Frequently Asked Questions

Furnace installation in Ottawa typically costs $3,500-$6,500 including removal of the old unit, installation, and permits. High-efficiency models (95%+ AFUE) are on the higher end but offer significant energy savings. A quote should state whether the permit and TSSA inspection are included — ask if it is not spelled out.

Most furnaces last 15-20 years with proper maintenance. Signs it's time to replace include: frequent repairs, uneven heating, increased energy bills, strange noises, or rust and cracks. Annual maintenance extends lifespan.

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) measures efficiency. Standard furnaces are 80% AFUE, while high-efficiency models are 95-98% AFUE. Higher efficiency costs more upfront but saves on monthly gas bills. For Ottawa's winters, 95%+ is the usual recommendation.

Yes, furnace installation in Ontario requires a permit and TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) inspection for gas furnaces. Pulling the permit and booking the inspection is the contractor's job, not the homeowner's, and it is normally built into the quoted price.

Central air conditioning installation in Ottawa costs $3,500-$6,000 for a complete system including outdoor condenser and indoor evaporator coil. Ductless mini-splits cost $3,000-$5,000. Sizing matters more than brand — ask the contractor to show you the load calculation.

AC sizing depends on your home's square footage, insulation, windows, and other factors. A unit that's too small won't cool properly; too large cycles too frequently. A contractor should run a heat-loss/heat-gain calculation rather than simply matching the size of the old unit.

Annual AC maintenance is recommended before the cooling season (spring). This includes cleaning coils, checking refrigerant, inspecting electrical connections, and ensuring proper operation. Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns and extends equipment life.

Common causes include: dirty air filter, low refrigerant, dirty condenser coils, thermostat issues, or ductwork problems. Start by checking/replacing your filter. If problems persist, schedule a service call to diagnose the issue.

Consider replacement if: the unit is 10-15+ years old, repairs cost more than 50% of replacement, uses R-22 refrigerant (being phased out), or has frequent breakdowns. A contractor can assess the unit and put both options in writing so you can compare them.

Heat pump installation in Ottawa costs $6,000-$15,000 depending on type and capacity. Cold climate models designed for Ottawa winters are at the higher end but work efficiently down to -25°C. Federal rebates of up to $5,000 may apply.

Yes, modern cold climate heat pumps work efficiently down to -25°C to -30°C. They provide heating in winter and cooling in summer. For extreme cold days, a backup heating source (furnace or electric) may engage.

Cold climate heat pumps are designed to operate efficiently at low temperatures (-25°C and below). They have enhanced compressors and defrost cycles. Regular heat pumps lose efficiency below 0°C, so cold climate models are essential for Ottawa.

A heat pump can be your primary heating source, but most Ottawa homes benefit from keeping the furnace as backup for extreme cold days. Dual-fuel systems automatically switch between heat pump and furnace for optimal efficiency.

Yes! The Canada Greener Homes Grant offers up to $5,000 for qualifying heat pump installations. Enbridge Gas also offers rebates. You'll need an EnerGuide evaluation before and after. Contractors who do this work regularly can point you at the programs that are open.

Duct cleaning in Ottawa typically costs $400-$800 for a standard home depending on size and number of vents. This includes cleaning supply and return ducts, registers, and main trunk lines. Avoid extremely low prices - quality cleaning requires proper equipment.

Most homes benefit from duct cleaning every 3-5 years. Clean more frequently if you have: pets, allergies, recent renovations, smokers, or visible dust/debris in vents. New homeowners should consider cleaning to remove construction debris.

Yes, duct cleaning removes dust, allergens, pet dander, and other debris that circulates through your home. Many customers notice reduced dust and improved breathing, especially those with allergies or respiratory conditions.

Professional duct cleaning includes: inspection with camera, cleaning all supply and return ducts, cleaning registers and grilles, cleaning main trunk lines, sanitizing (optional), and before/after photos. Dryer vent cleaning is often recommended as an add-on.

Annual furnace maintenance costs $150-$200 and includes: inspection of all components, cleaning burners, checking gas connections, testing safety controls, and filter replacement. Regular maintenance prevents breakdowns and extends equipment life.

Standard 1-inch filters should be changed every 1-3 months. Higher quality 4-inch filters last 3-6 months. Check monthly during heavy use seasons. Dirty filters reduce efficiency and can damage equipment.

Annual maintenance includes: inspecting heat exchanger, cleaning and adjusting burners, checking electrical connections, lubricating moving parts, testing thermostat, checking refrigerant levels (AC), cleaning coils, and overall safety inspection.

Yes, maintenance plans provide regular service at a discount, priority scheduling, and often include parts discounts. Preventive maintenance catches problems early, improves efficiency, and extends equipment lifespan - saving money long-term.

Gas fireplace installation in Ottawa costs $3,000-$6,000 including the unit, gas line, venting, and finishing. Insert installations (into existing fireplaces) are typically lower cost. Gas fireplace work needs a TSSA permit and inspection, which the contractor arranges.

Yes, annual inspection and cleaning is recommended for gas fireplaces. This includes checking gas connections, cleaning burners, inspecting venting, and ensuring pilot light and ignition work properly. Safety inspection is essential.

Yes, gas fireplace inserts can be installed into existing wood-burning fireplaces. This provides convenient, clean heat without wood storage or ash cleanup. A gas line will need to be run to the fireplace location.

In Ontario, permits are required for: furnace installation, AC installation, heat pump installation, gas line work, gas fireplace installation, and major duct modifications. Minor repairs and maintenance don't require permits.

TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) regulates gas equipment installation in Ontario. All gas technicians must be TSSA licensed (G2 or G3 certification). TSSA inspects all new gas equipment installations for safety.

The contractor does. Pulling the required permits and scheduling TSSA inspections is part of the job in Ontario, and it is normally included in the quoted price — you should not have to file permit applications yourself.

Carbon monoxide detectors should be tested monthly and replaced every 5-7 years. Ontario law requires CO detectors on every floor and near sleeping areas in homes with fuel-burning appliances. CO levels are normally checked as part of an annual furnace service.

Yes. This site is free for homeowners: you describe the job once and it goes to Ottawa HVAC contractors, who quote at no cost and with no obligation. You pay the contractor you choose, never this site.

You pay the contractor directly, on the terms the two of you agree — this site never handles payment. Large projects are often structured with a deposit and a final payment, and some contractors offer financing.

Yes! Federal rebates through the Canada Greener Homes Grant offer up to $5,000 for heat pumps. Enbridge offers rebates for high-efficiency furnaces. A contractor quoting the work can tell you which programs apply to it.

No. Ottawa HVAC Pro is a free matching service, not an HVAC contractor, so it holds no trade licence or insurance of its own — the work is done by the contractor you hire. In Ontario, gas equipment must be installed by a TSSA-certified (G2/G3) technician, so ask any contractor who quotes you for their licence number and a WSIB clearance certificate.

Requests are matched with contractors across Ottawa and the surrounding areas, including Kanata, Orleans, Barrhaven, Nepean, Gloucester, Stittsville, Manotick, Riverside South, and more. Generally within 40km of downtown Ottawa.

Send the request and say it is urgent — it goes straight to Ottawa HVAC contractors, and some take after-hours calls at emergency rates. If you smell gas, leave the building first and call Enbridge at 1-866-763-5427.

The contractor you hire is responsible for the workmanship. Get the warranty in writing before work starts — both the manufacturer's equipment warranty and the contractor's labour warranty — and gas work must also pass the required TSSA inspection.