General HVAC News, Tips & Advice

In Canada, there are over 12,200 HVAC contractors working today. While this means you have a lot of choices, it can start to feel overwhelming when you’re browsing your options.

Not only can it be time-consuming to comb through all these companies, but you might not feel confident in your final pick. And in the worst-case scenario, you might end up with someone who overcharges and provides subpar HVAC service. In that case, you’re back at square one with less money in your pocket and a broken HVAC system.

So how can you find an HVAC company that’s best for your needs and budget? Read on to find out!

Ask Your Friends and Family for Recommendations

If you’ve got a social network in the immediate area, take advantage of it. Your friends and family are sure to have run into AC or heater issues before and have required the assistance of a professional.

Ask around to see which HVAC services they found reputable and which companies they recommend you avoid.

You should also take this opportunity to ask them about their personal experiences. This can give you better expectations of individual companies and help you shortlist potential service providers to contact.

Check for Licenses and Insurance

In Canada, HVAC technicians need to be appropriately licensed to operate legally. This means that not only do they need to train for a certain number of hours, but they also need to do an apprenticeship and pass a certification exam.

This is a rigorous process, which means only the cream of the crop receives licensing. Working with a licensed professional means your issues will be diagnosed and fixed fast.

In addition, the HVAC service company should be insured. Skills and experience mean the technicians are adept at their jobs, but it doesn’t guarantee an accident-free experience. Should anything happen, you want the HVAC company taking care of it—not you.

Pick HVAC Companies With Experience

HVAC technicians must accumulate hefty hours of experience before they receive their licenses. But like with any industry, the more real-life expertise they have, the better.

You don’t want to choose an HVAC company that’s still learning the ropes and fumbling with its business operations. Instead, you want to pick a well-established company in your local area.

This ensures that your HVAC problems will be solved promptly and that you’re treated well and billed right. In general, you’ll have a much better overall experience, as established companies will have ironed out all kinks in their business operations.

Make Sure They Have Good Reviews

Being well-established and providing outstanding service go hand-in-hand. However, you’ll still get some businesses that stubbornly stick around for years, even if they mistreat their customers or provide mediocre service.

Having a license, insurance, and years of experience isn’t enough. You need to dig deeper and find out what prior customers are saying.

No business will have 100% positive reviews, so a few bad reviews are expected. But take the time to browse, weigh the good against the bad, and read the comments to get the complete picture.

If you can, sort by most recent reviews and see how they’ve done in the last year or so. If they consistently rate highly for HVAC repair and customer service, that’s a fantastic sign!

Look for Fair Prices

Of course, one of the most important things to look for is pricing. After all, you might find the best HVAC service provider in the area, but if their pricing is unaffordable, they’re of no use to you.

Always request several quotes before you make a final decision. Don’t get excited about (what seems to be) a reasonable price on your first try. Taking the time to ask for a few estimates will be worth it, as you’ll be able to compare and eliminate those with extremely low or high prices.

You can also see how they handle you as a potential customer to get a feel for how they do business.

Also, reputable HVAC companies will always be transparent with their quotes. If anything seems too good to be true, then it probably is.

Unscrupulous companies may give out unbelievably low quotes to reel customers in and then add on hidden fees to drive costs up. Other companies may be vague in their estimates—also a red flag.

Any HVAC provider that doesn’t give you a clear-cut quote should be avoided.

See if They Offer Emergency Services

It’s helpful to choose a local HVAC company that offers emergency services, even if you don’t currently need them. You never know if your boiler will break down or your AC will start making weird noises at 2:00 AM.

When you have an HVAC emergency, you don’t want to take your chances on a provider you’ve never used. When you have one go-to company, you can rest easy knowing that if anything goes wrong, you can rely on them, no matter what time of day or night it is.

Also, the fact that an HVAC company provides emergency services means they understand their customers’ needs and are doing everything they can to be there for them.

Get Excellent HVAC Service Today

Now that you know how to weed out the bad and pick the good, you’re sure to get an HVAC service that meets your needs.

