Furnace Replacement
Old furnace out, new high efficiency unit in, and the ductwork around it built to fit in our own Windsor shop. One contractor handles the whole swap, from removal to the last seam. The same shop also builds custom galvanized fittings for other contractors.
A Full Swap, Not a Patch
Furnace replacement means taking the existing gas furnace out of your home, setting a new one in its place, and connecting it to gas, venting, power, the thermostat and the duct system. Most of the work people see is the new cabinet. Most of the work that decides how the house feels is the connection between that cabinet and the ducts.
That connection is where MDMC is different. Mike has more than 30 years in sheet metal and HVAC, and the shop on Pelissier Street has its own brake for bending galvanized steel. When a new furnace is a different size or shape than the old one, we do not force a used plenum to fit or tape over a gap. We build a new plenum and transitions to match the new unit, then seal them.
Who this is for
- Homeowners with a furnace that is old, noisy, short cycling or costing more to run each winter
- Anyone told that a repair is not worth it, or that a part is no longer made
- Homes where the ductwork near the furnace was never done properly in the first place
- Renovations where a basement is being finished and the heating layout has to change
- Landlords replacing equipment in a rental between tenants
Besides standard gas furnaces we also replace unit heaters in garages and shops, and gas wall heaters in rooms or additions that the main system never reached.
When Replacing Beats Repairing
Repeat repairs
If the same furnace needs a service call every winter, the money spent on repairs starts to add up to a good part of a new unit. A second opinion from a contractor who installs and repairs is worth having before you pay for another part.
Age and parts
Older furnaces can reach a point where parts are hard to find. When a key part like a heat exchanger or control board fails on an older unit, replacement is often the more sensible choice.
Comfort problems
Cold rooms, a system that runs and runs, or a furnace that turns on and off every few minutes can point to a unit that is the wrong size or worn out. Sometimes the cause is the ductwork, and we check that too.
If a repair makes more sense than a new furnace, we will tell you. See Repairs & Maintenance.
From First Call to First Heat
You call or send the form
Tell us what the furnace is doing, how old it is if you know, and the best time to come by. A photo of the unit label helps.
Home visit
We look at the furnace, the venting, the gas line, the return and supply ducts and the space the new unit has to fit in. We ask how the house heats room by room.
Written quote
You get a written quote that lists the furnace, the ductwork we plan to build, the venting work and the removal of the old unit. No surprises on install day.
Install
The old furnace comes out, the new one goes in, and any new plenum or transitions built in our shop are fitted and sealed. Gas, venting and controls are connected and the system is tested.
Cleanup
We take the old furnace away, clean up the work area and show you the thermostat and filter before we leave.
Choosing the Right Furnace
| Type | How it runs | Good fit when | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single stage | Burner is either fully on or off. | Smaller homes, tighter budgets, simple layouts. | Bigger temperature swings and more noise at start up. |
| Two stage | Runs on a low setting most of the time and goes high on the coldest days. | Most family homes in Windsor and Essex County. | Costs more up front than single stage. |
| Modulating | Adjusts the flame in small steps to match the heat the house needs. | Owners who want the most even comfort and quiet. | Highest equipment cost and more parts to service. |
| Variable speed blower | The fan speeds up and slows down instead of running at one speed. | Homes with a central AC, HRV or air cleaner on the same ducts. | Adds cost, though it often pairs with a heat pump or AC upgrade. |
High efficiency furnaces vent through plastic pipe and make condensate that needs a drain. If your old furnace used a metal chimney, the venting changes as part of the job.
Why No Two Quotes Match
Size of the furnace
The heating output has to match the house. A bigger home, more windows or an addition change the size needed.
Type and features
Single stage, two stage or modulating, and the blower type, all change the price of the equipment itself.
Ductwork changes
A new plenum and transitions are often needed. Fixing undersized returns or adding runs to cold rooms adds shop time.
Venting
Moving from a chimney to plastic venting, or finding a new route through the wall, adds labour and materials.
Access
Tight crawlspaces, finished basements and stairs that turn all affect how long the swap takes.
Add ons
A new thermostat, humidifier, air cleaner or a central AC replaced at the same time all change the total.
We do not post prices because every house is different. The written quote after the home visit is the number that counts.
Furnaces and the Metal Around Them
Furnace Replacement FAQ
How much does a new furnace cost in Windsor and Essex County?
It depends on the size and type of furnace, the ductwork and venting changes, and how easy the space is to work in. We give a written quote after a home visit instead of a guess over the phone.
Do you take away and dispose of my old furnace?
Yes. Removal of the old unit is part of the job and is listed on the quote.
Do I need to change my exhaust pipes for a high-efficiency furnace?
Usually yes. High efficiency furnaces vent through plastic pipe, often out the side wall, and need a drain for condensate. If your old furnace vented up a chimney, we plan the new venting route at the home visit.
How long does it take to install a furnace?
A straight swap is often done in a day. Jobs with new ductwork, new venting or a central AC at the same time can take longer. We tell you what to expect when we quote.
When should I consider replacing a furnace?
When repairs keep coming back, when a major part fails on an older unit, or when the house never feels even no matter what you do. A home visit tells you which one applies.
Can you change the ductwork at the same time?
Yes. We build plenums, transitions and trunk line in our own sheet metal shop, so new ductwork can be made to fit the new furnace as part of the same job.
Furnace On Its Last Legs?
Book a home visit before the first deep freeze. Call Mike and get a written quote for the whole swap.