Electric furnace installation and repair
Electric Furnace Installation and Repair in Montreal
In Montreal and Quebec, winters are harsh with temperatures often dropping below -20°C or -30°C. In this case, a reliable electric furnace is not a luxury: it’s a necessity to heat your home evenly, safely, and cheaply. It is also the most common central heating here (more than 60% of residential installations) because it is simple, clean (no combustion, no carbon monoxide, no oil tank) and 100% efficient (all electricity is transformed into heat).
Unlike oil or propane furnaces (which are more polluting and expensive in the long term), the electric furnace offers:
- Maximum safety : No risk of explosion, leakage or CO poisoning.
- Constant comfort : Homogeneous heat via ducts, without odors or dirt.
- Minimal maintenance : No burner to clean, average lifespan of 15–25 years (often more than 20 years with professional annual maintenance).
- Real savings : With Hydro-Québec, stable operating costs; Up to $1,000–$2,000/year in savings vs. oil for an average home.
- Attractive subsidies in 2026 : Via Chauffez vert (ends March 31, 2026), get up to $1,275 to replace an oil furnace (or $850 propane) with an electric one. Can be combined with LogisVert if a heat pump or heat accumulator is added.
An RBQ installation is mandatory: sizing (kW depending on your insulation/area), secure electrical connection (240V), tests. Annual maintenance also prevents 80% of winter breakdowns and extends the life of the appliance.
Electric Furnace in Montreal: Steps, Prices and Tips 2026
The electric furnace heats the air using electrical resistors (heating elements) and the fan blows it into the ducts. Essential elements: resistors, sequencer (turns on the elements one at a time), fan/motor, filters and thermostat.
Average lifespan in Quebec: 15–25 years (compared to 10–15 years for gas/oil), less corrosion and wear. With annual maintenance, it often exceeds 20 years. Trusted brands: Stelpro, Amana, Lennox, York, Carrier.
Common Signs of a Faulty Electric Furnace and What to Do
Here are the most common breakdowns and their causes:
- House that doesn’t heat up enough / cold areas : Faulty resistors, blocked sequencer, poorly calibrated thermostat, ducts clogged by dust.
- Furnace heats continuously (never stops): Contacts stuck to the thermostat or defective sequencer → risk of overheating and explosive bills.
- Unusual noises (squeaking, rattling): Unbalanced fan, worn motor, loose parts, or accumulated dirt.
- Sudden increase in electricity bills : Inefficiency (heating elements that heat up non-stop, poor maintenance) → +20–50% consumption.
Simple troubleshooting guide (before calling a pro)
- Check the thermostat: On? “Heat” mode (not “Emergency Heat” or “Cool”)? Battery OK if battery? Temperature set 4–5 °C above the room.
- Control the circuit breakers: Main panel + disconnect near the furnace → everything on “ON”.
- Reset: Turn off the circuit breaker for 5 min, turn it back on. Wait 5–10 min to see if the heat returns.
- If nothing: Probable problem (sequencer, resistors, high temperature limiter). Call SolutionAir for quick diagnosis – don’t risk overheating!
Installation of electric furnaces in Montreal?
The installation is reserved for certified electricians/heating engineers (RBQ). Steps: Power evaluation (kW according to surface area/insulation), choice of location (plenum, existing ducts), secure electrical connection (240V), tests. 2026 prices (installed, taxes not included):
| Range | Average Installed Price | Examples | Typical Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (10–15 kW) | $3,000 – $5,000Stelpro | , York | 800–1,500 sq. ft. |
| Mid/High (15–25 kW + ECM Motor) | $5,000 – $7,000Lennox | , Carrier | 1,500–2,500 sq. ft. + |
As far as electronic filters are concerned, they are equipped with a manual for purchase. You can read it for all intents and purposes. Control of the wheels and fan motors of an electric furnace is also essential. This is insofar as it can detect dust in order to evacuate it. Be aware that the engines of an electric furnace lubricate automatically. So you don’t have to bring them lubricant.
