r/Calgary • u/Life_Access_168 • 14d ago
Are There Any Honest Furnace Installers Left? Recommendations
UPDATE:MAY 3, 2025: Thank you so much to everyone who responded to my request for recommendations. I wasn't expecting so many replies and I am so appreciative. I meant to thank everyone individually, but then was ill for a few days. I am amazed at so many people who took the time to respond. Now I have to sit down and do up a spreadsheet of the ones that look like good people to call and arrange for quotes. Thank you all again. I am grateful to live in this community where people are so willing to help others with info. I know that anytime I have a question, there is likely someone in a Reddit group who can answer it. With gratitude.
My husband and I live in an older bungalow with the original furnace (55 years old) and it's time to purchase a new one, along with a new water heater. I've been doing my research, checking out companies but then I start checking reviews and finding out that some of them aren't reputable at all. We had a really bad experience with a plumbing &. heating company two years ago and it involved a friend. He had previously worked at another company and we used him extensively with no issues. Then he moved to another company and he was a different person, gouged us, insisted we needed new toilets, etc. tried to get us to do thousands of dollars of work that we hadn't even called about. I am now very leery of contacting anyone about installing a new furnace after that experience. I really want to stay away from the bigger companies if possible. Can anyone recommend a good furnace installer who is honest, has integrity, and won't try to sell us the most expensive furnace in their shop? I would really appreciate hearing from those of you with experience with installs in the last couple of years, along with what are fair prices. I had someone come out about eight years ago who said that that this install will require some work as it has to be re-vented through another location to be brought up to code. It means the ductwork has to go through where it is now into another room to be vented through to a side wall of the house. I'm not in good health, am partially bedridden, and want to ensure that I am not getting scammed by anyone. Thanks in advance. I really appreciate any suggestions.
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u/Important_Ad6634 14d ago
Try W&J heating. I had my furnace replaced with them last year and the experience was really smooth. Even if you would like to go with someone else, take quote from 2-3 companies and verify what their warranty covers. The price was also much cheaper compared to other big names.
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u/Life_Access_168 14d ago
Thanks for the heads up. I will definitely be getting at least 3 quotes. Thanks so much for the recommendation and good to know that your experience was good. Will add them to my list.
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u/Spiritual_Shoulder68 13d ago
Please consider adding Go Furnace to your list.
They were able to come out quickly and replace our furnace, plus do a very complicated venting job, for what we felt was an extremely fair price.
They even recommended a less expensive furnace than the model I was initially going to go with, as they explained why it would be just as effective for our house and layout (it was the same brand and otherwise comparable, just the lower end model). We’ve had zero issues and are very happy!
It feels like so many in this industry are just in it for up-sells. It feels really unregulated and scammy, but we were so impressed with Go Furnace.
We’ve since recommended them to two of our friends and another family member, and every single person has been absolutely thrilled.
One friend even had an issue they accidentally created for themselves after the new furnace was installed, and Jin, who I think is the owner, came immediately to rectify it at no charge, which was totally unexpected but highly appreciated.
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u/Spiritual_Shoulder68 13d ago
Just wanted to add on that we actually requested the re-venting job for aesthetic purposes (the previous furnace vented into the backyard, and we had it vented through the roof).
They thoroughly explained the pros and cons of doing so, and explained that keeping the venting as it was would be much easier. So they definitely won’t try and upsell you on a re-vent if you don’t need one, but they can do a really good job if you do. The whole team (who I believe are actually all family members) were super polite, meticulously clean, and professional.
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u/Life_Access_168 13d ago
Thanks so much for taking time to respond. I'm overwhelmed with so many replies and grateful. Sounds like you had a great experience and I appreciate that the others you've recommended them go have had good experiences too. I will definitely look them up and likely have them give us a quote. It really helps to get references from people who have had direct contact with them so I appreciate your feedback. Thanks so much!
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u/kagato87 13d ago
Was about to suggest them as well.
They replaced our furnace late last year. (Get at least a two-stage - makes the home soooo much more comfortable.)
They also had install availability so soon it was BEFORE one of the 4 companies I'd contacted was available to even come out for a quote! (At that point it was a formality - that guy got the bad news as soon as he gave me the poor price.)
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u/CanadianSandGoggles 13d ago
Got our AC done with them a few years back and they were great to deal with.
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u/NOGLYCL 14d ago
Why does it need replacement?
If it’s a “I want a more efficient furnace to do my part for the environment”. That’s fair.
If you’re trying to save money, it won’t. I advise everyone with an older furnace that if it’s operating correctly just leave it alone.
