Quick, honest answers to the most common HVAC questions Alberta Home Services receives from Calgary homeowners.
How long does a furnace last in Calgary?
Most furnaces in Calgary last 15–20 years with proper maintenance. Calgary's long heating season means more runtime than most Canadian cities, which slightly reduces lifespan compared to warmer climates. Well-maintained high-efficiency furnaces can reach 20–25 years.
How often should I service my furnace?
Once per year, ideally in September before the heating season. Annual tune-ups catch failing components, clean the system for efficiency, and confirm safe operation before you rely on it through a Calgary winter. Skipping tune-ups voids most manufacturer warranties.
What size air conditioner do I need for my Calgary home?
A rough rule is 1 ton of cooling per 600–800 square feet in Calgary's climate. A 1,500 sq ft home typically needs a 2–2.5 ton unit. However, insulation quality, window area, and ceiling height all affect sizing — a Manual J load calculation by a qualified technician is the accurate method. Oversized AC units short-cycle and fail to dehumidify properly.
Why is my furnace blowing cold air?
Common causes: the fan running continuously after a heat call (normal for a few minutes), a dirty filter restricting airflow causing the high-limit switch to trip, a failed igniter, or a gas valve issue. Check the filter first — a clogged filter is the most common cause of cold-air complaints in Calgary. If the filter is clean, call for service.
How do I know if my furnace heat exchanger is cracked?
Signs include the CO detector triggering, visible soot near the furnace, a yellow or flickering flame, or unexplained headaches when the furnace runs. A cracked heat exchanger cannot be reliably detected without professional inspection using a combustion analyzer. This is a safety issue — never ignore CO detector activations.
How do I set my thermostat for Calgary winters?
Most Calgary homeowners set 20–22°C (68–72°F) when home, and 16–18°C (61–64°F) when sleeping or away. Smart thermostats that learn your schedule are particularly effective in Calgary because of chinook weather events — they can sense when the outdoor temperature swings and pre-condition the home.
What's the ideal indoor humidity level in Calgary winter?
35–40% relative humidity. Calgary outdoor air is very dry in winter, and heated indoor air becomes even drier. Below 30% causes dry skin, nosebleeds, static electricity, and wood damage. A whole-home humidifier connected to your furnace is the most effective solution.
Can I close vents in rooms I don't use to save money?
No — this is a common myth that actually increases heating costs and can damage your system. Closing vents increases static pressure in the duct system, causing the blower to work harder, reducing furnace efficiency, and potentially causing the heat exchanger to overheat. Leave all vents open.
My furnace keeps short-cycling (turning on and off quickly). What's wrong?
Short-cycling is most commonly caused by: a clogged filter (check this first), an oversized furnace, a failing flame sensor, or a tripping high-limit switch. During Calgary chinook events, rapid outdoor temperature increases can also cause temporary short-cycling as the home reaches temperature quickly. If it persists after checking the filter, call for service.
How much does a furnace tune-up cost in Calgary?
Typically $120–$200 for a standard furnace tune-up in Calgary. This includes cleaning the burners, testing combustion, checking safety controls, inspecting the heat exchanger, and testing system operation. Some companies include filter replacement; confirm what's included when booking.