When a Furnace & Boiler Couldn’t Keep Up in Forest Hill

Shlomit’s Forest Hill home relied on a Polaris combi boiler that handled both space heating and domestic hot water. While combi systems offer space savings, this setup needed replacement.

The existing configuration included a multi-zone heating system and a radiant floor system in the primary upstairs bathroom. Forest Hill homes, built primarily in the 1950s, often feature these older heating configurations that require careful assessment during upgrades.

With convenient access to both driveway and street parking, the site was well-suited for equipment delivery and installation work.

What We Found During the Initial Inspection

Existing System Configuration:

• Polaris combi boiler providing space heating and domestic hot water
• Multi-zone heating distribution system
• Radiant floor heating in the upstairs primary bathroom required drainage

Equipment to be Removed:

• Polaris combi boiler tank
• Existing venting system

Issues Identified:

• Venting needing replacement
• Zoning system requiring assessment for optimization

Site Access Considerations:

• Driveway parking available
• Street parking directly in front of the property in a low-traffic area

How We Brought Reliable Heat & Water Back

We recommended transitioning the home from the combi system to dedicated heating and hot water equipment. 

Our team selected a RunTru 100,000 BTU gas furnace as an authorized installer of this reliable brand. RunTru systems deliver dependable performance with straightforward operation, making them an excellent choice for residential installations in Toronto.

For domestic hot water, a Bradford White 60-gallon power vent water heater offers dedicated capacity, backed by the brand’s proven durability and warranty protection. The installation also included a Trane Clean Effects 21-inch air cleaner and a 600MK humidifier to optimize indoor air quality.

A Closer Look at the New System

RunTru Furnace with Lift Box: 100,000 BTU gas-fired heating capacity designed for Ontario’s climate demands with raised platform installation for optimal airflow and serviceability.

Bradford White Power Vent Water Heater: 60-gallon capacity with power venting technology, featuring Bradford White’s patented Vitraglas tank lining and Hydrojet Total Performance System for extended service life.

Trane Clean Effects Air Cleaner: 21-inch whole-home filtration system removing up to 99.98% of airborne particles, including those as small as 0.1 microns, with washable collection cells requiring no replacement filters.

Professional Humidification: 600MK humidifier with manual or dial control options, maintaining optimal indoor humidity levels during Toronto’s dry winter months.

Smart Thermostat Options: ecobee or Trane thermostat compatibility with remote sensor capability for precise multi-zone temperature control.

Bringing the New System to Life

The installation began with careful removal of the Polaris combi boiler and assessment of the existing multi-zone distribution system. The radiant floor heating system in the upstairs primary bathroom was properly drained as part of the transition process.

The existing venting runs were updated, ensuring safe and compliant operation of the new equipment. Our team evaluated the home’s zoning configuration to optimize comfort and efficiency for the homeowner’s needs.

Components Installed by Dr HVAC & Plumbing:

• RunTru 100,000 BTU gas furnace with a lift box for proper elevation
• Bradford White 60-gallon power vent water heater installation
• Trane Clean Effects 21-inch air cleaner integration
• 600MK humidifier with control options
• Code-compliant venting system upgrades
• Thermostat assessment for zoning optimization
• Complete system testing and commissioning

Licensed technicians completed all connections, including gas lines, electrical work, condensate drainage, and control wiring. The installation wrapped up with thorough system testing to verify proper operation across all components.

What the Finished Set-Up Includes

Primary Heating Equipment:

• Model: RunTru 100,000 BTU Gas Furnace
• Installation: Lift box configuration
• Heating Capacity: 100,000 BTU/hour

Domestic Hot Water:

• Model: Bradford White 60-Gallon Power Vent Water Heater
• Venting: Power vent technology
• Capacity: 60 gallons

Indoor Air Quality Systems:

• Trane Clean Effects 21-inch whole-home air cleaner
• 600MK humidifier with manual/dial control options

Control Systems:

• Thermostat options: ecobee or Trane with remote sensor capability
• Zoning configuration optimized during installation

Venting System:

• Updated to current compliance standards

How The New System Transformed Their Everyday Comfort

This Forest Hill home now benefits from dedicated equipment for heating and hot water production. The RunTru furnace delivers reliable warmth throughout Toronto winters, while the Bradford White water heater ensures consistent domestic hot water supply without the space heating demands that combi systems face.

The high-efficiency unit operates with modern controls and improved air quality from the Trane Clean Effects system. Bradford White’s warranty protection provides long-term peace of mind, backed by the brand’s reputation for durability in Canadian installations.

The transition from a combi boiler to dedicated systems gives Shlomit the flexibility of separate heating and hot water equipment. This configuration allows for independent service and future upgrades, while the optimized zoning provides better comfort control throughout the home.

Performance Gains After the Upgrade

Dedicated Hot Water Capacity: 60-gallon power vent tank provides substantially higher recovery rates than typical combi boiler domestic hot water production, with Bradford White’s Vitraglas lining extending service life.

Enhanced Indoor Air Quality: Trane Clean Effects technology removes up to 99.98% of particles as small as 0.1 microns (per manufacturer specifications), significantly improving air cleanliness compared to standard filtration.

Optimized Humidity Control: 600MK humidifier maintains recommended 30-50% indoor humidity levels during heating season, reducing dry air discomfort typical in Toronto winters.

Simplified Service Access: Dedicated systems allow independent maintenance and repair of heating versus hot water equipment, reducing potential downtime compared to combi boiler configurations.

Get a Furnace and Water Heater Installation in Forest Hill Today

If your Toronto home needs heating and hot water system upgrades, Dr HVAC & Plumbing serves Forest Hill and the surrounding GTA communities. Our licensed technicians assess your current configuration and recommend solutions that match your home’s requirements.

Call the doc for a free consultation: 905-457-4425. We provide detailed assessments, transparent pricing, and quality installations backed by manufacturer warranties. With service across the Greater Toronto Area, we’re here when you need us!