Recently Asked Questions
Browse the latest questions from Ottawa homeowners.
Who is responsible for pulling the HVAC permit?
The HVAC contractor is responsible for pulling the permit, not the homeowner. Licensed HVAC technicians handle all permi...
When is the best time to buy a new furnace?
The best time to buy a new furnace is during the shoulder seasons - late spring through early fall - when demand is lowe...
How do I know if my AC has a refrigerant leak?
Refrigerant leaks typically show up as reduced cooling performance, ice formation on your AC unit, or hissing sounds fro...
Is a permit needed to replace a hot water tank?
In Ottawa, a permit is typically required for hot water tank replacement, especially for gas-powered units. The specific...
Can I move my furnace to a different room?
Yes, you can move your furnace to a different room, but it's a complex project that requires professional planning and T...
Why does my AC smell like vinegar?
A vinegar smell from your AC is typically caused by bacterial growth in your system's moisture-rich components, most com...
Why is my furnace running but no air coming out?
Your furnace running without air coming out typically indicates a blower motor problem or a severely clogged air filter...
Do I need a condensate pump for my furnace?
Most furnaces in Ottawa don't need a condensate pump, but high-efficiency furnaces (90%+ AFUE) do produce condensate tha...
Can I switch from oil heat to a gas furnace in Ottawa?
Yes, you can absolutely switch from oil heat to a gas furnace in Ottawa, provided natural gas service is available to yo...
How do I apply for HVAC rebates in Ontario?
Ontario offers several HVAC rebates through federal and provincial programs, with applications typically submitted onlin...
What temperature do heat pumps stop working?
Most heat pumps start losing significant efficiency around -10°C to -15°C, but modern cold climate heat pumps can operat...
What is the difference between single stage and two stage furnaces?
Single-stage furnaces operate at one fixed heat output level - they're either fully on or completely off. Two-stage furn...
Why is my AC blowing warm air after a power outage?
Your AC is likely blowing warm air because the power outage disrupted your system's normal operation, with the most comm...
How much does it cost to add a gas line for a fireplace?
Adding a gas line for a fireplace in Ottawa typically costs between $800 and $2,500, depending on the distance from your...
How do I stop condensation on my AC ducts?
Condensation on AC ducts is typically caused by cold ductwork meeting warm, humid air, and can usually be resolved with...
Should I sanitize my ducts after cleaning?
Duct sanitization after cleaning can be beneficial in certain situations, but it's not always necessary for every home....
How often should ductwork be replaced?
Ductwork typically lasts 15-25 years, but replacement timing depends more on condition than age. Well-maintained ducts i...
Why is one room in my house always cold?
One room being consistently cold is usually caused by airflow issues, insulation problems, or ductwork imbalances - all...
How do I improve airflow from my vents?
Poor airflow from your vents is usually caused by dirty filters, blocked vents, or ductwork issues - most of which you c...
How do I set my thermostat for maximum efficiency?
Set your thermostat to 20°C (68°F) during the day when home, and lower it by 3-4 degrees when sleeping or away for maxim...
Can I add a heat pump to my baseboard heating?
Yes, you can add a heat pump to a home with baseboard heating, but it requires installing a new ductwork system since he...
How do I reset my furnace?
Most furnaces can be reset using the reset button on the unit itself, but it's important to identify why it shut down be...
Can I run my furnace with a broken blower motor?
No, you should not run your furnace with a broken blower motor. The blower motor is essential for circulating heated air...
What is a G1 gas license and why does it matter?
A G1 gas license doesn't exist in Ontario's TSSA licensing system - this is a common misconception. The actual gas techn...
Which furnace brand is most reliable?
Carrier, Lennox, and Trane are generally considered the most reliable furnace brands, with each offering excellent build...
How do I stop musty smells from my vents in spring?
Musty smells from your vents in spring are typically caused by moisture buildup in your ductwork over the winter months,...
Does lowering the thermostat at night save money?
Yes, lowering your thermostat at night can save money on heating bills. For every degree you lower the temperature for 8...
How do I keep my outdoor AC unit clean in fall?
Regular fall cleaning of your outdoor AC unit will help it last longer and run more efficiently when summer returns. Sta...
Is a ground source heat pump worth the upfront cost?
Ground source heat pumps can be worth the investment for the right Ottawa home, but the high upfront cost means they're...
Should I replace or clean my flex duct?
Whether to replace or clean flex duct depends on its age, condition, and contamination level. In most cases, flex duct s...
Are there rebates for new furnaces in Ontario?
Yes, there are several rebate programs available for new furnaces in Ontario, including federal, provincial, and utility...
Is it an emergency if my furnace stops working in winter?
Yes, a furnace failure in winter is considered an emergency, especially when outdoor temperatures drop below freezing. W...
Why does my heat pump defrost cycle take so long?
Heat pump defrost cycles typically take 5-15 minutes, but can extend to 20-30 minutes in extreme cold or when the outdoo...
What is the best location for a thermostat?
The best thermostat location is on an interior wall, about 52-60 inches from the floor, in a frequently used area like a...
Are HVAC protection plans worth the monthly fee?
HVAC protection plans can be worth it for older systems or homeowners who prefer predictable costs, but they're not alwa...
What temperature should I keep my house when on vacation in winter?
Set your thermostat to 15-18°C (59-64°F) when away during Ottawa winters. This temperature prevents freezing while signi...
Why is my furnace making a loud banging noise?
A loud banging noise from your furnace typically indicates either delayed ignition (gas buildup causing a small explosio...
Can I use a smart thermostat with an old furnace?
Yes, you can typically install a smart thermostat with an older furnace, but compatibility depends on your specific wiri...
How much does it cost to replace an AC compressor?
AC compressor replacement in Ottawa typically costs $2,000 to $4,000 including parts and labor. However, this repair is...
Can I put my AC condenser on the roof?
Yes, you can install an AC condenser on the roof, but it requires proper structural support, weatherproofing, and adhere...
What maintenance can I do myself on my HVAC?
You can safely perform several basic HVAC maintenance tasks yourself, but it's important to know where to draw the line...
How do I know if a duct cleaning company is legit?
Look for proper licensing, insurance, and transparent pricing - legitimate duct cleaning companies will readily provide...
What is the best thermostat for my home?
The best thermostat for your home depends on your HVAC system type, lifestyle, and budget, but programmable and smart th...
How do I prepare my HVAC for winter in Ottawa?
Start preparing your HVAC system for Ottawa's harsh winters in early fall - ideally by October - to ensure reliable heat...
What is the difference between AC and heat pump?
Air conditioning only cools your home, while a heat pump both heats and cools. Think of a heat pump as an air conditione...
Can I get the Greener Homes Grant for a heat pump?
Yes, you can get the Canada Greener Homes Grant for heat pump installations. The federal program offers up to $5,000 for...
What is a furnace draft inducer motor?
A furnace draft inducer motor is a small electric motor with a fan that creates negative pressure to safely vent combust...
Can duct cleaning damage my HVAC system?
Professional duct cleaning should not damage your HVAC system when performed correctly by qualified technicians. However...
How do I balance the airflow in my house?
Balancing airflow in your home involves adjusting dampers in your ductwork and ensuring proper return air circulation. T...
How much does a whole-home humidifier cost installed?
A whole-home humidifier installation in Ottawa typically costs $800 to $1,800, depending on the type of system and compl...
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