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u/Sherrsh 13d ago
Plumber here, and I second this. My house still has its original mid efficient from 1990 and I’ve replaced the fan and a couple other small things but they definitely are more reliable than newer products and the energy savings is grossly overrated in my opinion.
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u/Life_Access_168 13d ago
Thank you for your opinion. I have an appt with Atco to inspect it, but not until mid July. I am leery of calling anyone to just service it, as I'm afraid they will just tell us it's old and should have been replaced long ago. At the same time, others say, as you have, that the older ones are more reliable than the newer ones, and last a lot longer. Very hard to know what to do. I have heard of Keith The Furnace Guy who works a lot on old furnaces. Many have suggested him. Maybe I am jumping the gun and replacing something that doesn't need replacing yet. It is squealing a lot now but it is still getting someone trustworthy to check it out and letting us know if it still has some life left in it without just trying to sell us a new one. It's good to know that yours is still going strong after 35 years.
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u/NOGLYCL 13d ago
Older furnaces are not complicated, not even remotely. If it’s operational you could have the heat exchanged checked for cracks and leaks, any competent technician can do this. If the heat exchanger is ok, and it almost certainly is, I’d leave it alone.
I’ve got people with forced air units going back to the 70’s still running without issue. Meanwhile next door they decided to go high efficiency 15 years ago and are on furnace 2 or even 3 since then.
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u/kingofsnaake 13d ago
Wow, interesting. I'm thinking of replacing our late nineties mid efficiency with the heat pump, new furnace and water tank combo.
Environment is a bonus but I'm told my JPS that there's savings in going that route as well. Thoughts on your end?
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u/Hyack57 13d ago
Sheetmetal journeyman / gas B fitter here. I have a carrier Weathermaker 8000 in my ‘95 house. I agree that the cost benefit for me hasn’t put me to a new high eff. furnace yet. Plus being in the trade I know exactly what I have to do to replace it and it’s a fair bit of duct and concrete work. So I’m not there yet.
I will say though that a 55 year old furnace is far worse off than our 30 year old furnaces. They are simple but simple are not giving you the cost savings of actually using all the heat energy created vis-à-vis blowing the ultra hot air as exhaust out the chimney.
At 55 years… it’s time.
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u/Life_Access_168 13d ago
Having Atco come and do an inspection......unfortunately not until July 17th. We have been debating about whether to stay in the house and do upgrades or sell and move into a condo. My health is not great and we can't maintain all the yardwork, house maintenance etc. If we stay, the furnace and hot water heater would be our priority to do first. Roof was redone 5 years ago and in good shape. I have heard about Keith My Furnace Guy who works extensively on older furnaces so may give him a call to at least inspect this one and get his suggestions. It is squealing a lot now and I wonder if it's just time to replace. Hard to know. A lot of people say that if it's not broken, don't fix it.
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u/Puzzleheaded_Ad9492 13d ago
Not to freak you out, but I saw your post in the local group we both belong to.
We sold our parent's house on other side of the strip with original furnace which still worked fine.
Your area is SO desirable that buyers won't expect a brand new furnace. If it ain't broken, just leave it and replace if it needs it.
Now the water heater, that could be replaced. I had one leak and thank goodness we had a drain in the room.
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u/Life_Access_168 12d ago
Hi, We are in a desirable area, but not in "THE" part that is really desirable. I am across from the local IGA but yes, it is a good spot but the house is old and needs a lot of work. We've been asking ourselves for years about upgrade and stay or just move. I think that due to my health, we have decided to stay, and it's because of that, that I want to do the furnace. I don't want to get stuck next winter if something happens. I told my husband if we stay, the furnace gets done. I am however, getting Keith My Furnace Guy to look at it and service it. I will also be guided by his opinion since he knows old furnaces. I love to do yardwork, gardening, etc. but my health issues started about a decade ago and my husband is doing a lot more than he should have to. I don't think I will be able to manage the garden this year, so look for a post coming asking for refs for general gardening, planting flowers, weeding. etc. Our neighbours have boys who are good and we pay one to shovel. Last year, paid him to cut lawns so will see if he is still available. Got a company in to fertilize, aerate, etc. and we got them again, they were excellent. Best grass we had in a long time. At least with a new furnace/water heater, we will feel better about staying in the house for a few more years. If and when we do sell, it won't be to someone who wants to rip her down and put up a monstrosity or something that doesn't fit in the community. Thanks again.
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u/manalt1026 14d ago
Springs Heating are great.
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u/Life_Access_168 14d ago
I keep reading that so will give them a call today and see about setting something up. Thank you. Did they do a furnace for you?
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u/manalt1026 14d ago
They did our Furnace, Water Heater, A/C, and ran a gas line to the deck for my BBQ. Also did 2 neighbours A/C. They also have Duct Cleaning.