Of course, not every Canadian homeowner has time to research and vet HVAC companies carefully. Fortunately, we at FurnacePrices.ca have done the work for you! We have a curated list of local HVAC contractors with proven track records and stellar reputations.

Get started now by requesting quotes and comparing them. You can get no-obligation estimates, too!

Has anyone noticed it’s getting a little hot in here? In Canada, we mean. If you have, that’s because average temperatures are up 1.7°C, and are rising twice as fast as the rest of the planet!

We know it gets cold in Canada, but heat waves are getting more common. It’s more important than ever that you have an HVAC system you can rely on.

But apart from respite from the summer heat, are there any other reasons why you should invest in a new HVAC system?

Absolutely! Read on for 7 reasons why now’s the time to install one!

1. Lower Energy Bills

All across Canada, rising energy costs mean that families are feeling the pinch. If you’re running an outdated HVAC system, then you could be haemorrhaging money. Leaky ducting and an outdated condenser unit that guzzles energy could mean you’re paying way more each month than you should be.

Modern HVAC units are much more energy efficient. The key thing to look for is the unit’s SEER rating. Some of the best central air conditioners have a SEER rating of 20.5.

More energy-efficient HVAC systems have an ENERGY STAR® rating. All products with this label exceed the Government of Canada’s minimum standard for energy efficiency by at least 10%.

The base SEER rating for an ENERGY STAR rated central air conditioner is 12.0. A rating of 20.5 shows how outstandingly efficient these modern systems are. This will translate into lower energy bills and more predictable monthly outgoings.

2. Chance to Choose Green Technologies

All modern HVAC systems are more energy-efficient than their predecessors. But some utilise heat pump technology to take that to a whole new level. They transfer thermal energy from either the air or ground and use it to heat your home.

With HVAC systems that use electricity and gas or other fuels, not all of the energy is used to heat the air. Heat pump systems are over 100% energy efficient. This might sound a little hokey, so let’s explain how that works.

A regular furnace converts energy into heat. Some of that heat is lost, for example via the flue. This results in an efficiency of less than 100%.

But heat pumps do not generate heat. They simply transfer it from one place to another. When more heat is produced than the amount of electricity needed to move it, you get an efficiency of greater than 100%.

Ductless AC systems can also be more energy-efficient and can lead to significant savings.

3. Stop Wasting Money on Repairs

Repairing the HVAC system you already have may seem like the most cost-effective option. But remember that you’re paying to repair a system that is already costing you money in inefficiency. It’s a false economy to keep paying to repair an old, tired system.

Most heat pumps will last around 10 years, maybe 15 with excellent maintenance. After this, it’s time for a new HVAC system.

You may be wondering, how much does a new HVAC cost? Of course, the cost of a new HVAC system depends on your location, the size of your home, and the efficiency of the unit.

Here are some average prices for higher efficiency air conditioners across the country:

• Ontario – $5000+
• Manitoba – $2900-$4800
• Saskatchewan – $3000-$5500

It’s good to compare the new HVAC system cost with the ongoing cost of repairs and higher energy bills. Replacing the system may soon pay for itself. Plus, you get all the other benefits of a new HVAC system.

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4. Keep Your Family Healthy

Indoor air quality – or the lack of it –  is an increasingly serious health issue. Your HVAC system should supply clean air to the whole house. But if it’s getting older, it’s probably not doing as good a job of filtering and pumping air around.

Mould and other microbial contaminants can soon build up in HVAC systems. Poor indoor air quality can cause symptoms, such as:

• Sinus congestion
• Headaches
• Allergies

When your HVAC system is working well, it also ventilates your home well. This means that fresh air can get in, and old, stagnant air can get out. Plus, one of the major HVAC system benefits is that it filters and purifies the air in your home.

A new HVAC system can help to improve indoor air quality, and you may see a knock-on improvement in your family’s health.

5. Reduced Insurance Premiums

When you fill out your insurance forms, they’ll ask you about the age of your HVAC system. Insurance is all about risk. Older HVAC systems pose a higher risk of catching fire than new ones.

