What are the typical questions that an Ottawa homeowner has when it comes time to replace their central AC unit?
The main ones are what will this cost me? What kind of replacement air conditioner do I need? And who can I get to do the installation?
These are all viable concerns which is why we put together this informative guide to help navigate you through the process of getting a new central AC in Ottawa.
Ottawa residents will want to take advantage of this comprehensive overview of the features and benefits of top-rated high-efficiency central air conditioner brands, promotions, costs, financing available in the Ottawa area. Stay cool this summer and reduce your monthly energy bills while staying on budget.
Other Articles You May Find Helpful:
Table of contents
Average central air conditioner cost in Ottawa (including installation):
$3,000 – $6,000
If you buy a new high-efficiency central A/C unit in Ottawa, you can expect to pay an average of $3,000 to $6,000. Exact pricing will depend on the model you choose as well as its size, your location, and the HVAC contractor you buy your unit from. It is always a good idea to get quotes from several different HVAC suppliers and go with one that offers a labour warranty.
One thing that homeowners should understand is that getting a new central AC in Ottawa is not a stopgap purchase. Your air conditioner is a vital piece of equipment to maintain the safety and comfort of family members, pets, and guests but having an AC is not just about keeping a room cool. The “conditioning” part of air conditioner refers to the process of cycling air and taking the moisture out of it, so without this your home is prone to mold growth and just general discomfort.
Ideally the $6,000 and up Ottawa central air conditioners will have a better return on investment because they last longer while also saving money on utility bills, or at least they’ll have longer warranty coverage assuming you get the required annual maintenance. Some of this higher price comes from the warranty itself, and an extra 3-5 years of expected life span is almost priceless.
Higher than average
Slightly above-average price range, which may be due to factors like a more complicated installation, or purchasing a top-of-the-line unit or premium brand.
Typical price range: $3,000 – $6,000
The average price range for a typical high-efficiency unit with a typical installation from an established, fully licensed & insured local HVAC contractor. Prices will vary within this range based on installation factors, brand & model, unit size/BTU output & efficiency, among other things.
Lower than average
Below-market pricing; be careful if the price is exceptionally low. The lower the price is below average, the higher likelihood that you may receive a more hastily done installation, low-end or used components, limited labour warranty coverage & ongoing support, or the company may be less established or lacking in insurance and/or licensing & certification.
What to look for when choosing a heating & air conditioning contractor
People often fret over the brand of air conditioner to buy, but choosing the best contractor in Ottawa is every bit as important. Not only is the quality of the workmanship and installation crucial to the air conditioner’s lifespan, the company you choose will be relied on for future servicing and warranty coverage.
Always choose an established company that has:
- Good, independently-verified feedback
- A solid track record and no outstanding disputes
- Verified insurance, licenses, and certifications
- Experienced staff, with manufacturer training
- Registered to offer rebates
Checking all of these things is difficult and time-consuming.
That’s why we’ve already done it for you!
Learn more about our independent local HVAC contractor Certification program, designed to help you get a reliable heating system at a fair price, from reputable local dealers.
Who Are Our Top Ottawa Air Conditioner Contractors?
About Constant Home Comfort Ottawa & Kingston:
- Established, with a great track record
- Amazing feedback from verified customers
- Fully licensed, bonded, and insured
- Experienced and well-trained staff
- 24-hour emergency service
Current Promo
1. Interest-free for one year loan 2. Buy one unit (Eg: Furnace, A/C, Tankless, Water Tank, or HRV) get one bonus unit (Eg: Security Camera, Humidifier, Eco-bee3, UV Light, Google Mini, or two years extend labor warranty) 3. Buy unit get 15% off on Ducting cleaning service or Maintenance service.
About Dion Comfort:
- Established, with a great track record
- Amazing feedback from verified customers
- Experienced and well-trained staff
- Fully licensed, bonded, and insured
Current Promo
Not Available
Why Your Ottawa HVAC Contractor Is Your Most Important Asset
A very common practice among Canadian homeowners is to find what central air-conditioner they want installed first – and then find the contractor to implement it. That’s backwards for a number of reasons, the first of which is because quality HVAC contractors in Ottawa can help consumers find the best central air for their specific needs (size of house, sun/shade positioning, hours active, etc).
Many HVAC companies have sponsorship agreements with certain brands that allow them to offer rebates, extended warranties, etc. when dealing with companies like Trane, Rheem, Lennox, and others.
Aside from saving money, what quality central air contractors in Ottawa can do is extend your product’s life span. Even the most high end AC units will die out sooner than expected if there are gaps in the duct work, the condenser doesn’t drain properly, and components aren’t adequately maintained.
That’s another thing to remember – you are not just choosing the contractor for the installation, but also the repairs and maintenance for the next decade and beyond.
The best HVAC contractors in Ottawa are experienced, have verifiable positive feedback, and are licensed, insured, and certified. While it may seem tedious to search for companies that fit this bill independently, rest assured that we’ve already done the work for you right here.
Our independent HVAC contractor certification program lists the best heating and air conditioner installation companies in the greater Ottawa area based on feedback from verifiable users.