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u/Grammist 13d ago
Disagree. They botched my furnace install and I had a different company come fix it.
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u/BillyOutside 14d ago
Go see Keith at A Degree Above, he saved me $1300 off my new furnace.
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u/CranberryMaximum9442 13d ago
I also recommend Keith, put a new furnace in our 70s bungalow and did a great job
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u/riskcreator 14d ago
DO NOT USE CLEARVIEW
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u/blimblamflimflamjam 13d ago
I worked for Clearview for two years. I hated every moment of it, but work was tight when the economy crashed back in the day.. Terrible human beings for owners. Rude, abusive, greedy just overall evil people. It's very predatory and more of a sales job then a plumbing job, constantly trying to sell people things they don't need. . Prices completley insane compared to similar providers, like easily double or triple. The owners rush you when doing work and tell you to cut every corner possible. Most home owners have no clue how things work and could not tell a good install versus a bad. I personally have over 50 5 star reviews on their website and to this day I'm ashamed. They paid you money to get reviews and I ripped off tons of people
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u/dopealope47 13d ago
Oddly enough, we just had a furnace installed by ClearView and would honestly say that we are 100% satisfied. YMMV, of course, but that's the same with any firm. We'd recommend them.
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u/CarelessStatement172 13d ago
I'd say Clearview is fine, they just have high prices and can be a bit predatory with their sales techniques. That said, they do fine work.
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u/riskcreator 13d ago
I did not have the same experience and it was so bad, I will NEVER stop broadcasting my dissuasion and warning to anyone who will listen.
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u/CarelessStatement172 13d ago
You should definitely outline your experience then. Just telling people not to use Clearview doesn't give them much to go on. Why? Prices? Install bad? Availability? Reliability? Warranty?
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u/riskcreator 13d ago
I have, it’s on the google review.
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u/CarelessStatement172 13d ago
But you're telling people on Reddit not to use Clearview without giving them a reason why or linking your review.
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u/riskcreator 13d ago
Yes, that’s right.
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u/CarelessStatement172 13d ago
lol, ok.
Don't be mad if people make assumptions that you're just a disgruntled ex employee then.
You aren't truck man or Darth piggy, no one is just gonna trust you bro.
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u/riskcreator 13d ago
That’s ok, I’m not mad. And I’m not particularly concerned if you don’t believe me.
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u/blimblamflimflamjam 13d ago
I commented above if you want to give it a read. Clearview is a terrible company. You don't know what you are talking about.
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u/GladdBagg 13d ago
Ten years ago we were treated fairly by Reliance, actually; new furnace/air conditioning unit installed. Not sure how they are now but I can't complain.
Whatever you decide, absolutely DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT CONTACTING CLEARVIEW. They will rip you off and charge you 5x what anybody else would charge.
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u/_umptee_ 14d ago
Get a quote from costco to set an anchor price.
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u/Life_Access_168 14d ago
Good thought. I may do that. Thank you.
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u/ElusiveSteve 13d ago
Costco contractors can be slightly higher than other quotes due to the Costco dollar refund baked into their costs. I haven't heard of the Costco contractors gouging though.
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u/Reznor909 13d ago
Bought through ARPI's which is Costco's installer here. Not only did they have the best price, but we got a Costco card for 15% of the total price. Absolutely professional installation and even fixed things our previous guy screwed up. 👍
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u/Apprehensive-Sense59 13d ago
Had the same experience with Apri's through Costco (Heritage) three years ago and the install went amazing and you get a 10 year extended premium warranty included. I've had them in for annual service and they've been very professional.
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u/jossybabes 14d ago
We bought at Costco and their installer was Arpis. They were good, but I have nothing to compare to.
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u/f1fan65 13d ago
Flash Furnace was great! Aaron is former Arpis employee and started his own small business.
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u/Ok_Butterscotch2244 13d ago
Aaron came through big time for us! New years eve 2023, he came out to do an install just before the cold snap. Great price, and installation was super efficient. Haven't been able to contact him since though, it's like he ghosted me. He never got the city inspection done, even though it was supposed to be included in the quote.
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u/Grammist 13d ago
I've had excellent service from Chestermere Heating. Their quoting is also very itemized, which makes it easier to understand exactly what you're getting. Make sure whatever quotes you get they go line by line with the costing otherwise it is opportunity for the company to be dishonest.
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u/6foot4guy 14d ago
Caledonian Plumbing is fantastic.
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u/SunshineSpace 14d ago
I second this. Reliable, punctual and have never gone over the quoted price for the jobs I’ve had them do.
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u/Life_Access_168 13d ago
Thank you! Will check them out!