Update your insurance company, and you’ll likely see a reduction in your premiums. While you may not see a huge decrease for simply replacing a typical air conditioner, for example, there are instances where your insurance premiums may be lowered.

Replacing an old oil heating system that requires a large storage tank in your home, with a more modern heating system like a natural gas furnace, is one such instance.

6. Appeal to Buyers

If you’re looking to sell your home, a new HVAC system can help you to achieve a higher price. No one wants to buy a house with an old furnace and AC system they’ll have to replace straight away.

Plus, buyers are increasingly environmentally conscious. They won’t appreciate an inefficient system. Having a new, energy-efficient system will help you appeal to a wider range of buyers, and achieve the price you’re looking for. 

7. Peace and Quiet

We’ve put up with noisy old furnaces and air conditioners for too long. Modern systems are not only more efficient, but they’re also quieter too.

They contain better soundproofing insulation which keeps unwanted sound to a minimum. 

Ready for Your New HVAC System?

A new HVAC system can transform your home. It can provide air that is both fresh and refreshing to every part of your home. Cool in summer, and warm in winter, it will also lower your utility bills and you’ll know you’re doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint.

Are you ready to start getting quotes for a new HVAC system? We work with trusted HVAC companies throughout Canada to help you get the best system for the right price. 

Enter your details today and compare quotes from certified contractors – whatever part of the country you live in!

HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems are an essential part of modern homes and play an important role all year round. They are responsible for the regulation of airflow, heat, air conditioning, and ventilation within a property and help to control the climate. HVAC professionals are an important part of keeping them running smoothly.

While dependent on the brand, level of maintenance, usage, and other factors, the average lifespan for an HVAC is 15 to 25 years. Your choice of HVAC professional to install, repair, and service your system will also play an important role in its lifespan, efficiency, and performance.

Here at FurnacePrices.ca, we are dedicated to helping Canadian homeowners to make informed decisions when upgrading or repairing their HVAC systems. In this blog post, we will highlight 6 important questions that you should ask before hiring an HVAC contractor.

Hiring experienced and reliable HVAC contractors helps to ensure that your HVAC system will perform optimally and will be less prone to unexpected and frustrating breakdowns. Let’s get started.

1. May I See Your HVAC Contractor’s License?

In Canada, HVAC contractors have a requirement to be fully certified by a reliable training organisation. While this is the case, the reality is that there are contractors working in Canada today without the necessary license.

Whether you are hiring a contractor for installation, repair, or service works, it is essential that you see proof of their relevant license. Not only is it the law to have a license, but it is also a sign that the contractor is qualified and competent within their work.

You should never consider hiring an HVAC company that is not willing to show proof of licensure.

2. May I See Details of Your Liability Insurance?

Liability insurance provides coverage that protects contractors as well as third-party hires in the case of mistakes and errors made while working on a project. If you hire a contractor that lacks proper insurance, you run the risk of being liable for any issues during the project. These may include property damage and on-the-job injuries.

When you hire a contractor that has the appropriate liability insurance, you will be able to rest assured that their insurance assumes the covered risks. As with the above point, never hire a contractor that is unwilling to discuss their insurance coverage.

3. May I See a List of References?

Checking the references of an HVAC contractor is another important step before hiring. It is a useful method of ensuring that your chosen contractor will be able to get the job done and has the necessary experience and ability. By talking to other homeowners, you will be able to feel more confident in choosing a contractor. 

Questions that you should ask references include:

• What work did the contractor perform?
• Did they provide a clear estimate that explained the cost?
• Did they stay on budget? (if not, why not?)
• Did they prepare and show you a work schedule?
• Were they punctual in their work?
• Were there any delays? (if so, why?)
• Were they communicative and open to answering questions?
• Would you hire them again?

Ultimately, the last question is what really matters. If a past client is sufficiently happy with their level of work and would be happy to hire them again, that is a positive sign. If they wouldn’t, this could be a major red flag.

