can save 15-20% on heating bills. For the average London home spending $1,500-$2,000 annually on heating, that's $225-$400 saved each year. Over a 15-year furnace lifespan, total savings range from $3,375-$6,000 — often exceeding the initial cost difference after rebates.

Furnace size is measured in BTUs (British Thermal Units). A typical London home needs 40,000-100,000 BTUs depending on square footage, insulation, windows, and air sealing. A 1,500-2,000 sq ft home typically needs 60,000-80,000 BTUs. Never guess — we perform a proper load calculation (Manual J) to determine the exact size your home needs for maximum efficiency and comfort.

Most standard furnace installations are completed in one day (6-8 hours). We arrive in the morning, remove your old furnace, install the new unit, connect venting and gas lines, test thoroughly, and clean up before leaving. More complex jobs involving ductwork modifications or converting from 80% to 96% AFUE (which requires new PVC exhaust venting) may take 1.5-2 days.

With proper annual maintenance, a modern high-efficiency furnace lasts 15-20 years. Regular tune-ups keep efficiency high, prevent breakdowns, and maintain warranty validity. Without maintenance, lifespan drops to 10-12 years. Our Basic Maintenance Plan ($149/year) includes annual tune-up, filter change, and priority service to protect your investment.

A 98% AFUE furnace is 2% more efficient than a 96% model. For the average London home spending $1,800/year on heating, that's $36/year in additional savings. The 98% model typically costs $500-$1,000 more upfront. Payback period is 14-28 years — longer than the furnace's lifespan. For most homeowners, 96% AFUE offers the best value. However, 98% models often include advanced features like variable-speed blowers.

Yes. Furnace replacement and new installation require a permit from the City of London. A professional TSSA-certified contractor handles all permitting and inspections for you. Never hire a contractor who suggests skipping permits — it's illegal, unsafe, and can cause issues when selling your home. We manage all permits and schedule inspections so you don't have to worry.

Replace your furnace if it's over 15 years old, requires repairs costing 50%+ of a new unit's price, has a cracked heat exchanger, or needs frequent repairs. If your furnace is under 10 years old and repair costs are reasonable, repair may be better. A new 96% AFUE furnace can cut heating bills by 20-40% compared to an old 80% model — often paying for itself within 3-5 years.