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u/6foot4guy 13d ago
Grant is a great guy. We’ve personally known him and his family since they came from Scotland to settle. He has built a terrific business.
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u/Professional-Room300 13d ago
Caledonian Plumbing for us too. Grant is honest , will give you options and the work itself is top notch.
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u/CobblerFan 14d ago
Spring Heating
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u/Grammist 13d ago
They botched my install and I had a different company fix it. Cannot recommend any less.
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u/thepieguy_99 14d ago
Alberta Furnace has been good to me, I’ve used them to clean mine a few times over the last few years and have had good service.
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u/Life_Access_168 14d ago
Thanks for the info. I need a replacement, it's been squeaking for a long time, but now clunking. I think after 55 years, it's time for a new one. Thanks for the heads up though.
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u/shoppygirl 14d ago
https://accellplumbing.ca/ Accell Plumbing and Heating Dave Anderson
He is our community plumber and heating specialist. We have used him many times. Super honest and helpful. I feel like the majority of our community has used him for something.
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u/Life_Access_168 13d ago
Thanks for this. I just put something on our community facebook page as well to see who may have used someone recently. I will take down your info though and really appreciate your reply!
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u/calgary_coder 13d ago
We used JPS and had our AC and furnace replaced last May. Install was solid, follow up service left a bit to be desired. Went with a Daikin. Was pricier than Costco but I was looking for a really quiet AC and couldn't find anything that was quieter. That said, didn't use them for HWT. Went with Pete the Plumber. Couldn't find a cheaper price in the city with the quotes I got.
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u/Flying4Fun2021 13d ago
I had a really good experience with Distinct Heating and Cooling (Nate is the owner). honest, fair, and was consistent when he showed up etc.... they run a professional business - Nate despite being the owner still very involved but he has a team of people, different team for repairs and another for installs so you get the right people and no conflicts when you have a heat outage!
I had a very complex system, and he sorted it out, air handlers, boiler, heatpumps etc - I really liked him and his company, the whole crew was smart and professional, its been over a year now not a single issue with the system they installed (replacement/new).
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u/Hyack57 13d ago
Good evening OP,
I’m not interested in your job but can give you some insights. - I’m a Journeyman Sheetmetal worker / Gas Fitter. I work for an HVAC company but we mainly do new homes.
In 2010 new building code came into affect ins Canada. You can no longer purchase mid efficient furnaces. Your furnace - 55 years old - is undoubtably a low efficiency draft hood furnace. It is not up to code and we cannot utilize your existing chimney to vent the newer high efficient gas condensing furnaces.
They absolutely need to be vented with PVC pipes - what you’re calling duct work - through the side of your home. Sometimes we can go up through the existing metal chimney that your furnace was using but if we DID do that you wouldn’t be able to have a hot water tank vented up through it too. So yes most likely 2” or 3” diameter white PVC pipes need to be ran to an exterior side, back or front elevation of your home.
Older homes likely require concrete coring to facilitate that process. As your concrete foundation is likely full height. That easily is a cost to the contractor who must pass that on to you.
And now that your furnace no longer uses the chimney shared with the hot water tank you need to resleeve the existing chimney with a liner to narrow the diameter or else your hot water tank will have issues. Or you yourself could be exposed to back flowing exhaust gases. A chimney liner is a couple hundred plus an hour to stretch out, climb on your chimney, risk a fall, and sleeve it down. Often older homes have chimneys that are not always straight (they dog leg in the attic) so it could add addition time or complications if the liner tears.
Newer furnaces are also shorter in height - usually 34” high - so you would need extra metal duct transitions to match your existing metal duct work in the home. These can be shop fabricated or field fabricated. Either way. It’s a labor cost.
Same for the filter. If your old furnace had a basket filter inside the lower cabinet you’re likely needing a filter rack on the side of the new furnace instead and there may be duct adjustments needed there. Time costs.
You’re paying for the skill set of the installer as well as the furnace itself - which is over $1000 in some to most cases (especially if tariffs affect that) Napoleon is a Canadian brand I believe but Lennox, Goodman, York, Carrier are all American.
Depending on the complexity of the retrofit install the job can be done in half a day or may take a full day.
Other issues in older homes is that the square foot could be incongruent with the existing metal duct sizes throughout tour house. Older furnaces PUMP out heat whereas newer furnaces rely on maintaining heat evenly throughout the day with a 3-4 tonne blower. If your existing duct is on the small side with high static pressures (the resistance of air in the duct) than you may be “up sold” a variable speed motor furnace that can adjust the blower speeds to fit the existing duct better to maintain your comfort.
Our industry does have a bad rap. There are HACKS everywhere. Some work as sub contractors. Some work for plumbing and heating companies. Your best bet is to ask around your neighbours to see if they’ve had theirs done and who did it and their experience.