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4. Can I Have Your Opinion?

HVAC systems can be complicated and for people who are not experts, it can be difficult to understand the nature and extent of the issue when it comes to repairs. By asking for their opinion on what is actually wrong with your current HVAC system, you will also be able to gauge their level of expertise and credibility.

They will then be able to advise you on the most appropriate next step. This could be to repair the existing system or purchase a new system. In the case of a new system, they will be able to advise on the best option for your home depending on size, usage, budget, and other factors.

5. What Brands Do You Recommend, And Why?

If you are opting for a new HVAC system, it can be tricky to know which brand to choose. One helpful feature here is the SEER rating, which stands for seasonal energy efficiency ratio, which applies to air conditioning systems. In simple terms, the higher an HVAC system’s SEER rating, the more efficient it will be.

Common SEER ratings for air conditioners in Canada are between 13 and 20 SEER, although higher-end models common in warmer climates can go upwards of 26 SEER.

Furnaces meanwhile have an AFUE or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating. In Canada, modern furnaces will typically be in the 95% to 99% AFUE, although older models may be as low as 80 AFUE or lower.

HVAC companies will have their preferred brands and will be able to advise on which one is more suitable for your home.

Browse our Top Rated Furnaces and Top Rated Central Air Conditioners.

6. How Soon Can You Start Work?

Many HVAC companies are available for 24/7 emergency repair, which may be preferable to you given the importance of HVAC systems to homes.

If you are not in need of emergency work, it’s still important to have your chosen contractor commit to a set schedule. You may wish to draw up a written contract that outlines the start date and expected completion time, as well as other details about the project.

Keep in mind that availability often fluctuates throughout the year based on seasonal demand and other factors, like the current supply chain issues that may affect the availability of various HVAC system parts and units.

Find the Right HVAC Professional for Your Project

The above questions will help you to find a reliable and expert HVAC professional that you can trust. That is also our goal at FurnacePrices.ca. We are dedicated to helping Canadians to shop with peace of mind and save money when hiring HVAC contractors.

Thankfully, we’ve already done the tedious and time-consuming work of researching and vetting trustworthy contractors for you, with our Canadian HVAC Certification program. We check and verify over 15 different criteria, including licenses, insurance, and work history from verified customers!

More than 1 million people in Canada trust us every year when upgrading their home’s HVAC system. We help to take the confusion out of HVAC repair, installation, and maintenance.

Click here to compare quotes from certified local HVAC contractors in your area.

Did you know that an HVAC system can last between 15 and 25 years? Factors like the brand you buy, the maintenance you perform, and the timely repairs done will determine just how long your system continues to perform.

Living in Canada, you know that temperatures can drop to frosty lows during the winter and can climb to sweltering highs during the summer. So, you’ll want to ensure your HVAC unit can handle whatever Mother Nature dictates.

But it’ll cost several thousand dollars to buy one. If you don’t have the money to buy one outright, what can you do?  The answer is equipment financing. 

Are you curious about the benefits of equipment financing and why you should consider this option?

What follows is a look at the benefits that HVAC equipment financing offers Canadian homeowners just like yourself.

Replace Now to Avoid System Failure Later

Have you ever had your HVAC unit fail amid an extreme cold spell or amid a heatwave? If so, you know, it’s no laughing matter. But if your system is in a state of disrepair, you could experience unexpected issues.

And the unfortunate thing is that serious problems have a way of manifesting themselves when you can least expect them. If you’d like to replace your aging HVAC unit but don’t have the funds, consider equipment finance options.

When you transact with the right company, you’ll be able to finance the purchase of the HVAC system you need. You’ll get competitive interest rates and transparent payback terms. The best part is that you won’t have to wait.

Going the financing route means you’ll get the HVAC unit you want right away. 

Save Money With an Efficient HVAC System

According to some sources, you can slash your utility bills by up to 20% if you get a new HVAC unit installed on your property. Depending on your residence and how often you use the HVAC unit, you could save north of $1,000 annually, especially if you upgrade both your heating and air conditioning system.

