Should I get three quotes before buying a furnace in Abbotsford?

Yes: two or three written quotes before replacing a furnace is the right move in Abbotsford, as anywhere in BC. Abbotsford sits in the Fraser Valley Regional District rather than Metro Vancouver, so the permit path is Technical Safety BC's, but the pricing and the questions to ask are the same.

What Multiple Quotes Actually Tell You

A high-efficiency gas furnace replacement in Metro Vancouver typically runs $5,500 to $11,000 installed, and the spread between the lowest and highest quote on the same job can easily be $2,000 or more. That gap usually reflects differences in the unit's efficiency rating and brand tier, whether a proper heat loss calculation is included, what the contractor is doing with the venting (a new 96% AFUE furnace almost always needs PVC exhaust piping rather than the old chimney), and whether permits and old-equipment removal are bundled in.

A quote that skips the heat loss calculation is a warning sign. Sizing a furnace from the old unit's nameplate is a common mistake; it often means the new furnace is oversized, which causes short-cycling, uneven heat and premature wear.

Before you hire anyone for gas work, confirm the contractor holds a gas contractor licence with Technical Safety BC. In Abbotsford, gas permits are issued by Technical Safety BC (not the municipality), so the licensed contractor pulls that permit and the work is inspected. Ask whether the permit fee is included in the quote; it should be.

Also ask about WorkSafeBC coverage and liability insurance, and confirm the venting plan for the new unit, especially if there is a gas water heater sharing the same chimney. Disconnecting or re-routing that flue is part of the job and should appear on the quote.

For rebates in Abbotsford, BC Hydro's Home Renovation Rebate applies only if you are replacing all-electric heat with a heat pump, not a gas furnace. If you heat with gas today and are not income-qualified, there is currently no general provincial fuel-switching rebate for your situation. A like-for-like gas furnace replacement does not attract a rebate from FortisBC either.

For a heat pump or furnace replacement in Abbotsford, Vancouver HVAC Pro can connect you with local contractors for free quotes on the job.