Annual maintenance of your electric furnace in Montreal
To be done once a year (before winter): Resistor/sequencer inspection, fan/motor cleaning, filter/replacement change (disposable every 1–3 months, washable annually), thermostat calibration, safety tests.
Here’s what a comprehensive professional interview at SolutionAir includes:
- Verification of resistances: Visual inspection and electrical test of the resistors (4 to 10 elements depending on the power). Cracks, corrosion or traces of overheating that could cause a breakdown are identified.
- Sequencer and relay control: These elements turn on the resistors one at a time so as not to overload the electrical circuit. A faulty sequencer is one of the most common causes of insufficient heating or continuous operation.
- Fan and motor cleaning : Dust extraction from the blades, ECM motor (if equipped) and compartment. Dirt decreases airflow, increases consumption and makes noise.
Environmental impact and savings
The electric furnace is 100% efficient (all electricity → heat), quiet and combustion-free. With Hydro-Québec, it reduces the impact of oil/propane. Savings: Better efficiency with ECM motor vs. old → -10–30% invoice vs. baseboards.
FAQ: Electric Furnace Problems
What are the common signs of a faulty electric furnace?
Common signs of a faulty electric furnace are usually quite recognizable. One of the first signs is a heating failure where your home is not heating properly. You may also notice temperature variations, areas that are colder than usual, or difficulty maintaining a consistent temperature. In addition, unusual noises, such as squeaking or rattling, may indicate a problem. Finally, if your electricity bill increases significantly for no apparent reason, it could be due to a faulty electric furnace. If you spot these signs, it’s important to have your heating system inspected quickly to avoid more serious problems.
Why does my electric furnace heat up all the time?
If your furnace is running non-stop, there are several possible causes that may be at play:
- Contacts stuck in the thermostat : When the thermostat’s internal contacts stick together, they send a constant signal to the furnace to heat, even if the desired temperature is reached.
- Sequencer failure : Sequencers, which are responsible for turning heating elements on and off, can become blocked or worn out, preventing heating from shutting down.
Solution : Turn off the power supply to your furnace to avoid the risk of overheating and contact a professional technician. SolutionAir’s experts are trained to identify and resolve these issues effectively.
Why does my electric furnace never stop heating?
This problem may seem similar to continuous overheating, but it is often caused by:
- A blocked thermostat : If the thermostat does not correctly detect the room temperature, it can keep the heating active for a long time.
- Internal Control Issue : A failure in internal controls, such as a sequencer or relay, can prevent power to the heating elements from being cut off.
Solution : Don’t let this problem persist, as it can lead to a significant increase in your energy bill and damage other components of your system. Call a SolutionAir Air Conditioning technician immediately for a quick inspection and repair.
Why is my electric furnace no longer heating up enough?
If your home remains cold despite a working furnace, it may be related to:
- Faulty electrical resistances : The heating elements in your furnace can wear out or deteriorate over time, reducing heating capacity.
- Sequencer problems : If the sequencers do not trigger the resistors correctly, the heating power will be insufficient.
- Dirt or dust buildup : Excessive buildup on internal components can impair their performance.
Solution : Regular maintenance of your furnace is essential to avoid this type of problem. SolutionAir’s qualified technicians can clean, diagnose and repair your equipment to ensure optimal comfort.
How can I maintain my electric furnace to avoid breakdowns?
Regular maintenance of your electric furnace is essential to ensure that it runs smoothly. You can start by changing the air filters regularly, usually every 1 to 3 months, depending on usage. Clean filters allow for better air circulation and reduce furnace workload. Additionally, make sure that furnace components, such as motors and fans, remain clean and free of dust. Finally, check the electrical wiring to make sure there are no loose or damaged wires. For more thorough maintenance, it is recommended that you have your furnace inspected at least once a year by a professional. This will ensure its effectiveness and extend its lifespan.
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