Though keep in mind, this is an extreme example, where you might be upgrading from very old and inefficient units, and have a large home in an area with very cold winters and/or hot humid summers and thus high energy expenditures. That being said, it’s not totally uncommon for upgrading to save in the hundreds of dollars per year in some cases.

If you have to save up enough money to get the HVAC system you want, you might have to wait way too long. Financing HVAC equipment means you won’t need to wait to get an energy-efficient unit for your home.

The sooner you get one installed by a licensed contractor, the sooner you will experience the benefits.

You and yours will also enjoy greater interior comfort, gain greater reliability, and also have peace of mind given the warranty coverage on a new system.

While you can get financing to purchase an HVAC unit, another option is to take advantage of the federal government’s $5,000 grant and rebate program.

You’ll have to schedule a home energy audit, hire a licensed contractor to do the necessary upgrades, have a follow-up energy audit completed, and then apply for the rebate. It can save you a great deal of money to go this route.

You Can’t Afford to Wait

What should you do if you have to get an HVAC system right away? It’s never wise to throw good money after bad. If your old HVAC unit keeps breaking down and costing you a lot to fix, you’ll need to replace it sooner or later.

But if your budget won’t allow you to buy the system outright, HVAC financing is the right way to go. You’ll be able to get the HVAC system you need right away. You won’t have any time to waste if your old HVAC unit doesn’t function.

If your old HVAC system gives up the proverbial ghost without warning, there’s no reason to drag your feet on a buying decision. Financing options offer convenient ways to get the type of equipment that’s essential in Canada.

Boost Home Valuation

Can you boost the value of your home by installing an HVAC system? You bet you can. A rule of thumb suggests that you could achieve a return on investment of between 35% and 50%. So, it’s a worthwhile investment.

If you choose to finance an HVAC system rather than delay the project until you’ve saved up some money, the home valuation jump will occur immediately.

Are you planning to sell your home within the next few years? A new HVAC system will make your home more attractive to prospective homebuyers.

Many homebuyers want move-in-ready residences. In other words, they don’t fancy buying a home and then having to replace a bunch of stuff right away. If your HVAC unit is modern, the homebuyer won’t have to worry.

And if you don’t plan to sell your home, you’ll still be able to enjoy your home while knowing that it’s worth more after the HVAC unit installation.

Continue to Save Year After Year

Another benefit of getting a new HVAC system is that you’ll continue to save month after month and year after year. So, you’ll continue to make a return on your investment. It’s the gift that keeps on giving — in more ways than one.

Remember that modern HVAC units are more energy-efficient than older systems are. Upgrading will give you a more efficient system that saves you money that you can use for other things that are important to you. 

Considering HVAC Equipment Financing? Get in Touch

Do you want to learn more about HVAC equipment financing or HVAC rental equipment? Get in touch to learn more about new systems, servicing and repair, and licensed contractors that are available to help you.

We also provide pricing info, buying guides, and reviews. Whether you’re interested in getting an HVAC system, or you have some questions, get in touch for a no-obligation quote from one of our certified local HVAC partners.

The global demand for air conditioning units is estimated to be at around 111 million units a year. Comfort is essential in our everyday lives and your heating and cooling play a large part in that. But do you know how important it is to keep these systems maintained?

You really don’t want them breaking down at crucial moments. Read on as we give our essential guide on HVAC maintenance. 

When to Schedule HVAC Maintenance

Your HVAC maintenance checklist does not all have to be done at once. In fact, it is much better if you break it down into sections, as some components are better being serviced at certain points of the year. As a guide, we have listed them below. 

Furnaces

HVAC preventative maintenance should be done on your furnace in the fall. If the furnace gives out in the winter months, then you will be left cold and with a large bill on your hands during the holiday season.  This gives you plenty of time to fix anything before the chilly months set in. 

Air Conditioners

The start of spring is the best time to service your air conditioner. This allows you to run it and test it out on mild days. Should a problem occur, it will be way in advance of the summer rush when you need it most. 