Purchasing a High-Efficiency Central Air Conditioner in Ottawa
When you’re in the market for a new central air conditioner, it makes sense to invest in an energy-efficient central air conditioner that will help you decrease your monthly energy bills. For Canadian summer temperatures, many Ottawa residents find that a central air conditioner between 14-18 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) provides an optimal level of energy-efficiency and return on investment.
A licensed HVAC supplier will recommend the size of central air conditioner unit you require based on the size of the area you need to cool. Home cooling problems often arise when consumers purchase a system that is too large or small to keep up with their home cooling needs.
Deals Available
Current Promo for Constant Home Comfort Ottawa & Kingston:
1. Interest-free for one year loan 2. Buy one unit (Eg: Furnace, A/C, Tankless, Water Tank, or HRV) get one bonus unit (Eg: Security Camera, Humidifier, Eco-bee3, UV Light, Google Mini, or two years extend labor warranty) 3. Buy unit get 15% off on Ducting cleaning service or Maintenance service.
Current Promo for Dion Comfort:
Not Available
Government Rebates Available
If you purchase a new high-efficiency central air conditioner, government rebates are often available to help fund the purchase and reward you for being an environmentally-conscious homeowner.
Click here to view Ottawa central A/C rebates that are currently being offered. For advice on what rebates you may be eligible for, consult with your local HVAC distributor.
However the Federal government is offering up to $5,000 for energy-efficient home upgrades, including HVAC improvements. Learn more on our rebates page.
Popular Central Air Conditioner Brands
Ottawa homeowners have their choice of several top-rated central A/C brands that include Goodman, Carrier, Lennox, Trane, and KeepRite. Carrier and KeepRite have leading-edge touch controls while Goodman, Lennox, and Trane have remote temperature control capability. Each of these brands has high SEER ratings and the majority have ENERGY STAR® rated models available, letting you keep your energy costs low as your home stays cool.
Installation
Your home has its own unique cooling needs, and correct installation is an important part of ensuring optimal system performance. Indoor coils can be challenging to fit, but a licensed HVAC technician can confirm that the installation is done properly and in a way that supports higher system performance. Coil quality is also a potential issue, so your technician will confirm the integrity of its condition before installation.
Do I Need a Permit For an Ottawa AC Installation?
Another reason why the quality of contractor is just as important as how respectable the brand name is comes from permits being required to install new or replace old HVAC units in the province. The specifics can be found here, but permits and inspections are a very important part of making sure your install goes as perfectly as possible.
Financing Options
Buying a new central air conditioner can be more affordable than many Ottawa homeowners initially assume. In addition to standard financing, zero-interest and bad-credit loans are available, providing an option for practically every financial situation.
If you are an Ottawa homeowner planning to buy a new energy-efficient home cooling system this spring, these financing options can help ensure that budget challenges do not prevent you from enjoying a cool and energy-efficient home for a long time to come.
What Are the Variables in Different High Efficiency Air Conditioners
The good thing about buying a new central AC in Ottawa is that you don’t have to go through this process alone. What the homeowner and contractor will first discuss is acquiring the proper sized unit for your specific cooling needs.
Air conditioners are sized in tons, commonly from 1.5 to 5 tons with need calculated by square footage.
Getting the proper sized air conditioner is arguably the most important part of the buying process, as too small – or too large – will cause the unit to run unnecessarily while also not maintaining comfort in the home. Contractors can perform a “cooling load” test to see what variables may raise or lower the size of AC unit that is needed.
Aside from size, the other main selling point among different central air conditioners (besides brand name) is the energy efficiency.
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is the number to look for to see how well your unit cools a room compared to the amount of energy used up in the process. A SEER rating better than 14 is considered ‘decent’ but we usually strive for something 18 or higher in Ottawa.
More About Cooling in Ottawa
Ottawa homeowners will want to ensure their central air conditioner system is fully operational as summer temperatures begin to rise. With an average July high of 26.4 C and 25 C in August, residents of our nation’s capital will find their central A/C units are working overtime to ensure their homes are kept comfortably cool all summer long.
Regular A/C maintenance is important to extend the life of your unit. With more than 155 HVAC companies operating in the Ottawa and surrounding areas there are many providers to choose from. Always ensure that your technician is reputable and fully licensed.
Ottawa City Information
Ottawa homeowners will want to ensure their central air conditioner system is fully operational as summer temperatures begin to rise. With an average July high of 26.4 C and 25 C in August, residents of our nation’s capital will find their central A/C units are working overtime to ensure their homes are kept comfortably cool all summer long. Regular A/C maintenance is important to extend the life of your unit. With more than 155 HVAC companies operating in the Ottawa and surrounding areas there are many providers to choose from. Always ensure that your technician is reputable and fully licensed.
Ottawa & Surrounding Areas
Perth, Smiths Falls, Gatineau, Arnprior, Renfrew, Clarence-Rockland, Mississippi Mills
Kemptville
Popular Neighbourhoods
Nepean, Kanata, Stittsville, Gloucester, Cumberland, Goulbourn, Osgoode, Westboro, The Glebe, Carlington