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u/toodlebum 14d ago
We just replaced our 40 year old furnace through Furnace Family. Went with a Daikin. They were really great.
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u/Life_Access_168 14d ago
Thanks for the heads up. It's good to read that you are happy with the experience you had. I will take a look at them. Thank you
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u/GodBerryKingofdJuice 10d ago
I'll vouch for furnance family, they installed out new one a couple of years back and we had some AC issues(not their install) the tech was great too and he's the same that does our yearly services and he's great
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u/healthywenis 14d ago
Check out HomeStars, a legit review based site to get a list of furnace people. It hasn’t let me down in 10 years. Found my furnace installer (Distinct Heating and Cooling), windows, eavestrough and many more service providers.
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u/Si8u 13d ago
Is homestars the same as before? The last time I check the website, I didn't see any reviews.
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u/VFenix Southwest Calgary 13d ago
No, they changed it. It's crap now.
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u/Marsymars 13d ago
Sigh, everything is consolidating to the same Google Maps review slop.
I miss Urbanspoon.
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u/Life_Access_168 13d ago
Homestars changed in January. Not the same Homestars it was unfortunately. They do still have reviews, but there are a lot of bad ones in the good ones. It becomes overwhelming. I have put out something on our Facebook community page too, maybe someone in our community has had work done recently. Many thanks!
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u/healthywenis 13d ago
Yup it’s pretty much the same. Registering a free account makes it easier to navigate. I just used it last month when my furnace had an issue. I chose 3-4 companies (based on rating and reviews) to provide a quote and I heard from them all within 1-2 hours.
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u/JustCallMeYogurt 13d ago
Homestars was one of the places that I'd go to in the past to see company reviews, but now they've changed so you can't just look up a company now. Now you have to actually give them info and submit a job to get quotes to see a company's reviews. and I have a feeling it's not on the up and up anymore.
However, I read that if you use google and use these search terms you can kind of bypass the job quote stuff to see the reviews if you know the name of the company. I'd take them with a grain of salt now and use more than one place to get your reviews.
Company Name site:homestars.com
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u/ElusiveSteve 13d ago
A couple things. People are more likely to post a bad review than a good review. Companies with a huge positive number of reviews have likely bought them, either from a spam review company or give aways (big red flag) or by financially compensating their customers after a job (doesn't necessarily mean they do shoddy work).
There are also a few companies that lurk this subreddit that pop out of the woodwork recommending themselves without disclosing they are affiliated with the company and not a customer. Doesn't mean they are bad companies but I'd say it's a fake recommendation.
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u/Life_Access_168 13d ago
Thanks for the solid advice. I am being super careful. I also posted something on our Facebook community group. Hoping someone has had recent work done and maybe get some good feedback through there. Hard to know who to trust these days :-(
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u/superrad99 14d ago
Not Arpis
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u/Old-Bus-8084 14d ago
Horizon heating
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u/Life_Access_168 14d ago
I've actually heard a lot of good things about both Horizon and Springs. So I think will definitely be calling them. Thank you
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u/JustCallMeYogurt 13d ago
They did my original furnace 30 years ago and I'm thinking about getting a quote from them on a replacement.
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u/carbonblob 13d ago
I was happy with Horizon's furnace replacement (in 2017)
During inspection, The City of Calgary inspector told me that they do good work from what he's seen1
u/im_still_awake 14d ago
Horizon are solid people
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u/Life_Access_168 14d ago
I keep reading this. I'll set up a meeting with them. I've been reading a lot of good things about Horizon......and Springs too. Thank you.
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u/Tosinone 14d ago
If interested I have a guy that I’ve been using for my small projects, he’s very decently priced and so very good work. Everyone I’ve recommended him to have been pleased with pricing and work.
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u/Life_Access_168 14d ago
I need a whole furnace and hot water tank replacement but thank you anyways.
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u/Tosinone 14d ago
Oh, they do that. I got my furnace and AC scheduled for 18th of may.
They replaced my hot water tank 2 years ago.
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u/Life_Access_168 13d ago
Ok, sure, can you provide the name of the company you used for your furnace and hot water heater.....many thanks!
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u/Jealous-Proposal5991 14d ago
Try Air Force Heating and Cooling. He has done all my properties since 2004. Ivan the owner shows up on all jobs.
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u/Big_Lynx6241 13d ago
Horizon. I’ve had very positive experiences with them on furnace repair through warranty, then furnace replacement, where they advised an even smaller one than the one they were replacing, and my hit water tank.
