There are many energy source options available to Ottawa homeowners: 

1. Natural gas is the most common choice due to its efficient heating and availability.

2. Propane gas is more expensive than natural gas but if natural gas is not available where you live, it is a good alternative. Any natural gas furnace can be converted for propane use. 

3. If you are still heating your home with oil expect to need to change heating sources soon. Insurance companies are increasingly limiting their coverage of oil heating systems. Clockwork is able to recover the oil, disconnect and remove the entire system. We also complete your application for natural gas service and install the gas piping to connect a new gas furnace. You’ll see significant utility bill savings. Find out if you are eligible for natural gas service by simply typing in your postal code to Enbridge’s service locator tool.

4. Wood - a classic comfort, wood furnaces are no longer common in Ottawa, however, they can be a nuisance to maintain as they require continuous adding of logs. Our wood furnace can be paired with a backup gas furnace that will seamlessly takeover the heating when the wood gets low. No more waking up in the middle of the night to stoke the fire and no need to worry if you are away from home. 

5. Electric - already the most popular heating choice in Quebec, Ottawa homeowners are increasingly deciding to heat with electricity as means to utilize a cleaner more environmentally friendly heating option.

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) measures how well your furnace is able to convert fuel into heat. In Ottawa all new furnaces sold are rated at 92% AFUE or higher. The higher the rating, the more efficient the furnace. For example, a furnace with a 96% AFUE rating would convert 96% of the fuel it receives into heat. The other 4% of fuel energy is utilized in the conversion process or burned off. 

Ultimately your fuel type, home size, home construction, and desired heat settings all fluctuate the end results of your furnace’s efficiency. 

There are three types of operating style: single stage, 2 stage, and modulating. 

Single stage furnaces operate at full power until desired temperature is reached and then shut off. 

2 stage furnaces primarily operate at low power, using high power mode only when there are significant temperature drops and the extra boost is needed. 2 stage furnaces are significantly more energy efficient and offer superior heating compared to single stage furnaces. 

Modulating furnaces offer a wide range of power levels and continuously switch from mode to mode to match the required temperature need. Modulating furnaces offer the most precise temperature control and energy efficiency.

The blower motor is your systems fan; this is the part of our HVAC system that allows the conditioned air to circulate through your home.

Constant torque motors function at one continuous speed while the furnace is running.

Constant torque have independent speeds for heating and cooling and will always operate at one constant speed. While these fan types may offer more consistent temperature they are not the most energy efficient because they are working even when they do not need to be and are generally noisier.

Variable speed motors adjust their speed to meet the system’s needs at any given time. Variable speed motors are more energy efficient and distribute air more evenly, creating greater home comfort. 

ECM fans work in the same type of way as variable speed motors but offer even greater energy efficiency as they operate using DC current rather than AC current, requiring less power.

You want to ensure your contractor sizes your furnace correctly. A unit that is too small will not have enough power to adequately heat your home. A unit that is too large will warm your home too quickly and then the temperature will drop quickly, causing the furnace to come back on. This frequent coming on and off of the furnace will leave you with inconsistent temperature and it is difficult on the system, reducing its lifespan.

There are many new technologies available for increased ease. This includes wifi connections so you can receive error codes and unit updates, change the unit settings, monitoring your equipment directly from your phone while you are away, and connecting to other bluetooth devices such as Alexa and Google.

Look for a unit that offers a 10 year warranty or greater. Ensure that the warranty is promptly registered by the contractor or by yourself, the homeowner. Some furnace brands have a policy that if the warranty is not registered within a certain number of days from installation, it no longer qualifies. Some companies may also offer additional extended warranties that cover parts that may be missing from the manufacturers warranty and even labour costs for repairs. Be sure to get all the details ahead of time.

If the unit is not installed properly it will not operate properly.

Choose a contractor who is licensed by TSSA, insured, and experienced. You can find out if a contractor is licensed through TSSA by searching their company here.

There are additional factors you may wish to consider such as Google reviews, Better Business Bureau complaints, or other third party reviews.

Ultimately you want to choose a contractor you feel comfortable with and who is willing to answer all your questions.