Recently Asked Questions
Browse the latest questions from Ottawa homeowners.
Why is my thermostat not reaching the set temperature?
When your thermostat isn't reaching the set temperature, it usually means either the heating or cooling system can't kee...
Why does my thermostat reading differ from the actual temperature?
A thermostat reading that doesn't match the actual room temperature is a common frustration, and it usually comes down t...
Will a bigger AC cool my house faster?
A bigger AC unit will cool your house faster initially, but it will actually make your home less comfortable overall — a...
What is the switchover temperature for a hybrid system?
The switchover temperature for a hybrid heat pump/furnace system is typically set between -5°C and -10°C for Ottawa's cl...
Is it safe to close vents in unused rooms?
Closing vents in unused rooms is generally not recommended, and can actually cause problems for your HVAC system rather...
Why does my furnace vibrate so much?
Furnace vibration is usually a sign that something mechanical is wearing out or has come loose — it's worth addressing s...
What is the BTU rating I need for my gas fireplace?
Great question! The right BTU rating for your gas fireplace depends on several factors specific to your space, so there'...
Why is my AC running constantly but not cooling?
Your AC running constantly without cooling is one of the most common summer complaints we hear in Ottawa — and it almost...
What's the best filter for a house with pets?
For a home with pets, you'll want a filter with a MERV rating between 11 and 13. This range captures pet dander, hair, a...
Do I need a building permit for a mini-split install?
Great question, and the answer depends on which type of permit we're talking about — because a mini-split installation t...
Do gas fireplaces need a chimney?
Gas fireplaces do not need a traditional masonry chimney — but they do require some form of venting, and the type depend...
Why does my furnace smell like burning?
A burning smell from your furnace is one of the most common concerns we hear from Ottawa homeowners, and the cause depen...
Why is there condensation on my AC vents?
Condensation on AC vents is very common in Ottawa summers and usually comes down to one of two causes: warm, humid air m...
When should I switch from AC to heat?
Great timing question for Ottawa homeowners! The short answer is: switch to heat when overnight temperatures consistentl...
Can a power outage damage my furnace?
Yes, power outages can damage your furnace, particularly when power is restored. The most common culprit is a voltage su...
How do I clean the duct behind my dryer?
Cleaning your dryer vent duct is a great home maintenance task — it's one of the most important things you can do to pre...
Will a heat pump heat my whole house in January?
Yes, a modern cold-climate heat pump can absolutely heat your entire Ottawa home in January — but the answer depends hea...
What COP rating should I look for in a heat pump?
A good heat pump for Ottawa's climate should have a COP (Coefficient of Performance) of at least 2.0 to 3.5 at typical o...
What is an air exchanger and do I need one?
An air exchanger (also called an HRV - Heat Recovery Ventilator, or ERV - Energy Recovery Ventilator) is a mechanical ve...
What is a mini-split heat pump and who should get one?
A mini-split heat pump is a ductless heating and cooling system that transfers heat between the outdoors and indoors wit...
Do heat pumps also cool in summer?
Yes, heat pumps both heat and cool — they're a complete year-round comfort system in a single unit. A heat pump works b...
Should I get a furnace maintenance plan?
Furnace maintenance plans are generally worth it for most Ottawa homeowners, especially given our harsh winters where a...
What is the true cost of heating with electric baseboard?
Electric baseboard heating is one of the most expensive ways to heat a home in Ottawa, and many homeowners are shocked w...
What is the lifespan of a ground source heat pump?
Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) are known for their exceptional longevity, making them one of the longest-lasting HVAC...
How much electricity does a heat pump use in winter?
Heat pumps are actually quite efficient with electricity in winter, though they do use more power than in summer cooling...
What AFUE rating should I look for in a furnace?
For most Ottawa homeowners, you should look for a furnace with an AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) rating of 96...
Is a cracked heat exchanger an emergency?
Yes, a cracked heat exchanger is a serious safety emergency and you should stop using your furnace immediately. A crack...
Why does my AC smell musty?
A musty smell from your AC is typically caused by mold or mildew growth somewhere in your system, most commonly in the e...
How do I clean mold from my AC coils?
Cleaning mold from AC coils requires careful attention to safety and proper technique, as improper cleaning can spread s...
What is a hybrid heating system?
A hybrid heating system combines an electric heat pump with a gas furnace to provide the most efficient and cost-effecti...
How noisy is a heat pump outdoor unit?
Most modern heat pump outdoor units operate at 50-60 decibels, which is roughly equivalent to a normal conversation or m...
Should I oil my furnace blower motor?
Most modern furnace blower motors are permanently sealed and do not require oiling. Attempting to oil a sealed motor can...
Is it worth converting electric baseboard to a furnace?
Converting from electric baseboard to a furnace is often worth it in Ottawa's climate, especially with rising electricit...
Why does my AC trip the breaker when it's really hot?
Your AC is likely tripping the breaker due to electrical overload caused by the system working harder in extreme heat. T...
How do I check if my HRV is working properly?
Your HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) should run continuously or on a schedule to maintain proper indoor air quality. Star...
Why is my air conditioner freezing up?
Your air conditioner is likely freezing up due to restricted airflow or low refrigerant levels, both of which cause the...
What is the cost to replace a furnace control board?
Furnace control board replacement typically costs $300-$600 in Ottawa, including parts and labor from a licensed HVAC te...
What is a HEPA filter and do I need one?
A HEPA filter (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) is a premium air filter that captures 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or...
Can I install a gas fireplace during winter?
Yes, you can install a gas fireplace during winter in Ottawa. While it requires more planning due to weather conditions,...
What codes apply to HRV installation in Ontario?
HRV installation in Ontario must comply with the Ontario Building Code (OBC), electrical codes, and manufacturer specifi...
How do I check my refrigerant level?
Checking refrigerant levels requires specialized equipment and should only be done by a licensed HVAC technician. Refrig...
How much does an HRV system cost to install?
HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator) installation in Ottawa typically costs between $2,500 and $4,500 for a complete system, i...
Can I install a gas fireplace in my bedroom?
No, you cannot install a gas fireplace in a bedroom. This is prohibited by Ontario's building code and TSSA regulations...
Is a furnace rental a good deal in Ottawa?
Furnace rentals in Ottawa are generally not a good financial deal for most homeowners. While they offer lower upfront co...
How do I choose between Nest and Ecobee?
Both Nest and Ecobee are excellent smart thermostat choices, but the best option depends on your existing smart home set...
How much does it cost to install a second zone?
Installing a second HVAC zone in Ottawa typically costs $2,500 to $5,000, depending on your existing system and the comp...
Should I get a separate dehumidifier or use my AC?
Both air conditioning and standalone dehumidifiers remove moisture, but they serve different purposes and work best in d...
Do gas fireplace inserts need their own gas line?
Most gas fireplace inserts require a dedicated gas line, though the specific requirements depend on the BTU rating of th...
When should I turn on my AC in Ottawa?
In Ottawa, you can typically start using your air conditioning when daytime temperatures consistently reach 20-22°C (68-...
How deep do ground source heat pump loops go in Ottawa?
Ground source heat pump loops in Ottawa typically go 150-200 feet deep for vertical installations, or are buried 6-8 fee...
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