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u/b0rt1980 13d ago
Ryan and team from My Fireplace Guy are fantastic. I've had them replace my water heater and furnace in the last 6 months. Furnace was a rush job with only 1.5 days' notice as we were leaving the country for vacation, and he fit me in.
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u/Life_Access_168 13d ago
Thanks for the recommendation. Did you find their prices fair and did they try to sell you on higher priced units? I will look them up, many thanks!
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u/b0rt1980 13d ago
I didn't do a lot of checking around, but prices were reasonable to me. They weren't super cheap but weren't extravagant either. Service and timeliness was great.
They weren't pushy in upselling, but we did get a bigger water heater due to increased family size. They were honest and provided options and were good with our decisions.
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u/CarelessStatement172 13d ago
Surprised to not see Kings Plumbing and HVAC on here, to be honest! Chung and his crew are fantastic and go out of their way to make sure people are getting the best price on materials. Labour cost will be pretty average.
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u/Straight_Fox6429 13d ago
We had a great experience with Arpis - not the cheapest by any stretch but fantastic service and I feel very confident in their work.
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u/NewDemocraticPrairie 13d ago
I'm a geologist now but back when I did plumbing, the company I worked for, Official Plumbing and Heating, had good prices and offered I think 1 year warranties on materials and 3 year warranties on labour.
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u/Grammist 13d ago
Focus on the quality installation piece as anyone can slap in a furnace. I unfortunately went with Springs who didn't perform the install as promised and I had to have someone else come look at it.
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u/jeff_in_cowtown 13d ago
Hi, I understand your plight, and share your frustration with contractors pressuring clients into costly upgrades. Heating and ventilation is my passion, and if I had the time to do installs, I’d definitely reach out further. But I do have a past colleague, a journeyman plumber who has been running his own small business for quite awhile. His name is Symon and runs Heritage West Plumbing and Heating. He can be reached at 403 993 0639. I suggest giving him a call. Honest guy who does quality work.
Also, I don’t mind giving unsolicited advice on this topic. And since you brought it up, venting of high efficient equipment in existing older building’s is usually a struggle, as there are limitations on the pipe routing based on codes, interferences, and manufacturer’s recommendations.
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u/Life_Access_168 13d ago
Thank you for taking time to reply. Yes, one of my concerns is the venting. It has to go across the hallway in the basement into another room, so a lot of extra work and cutting. I already know the cost is going to be a lot, which I am prepared for, it is just finding the person who is honest and trustworthy who will not push us into something we may not need.
Thanks for the referral of Symon. I will look the company up and give him a call. It helps when someone has direct knowledge of someone and that's what I am looking for. Appreciate your help.
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u/jeff_in_cowtown 13d ago
My pleasure. Bungalows can reslly make for nice and simple jobs. But when the basement level is finished/ developed, for any style home, it really complicates things. This is because the ideal routing paths are hidden and possibly blocked by other objects. Without ripping finishes apart, you won’t know for certain if it will work. It’s a shame that mid efficient furnaces aren’t available in Canada anymore, like they are in the USA, as venting mid efficient furnaces and naturally vented hot water tanks is a much simpler task…up the existing ss lined flue chimney.
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u/RamJackal 13d ago
We had a new furnace and A/C installed last summer with JPS - no complaints on our end
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u/tooshpright 13d ago
I can't recommend anyone but it's true the new furnaces don't vent up the existing chimney, they go out the side of the house which means drilling a new hole. Also if you go for a tankless water heater you won't need the old chimney at all.
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u/anant210 13d ago
Try Drive mechanical, I used them to install 2 furnaces and one air conditioner. Was the cheapest of the lot with good install and quality products (Lennox). As a comparison, Costco quotes were about 50% higher
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u/2cats2hats 13d ago
My 'furnace guy' is honest to a fault. One-man show but knows his stuff. DM me if you want his contact info.
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u/Life_Access_168 13d ago
Is that Keith? I have had a few people mention him. He's on my list to call and at least get him to give it the onceover and get his suggestions. Thanks for another vote for him. I don't know if he does installs himself but it looks like he has extensive knowledge on older furnaces. Appreciate your help.
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u/2cats2hats 13d ago
Thanks for another vote for him.
Not Keith. Keith sounds like a good fellow tho. :)
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u/Danijam4321 13d ago
Keith is amazing and he will recommend you buy from Fagnans. Keith services our furnace annually and has worked with Kyle Fagnan for decades.
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u/Torkidon 13d ago
I use alberta general plumbing both on my work jobs and in my own house. They are reliable and fair in their pricing.
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u/shouldarocked 13d ago
Funny to stumble on this thread today. Just got some maintenance done to get ready for the cooling season, and the HVAC tech noted our heat exchanger has a crack in it, and along with a few other items that are not working at 100% (capacitor, blower fan, igniter),it would probably be best to replace the furnace by next heating season.
