Buying a new furnace is one of the most important things you can do in our climate. No one would go without a good quality furnace for the winter. But a new furnace is a big investment, and that can make picking the right one a stressful situation. Before you commit to an investment the size of buying a furnace, you need to know what not to do. Then you can get the perfect furnace.

Canada isn’t all about ice and snow, but we certainly have plenty of it. This means that a quality furnace, with a high efficiency level, is a must. However, many people still make plenty of mistakes when they buy their furnace. Canada has plenty of dealers, both good and bad, and you have to know what you’re looking for.

One of the most common mistakes is choosing a contractor who’s not qualified or licensed to install your furnace. Canada has certifications that can protect you from bad work – make sure you use someone who has them. Your furnace installation company should be a member of the Better Business Bureau, and have a membership in the HRAIC (Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada).

This organization represents over a thousand contractors across the country, and makes sure that they’re reliable and qualified. They have to have required trade licenses and correct provincial certifications, liability insurance up to five million dollars, and registration for Technical Safety and Standards (TSSA registration). They must also comply with the official Dispute Resolution Process, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, and appropriate environmental regulations.

Don’t get just one estimate before you install your furnace. Canada has plenty of qualified contractors, and you need to take the time to find out which one will give you the best deal. Insist on written estimates and make sure you’re getting what you think you are. Does the estimate include removing your old equipment? Does it supply materials? Are all appropriate permits included? If you don’t make sure, you might have to pay more to install your furnace.

Canada companies with the lowest price aren’t always the ideal choice, either. Remember to stick with a furnace installation firm that’ll give you the highest quality installation for a good price, rather than just the cheapest one. The extra cost of a better furnace company might get you important services like emergency response and convenient service agreements after installation, after all. There’s more to a good furnace company than price. Take the time to pay attention, and you’ll end up with a great furnace, installed correctly, and no need to worry about the cold.