Cut Your Energy Bills: Why Proper Furnace Installation Pays Off for Albertans

Furnace Installations

Think furnace efficiency is all about the model? Think again. Discover how proper furnace installation can dramatically lower your energy bills, prevent costly repairs, and extend system lifespan. Action Furnace explains why expert installation is key to winter comfort and savings.

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Posted by Ryan | July 29, 2025

With energy costs continuing to rise across Alberta, homeowners are feeling the pressure—especially during our long, cold winters. When temperatures plunge, furnaces work overtime, and the cost of heating your home can skyrocket. Many Albertans are turning to energy-efficient upgrades and routine maintenance to cut back on energy use, but there's one critical factor that’s often overlooked: proper furnace installation.

The truth is, even the most advanced, high-efficiency furnace won't deliver the performance or savings it promises if it’s not installed correctly. In this blog, we’ll break down how proper furnace installation leads to better energy efficiency, improved comfort, and long-term savings—plus why Action Furnace is your go-to partner for getting it done right.

The Importance of Correct Furnace Sizing

One of the most common (and costly) installation mistakes is choosing the wrong size furnace for your home. Whether it's too big or too small, an incorrectly sized unit can drive up your energy bills and compromise comfort.

Oversized Furnaces: Bigger isn’t always better. An oversized furnace heats your home too quickly, causing it to shut off and restart frequently—a process known as short cycling. This wastes energy, creates temperature swings, and puts extra strain on the system, leading to more wear and tear.
Undersized Furnaces: On the flip side, a furnace that’s too small will run constantly as it struggles to keep your home warm. This not only burns more energy but also accelerates system fatigue and reduces the furnace’s lifespan.

A correctly sized furnace, selected based on your home’s square footage, insulation, window layout, and other key factors, ensures:

Consistent, even heating
Reduced energy waste
Optimal performance and efficiency

Maximizing Energy Efficiency with Professional Installation

Even a perfectly sized furnace won’t perform well if it’s not installed properly. Here’s how expert installation helps you get the most out of your heating system:

Proper Ductwork Design

Efficient airflow is essential. Poorly designed or leaky ducts can result in significant energy loss. A professional installer will ensure ductwork is correctly sized, sealed, and balanced to deliver warm air evenly throughout your home.

Air Leak Sealing

Air escaping from duct joints and connections can force your furnace to work harder. Professionals detect and seal these leaks during installation, preserving your system’s efficiency.

Strategic Placement

The location of your furnace matters. Placing it in a well-ventilated area that allows for proper airflow improves efficiency and ensures your furnace operates within safe temperature ranges.

Avoiding Common Installation Mistakes

DIY or rushed installations often lead to avoidable mistakes that affect performance, safety, and comfort. Some of the most common issues include:

Incorrect Thermostat Placement

If installed near windows, vents, or direct sunlight, your thermostat may misread the indoor temperature, leading to uneven heating and unnecessary energy use.

Inadequate Insulation Around the Furnace

Poor insulation leads to heat loss, making your furnace work harder than necessary.

Improper Venting

This can be a serious safety hazard. Poor venting reduces efficiency and increases the risk of carbon monoxide buildup.

Why Choose Action Furnace?

At Action Furnace, we take the guesswork out of furnace installation. Our certified technicians follow strict guidelines to ensure every detail is done right—from precise measurements and airflow testing to proper thermostat calibration and venting.

When you choose our team, here’s what to expect:

A thorough home assessment to determine the right furnace size
Expert installation that meets all building codes and safety standards
Clean, professional workmanship and complete post-installation testing
Guidance on system use and maintenance to maximize lifespan and savings

Upgrading to a High-Efficiency Furnace

Modern high-efficiency furnaces—especially those with an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating of 90% or higher—can drastically reduce your energy consumption. These units convert more fuel into usable heat, meaning less waste and more warmth for your dollar.

However, even the most efficient furnace will fall short if it’s not installed properly. Improper setup can negate all the benefits of your investment. That’s why professional installation is just as important as the furnace itself.

An Action Furnace technician inspects a furnace and it's connecting duct work.

The Financial Impact of Avoiding Costly Repairs

Proper installation isn’t just about performance—it also saves you money in the long run.

Fewer Breakdowns

When your furnace is installed correctly, it's less likely to experience premature wear or unexpected failures.

Longer Lifespan

A properly installed furnace operates smoothly, which extends its service life and reduces the need for replacements.

Fewer Emergency Repairs

Poor installations often result in breakdowns during extreme cold—when your system is working its hardest. Emergency calls during Alberta winters can be expensive and stressful. A professional installation minimizes this risk.

Rising energy costs don’t have to drain your wallet. With a properly installed furnace, you can heat your home more efficiently, save on your monthly bills, and enjoy greater peace of mind during Alberta’s harshest months.

Don’t take chances with your comfort or your energy budget. Trust Action Furnace to deliver expert furnace installation that’s done right the first time. Before being allowed to lead an installation team, our technicians are required to complete a comprehensive 14 months apprenticeship program. Our technicians are very respectful of you and your home – we leave it cleaner than we found it!

Furnace Installation FAQ

How much does a new heating system cost?

The price of a new heating system will vary depending on your heating requirements. The following factors influence installation price:

The heating capacity of your equipment (size).
The make and model of your furnace.
Whether new ductwork needs to be installed.

The features and ratings of your equipment. When calculating the costs of a furnace replacement, consider the monthly energy cost savings that a modern furnace can provide. Our Comfort Advisors will also keep you informed of any rebate programs available in your region.

How do I know if I need a new furnace?

You may need a new furnace if your current furnace is:

Over 12 – 15 years old
Frequently needing repairs
Not keeping your home warm enough
Increasing your energy bills

Ryan | General Manager

Ryan is considered one of Calgary's most knowledgeable residential HVAC specialists. Working in the industry for over 12... more