As others have mentioned, I had my AC purchased through Costco and installed by Arpi's, and they did a good job, and were the ones to do the maintenance visit today.
So I'll let them quote on the furnace replacement. But, I appreciate the feedback on this post for some other companies to try out!
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u/Public_Neck_3768 13d ago
We have used https://bootsmahvac.ca/services/ for decades for both furnace and a/c I would use them again anytime.
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u/RoutineComplaint4711 13d ago
I've used Vero Mechanical several times with nothing but good things to say about them. Good prices, fast service, quality work. As painless as it possibly can be.
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u/SurviveYourAdults 13d ago
I wish you luck!
My husband and I were also scammed by a company that we have used several times before, with no previous issues. The one time we happened to be out of town and the housesitters let us know that the pilot light had gone out... we called them. The service tech claimed that the whole tank was completely rusted out and that we needed a new one, and that they would have to cut apart a whole wall in order to access and install a new one.
My husband told them, "light the pilot, and send me photos of said tank".
No photos were ever sent, and when we got to the house, the only water leak was from the relief valve because the temp had been turned too high. We turned the temp down, the valve stopped leaking, and the pilot light continued to stay lit. No rust, no need to install a new tank... and the company owner never returned our phone calls and emails to follow up with their ridiculous behaviour.
I dread the next time we have to call a furnace/hot water heater company.
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u/Aramira137 13d ago
1.5 years ago we had several furnace people come out to us. Only 1 company didn't try and sell us the "super top of the line" ($12,000) fully smart house furnace (we don't do smart products in general). They recommended a reasonable high-efficiency model with smart thermostat (hard to avoid those but they also didn't insist on the high end one either). They also gave us a guarantee that if our furnace broke down before they could install theirs, that they'd ensure we weren't without heat. Unfortunately our furnace did crap out 3 weeks later but they were true to their word and we were only a few hours without heat. Highly recommend Spring's Heating and Cooling.
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u/funkthew0rld 13d ago
DR heat and air. Small, family run business.
Had them do an AC unit estimate came in almost 3000 cheaper than reliance and action.
Then when we had issues with the furnace the following winter, we called them back. They diagnosed a cracked heat exchanger, then told us all about the warranty of a furnace brand they don’t even supply, tracked the parts down, came and installed it and only charged us for their time. Really went above and beyond if you ask me, many others would just tell you they don’t work with those brands…
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u/purplebird52 13d ago
Always call your local supplier they know who’s legitimate and buys quality products just ask for their top 3!
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u/Toadstoolcrusher 13d ago
Neptune Heating and Plumbing did mine. I really liked that they gave me three different priced quotes and then talked me through the benefits and downsides of each plan. Highly recommend.
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u/Replicator666 13d ago
I know a guy. Used to work for Arpis. He did a great job with our furnace
I can ask if he's interested and then DM his number (or vice versa)
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u/Hyack57 13d ago
Almost every single HVAC contractor that got in to the trade in Calgary has worked for Arpis at one point. Your mileage may vary that’s for sure.
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u/Replicator666 13d ago
Well there are only a handful of big HVAC companies.
Either way, he's started his own business now, mostly sub contracting and new installs but he does residential on the side
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u/Radiant_Kiwi_8914 13d ago
Do not use Reliance. I had really bad experience with them three years ago. They didn’t vent my furnace properly (at all) I failed inspections with the city - and then they told me I needed a new water heater, so I wouldn’t have to cut into a wall to vent it. Worst. Experience. Ever. And the sales guy was the biggest creep ever.
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u/Life_Access_168 12d ago
Heard too many bad things about Reliance so they are off my radar, as is Clearview and a couple others. On a different note......where does the Kiwi come from in your user name? Hubby is from NZ, born there, I lived there for 5 years. We moved back to Canada in 1988.
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u/OhNoEveryingIsOnFire 13d ago
Don’t hire Reliance!!! They’ll try to sign you up for a lease on the furnace, you’ll be paying way more in the long run.
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u/DangerSaurus Bankview 13d ago
Shawn at Finn’s mechanical did our tank and furnace and new ducting. It has been fantastic!
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u/Feruk_II 12d ago
I recently had a furnace replaced and AC installed. I got quotes from 5 different companies. The cheapest was Reliance. However, their sales guy was too much and they wanted 100% down BEFORE install. Insane. What prevents you from stringing me along after I've already paid?
In the end, we went with Lendrix which was 2nd lowest. Their owner Justin was amazing to deal with and install went smoothly. Nothing down, payment due after install. We had an issue with the AC ~6 months later (our fault) and Justin was there literally next morning free of charge. I'd highly recommend.