You should also keep in mind that everyone wants their air conditioning service in the summer. When problems occur, you may have trouble booking in a technician. Preempt this with a spring check. 

Heat Pumps

Not all systems have heat pumps. They are a very efficient and environmentally friendly way to transfer heat either into your home to warm it, or outside to cool it (heat pumps can work in reverse to heat vs. cool). As a result, you can moderate the temperature in your home using very little energy.

Due to the reversible function, these can run all year, except in extreme cold (-15 or below) when supplementary heating might be needed. It is a good idea to get them serviced every six months to one year, depending on usage. 

HVAC Maintenance Checklist

The HVAC maintenance checklist below has been broken down into seasons. Some of these tasks can be done yourself, while some may require a professional. 

Summer and Spring HVAC Maintenance

Spring and summer are great times to get your air conditioning ready for the heat. It is important to clean the system, as dirt and dust proliferate in these months. 

• Replace HVAC filters
• Remove debris and clear space around the outdoor unit
• Inspect the blowers and blades for correct operation
• Inspect the ducts for mould and dust
• Remove standing water from drain pans and clean them
• Set thermostats and replace the batteries if necessary
• Check the refrigerant level
• Clear and clean drain lines

Some of these will require the help of a professional, like checking and replacement of refrigerants. Should you suspect it needs filling, then call one of our HVAC maintenance service experts for assistance. However, the refrigerant level doesn’t go down unless there is a leak in the system, so if a routine check indicates a lower-than-normal refrigerant level, you need to repair the leak first.

Fall and Winter HVAC Maintenance

Fall and winter maintenance are arguably more important. It is possible to survive uncomfortably in the summer heat, but this can not be said of cold winter nights. 

• Replace filters once every six months, or sooner if you have air quality issues
• Clear drain line and standing water pans if applicable
• Set thermostats
• Check the heat pump
• Check the system as detailed below

Checking the whole system is something you really should consider getting an expert for. If you miss something, it can not only cause mechanical problems but may be a health hazard. In some instances, it could be dangerous.

An expert will check the ignition burner so it is lighting properly. After this, the heat exchanger will undergo thorough checks. When damaged and not working properly, these may release deadly carbon monoxide into your home. 

Should you own a gas furnace, a qualified expert will check key components. They will also conduct a test for leaks, an essential part of the safety routine.

Finally, the electrical components like the control board will go under examination. A replacement can be ordered for any damaged parts like belts and the blower fan. Any moving parts that need it will have lubrication added. 

Why Use an HVAC Maintenance Plan?

There are a number of reasons you should schedule regular HVAC maintenance. Primarily, these are concerned with avoiding emergencies and saving money. 

Avoid Emergencies

Be it a hot and sticky summer day or a cold winter evening, you don’t want your heating and cooling to give in. A regular maintenance plan not only prevents these occurrences but spots problems in advance. This means you get peace of mind as well as comfort. 

Improved Air Quality

It is extremely easy for the air quality in your home to deteriorate without you even noticing. Particularly in the summer months, dust, dirt and allergens can hang thick in the atmosphere. As well as cooling, your air conditioning will help purify the air making it safe for you and your family. 

Lower Energy Bills

When your system is not at peak efficiency, it works overtime to produce more heat or cool air. Increased energy bills are the result. In a world of rising energy prices, it makes sense to keep your HVAC system working to the best of its ability. 

Fewer Repair Bills

Another consequence of a system that is not at peak efficiency is that parts wear down quicker. This means you will be saddled with the repair bills. Expect the whole system to last a much shorter time than its recommended life span. 

Implementing HVAC Maintenance

Now you know the essential HVAC maintenance tasks, put them into your annual schedule. You may need certain tools and equipment. Alternatively, schedule an expert to do this for you. 

Your first stop for everything HVAC should be Furnace Prices. We have a number of reviews, guides and calculators to help you out. Click here for a quote on your next furnace or HVAC system.