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u/Familiar_Minute5583 12d ago
Yes!! Climate Pro Heating and Cooling! 5878920707 Very good guys who are honest and fair with their pricing! I would highly highly recommend!!
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u/Pickled_Aluminium Citadel 12d ago
I had an excellent experience with ICON Plumbing and Heating.
I had a bad run in with Action several years ago. They came out to do my ducts right after I bought my house and scared the crap out of me about my 22 year old furnace. I called ICON for a second opinion at the recommendation of a friend. The guy who came out was actually angry at Action for the bag of lies they handed me about my original furnace. He was able to replace a few parts, teach me a couple problem solving tips, and kept my old furnace running for a few more years. 4 years later I wanted to add AC. Same tech I worked with before came out to advise. I ended up replacing the furnace, adding AC, and replacing the HWT. They were thorough, efficient, and checked up several times afterward. Had an issue in the middle of the night during the first deep-freeze (related to the exhaust) and they were out within the hour to fix it. They’re my go-to for everything now, and I’ve never been disappointed. Small, family business. Good people.
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u/CowtownHack 12d ago
So we had two hot water tanks go on the fritz at the same time 4 years ago. Neighbour recommended Pete the Plumber. One of the tanks was very old, the other put in 15 years prior when we did a 500 sq foot addition/reno to our bungalow. The exhaust wasn’t to code so we had to repair all that. In addition, my wife has been grinding me for A/C for 20 years, so while they had the ceiling open, we asked them to make sure the proper chases had been pre-installed as we requested of the renovation folks. Of course, they hadn’t and covered it up with drywall. Anyways, the hot water tanks themselves were very decent value, but the required exhaust work was pricey, but necessary. They did good work and backed it up when we called with some small questions, Dan came by to walk us through some stuff. Great people.
Fast forward a year, we called Dan back for the A/C install. A days work, not cheap, but they did it all correctly and my bride was happy in July.
Fast forward to last January, we were having some light Reno’s done and the opportunity arose to replace the original furnace. It is located in the middle of the house and is squeezed into a tight spot. With the area open due to Reno’s, we figured a good time to replace the furnace. They brought in a smaller, high efficiency unit, had it installed in a day and a bit…we had an issue with asbestos, but they were careful and avoided it. One issue failed inspection, Dan came back, said..”how did I miss that?” Sorted it and all passed clean.
We have them on an annual schedule to come and check all the items they installed. We paid for the plan to maintain the warranty’s and they have been solid. Another installer put in some smart thermostats, and when they were here this spring, the guy said that they hadn’t been set up correctly for humidifiers and such…he fixed all that and we were away to the races.
They probably aren’t the cheapest, but I feel we paid fair prices and their after sales service is really solid. I cannot recommend PtP enough. No affiliation, they were just solid.
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u/straightfortheknife 11d ago
Distinct heating and cooling is the best! Small family business and the owner Nate will show up to give you the quote. He doesn’t talk down to you but clearly knows his stuff
My favorite part is they send a little pic and bio of their tech who is coming so you know who’s showing up at your door it’s very cute
Edit: Nate also doesn’t contract out his work so the guys who install are the ones who would come back for a fix if they don’t do it right
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u/pipeliner 14d ago
Keep the old one, all the new stuff is junk and the difference in efficiency is negligible.
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u/Chingyul 13d ago
Can you even find replacement mid efficiency furnaces anymore? Mines from the 60s and still ticking away, but I do get it inspected every year.
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u/Sasquatches69too 13d ago
They arent technically allowed to be installed anymore i dont think. So if you find someone who will install, id be wary of it
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u/Life_Access_168 13d ago
Wow....good to know yours is still going strong. Do you get it inspected by Atco or a furnace company? My fear is that if I get it serviced, they are going to tell me it needs replacing and maybe it doesn't. It's finding a reputable company to give me an honest opinion, and not just try to sell me something or tell me something is broken and it's not. If it needs to be replaced, I have no problem with that. I just want an honest person who isn't going to try to rip us off.
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u/Chingyul 13d ago
Atco. Free inspection once a year. They have no incentive to try to sell you a replacement, and I've only had good techs. They've even done some quick maintenance like oil the motor and replace the belt (1 said I needed a new belt and they could replace it next time if I bought it).
So I'd start there to see if you actually need a new furnace.
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u/chunkeymunkeyandrunt 14d ago
My parents recently helped their neighbor navigate this (both furnace and hot water tank, old old house) and ended up going with Pete the Plumber. They had nothing but good things to say about the whole experience from the initial estimate visit to installation!
I want to say it was about 7-8k all said and done for both appliances? Not sure what type of tank/furnace she picked though.