10 January 2022,

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For heating and cooling your home, you need the right HVAC equipment that meets your needs and your budget.

HVAC – heating, ventilation, and cooling systems- make our homes comfortable and safe to live in. That is why homeowners in Ontario invest money in the best HVAC systems as part of their home upgrade or renovations.

It can be difficult to know how much you will pay for your HVAC system and installation because most advertisements don’t include all of the costs.

The best way to know the accurate price of your HVAC replacement is to get multiple quotes from qualified HVAC contractors.

You can get competitive estimates hassle-free with our simple online-request form. We don’t charge for these quotes and you are under no obligation!

Aside from providing you with the best prices for HVAC systems and installation in your area, we also prepared a guide to help you identify the right system and understand its costs.

Save time and money when you use our short online form to shop for the best HVAC system and installation in Ontario!

Just fill out the form on this page and receive free and no-commitment quotes
from our reputable HVAC partners near you.

How good contractors find the HVAC system for you

A good HVAC system will keep your home comfortable throughout the year and ensure that the quality of the air inside the home is good.

These functions can be combined in a single system to maintain comfortable temperature and improve the quality of the air, particularly in areas that retain odor.

Since HVAC systems account for the largest portion of energy use in homes, it is important to have the proper HVAC system for efficient cooling and heating. You need to get the right size, a reliable brand, and the best possible price.

There are also HVAC accessories that can help your system to work more efficiently for more energy savings and convenience.

Our partner contractors know all of the best equipment in the market for HVAC systems and will recommend the right fit for your home.

Most importantly, our partner contractors determine the best system (furnace, heat pump, air conditioning system) based on your location, lifestyle, type of home, and budget.

An HVAC contractor will determine the equipment that suits your home, supplies for installation, and the cost of labor (based on the number of hours to complete the project).

He will provide you with multiple options to choose from and explain each one, specifically the pros and cons, so you can make the best choice.

You can compare multiple offers from reliable contractors using our short online form!

HVAC Systems for comfort and energy efficiency

Below you will find a short guide to the major HVAC systems for homes. You can get information you need from this guide to help determine your best options for heating and cooling.

Central Air conditioning system: Equipment and Installation Cost

Central air conditioning systems are very popular for cooling homes in tandem with a furnace. Their prices are reasonable and their high energy-efficiency ratings can lower your cooling cost.

The cost for a professional installation of a central air conditioner in Ontario is from $3,500 to $6,000. The size of the unit is a major factor, as well as efficiency ratings (SEER of 14 to 25).

It is critical to install the right size of air conditioning system. A contractor can arrange for a load calculation to determine the best size based on your home and cooling needs. This ensures that your unit will run at optimum performance and comfort for your family.

Heat Pump: Equipment and Installation Cost

Heat pumps gained popularity in the recent years because of their high energy efficiency and new technologies for colder climates.

Installing a heat pump is a lot similar to a central air conditioning unit. The average price of a heat pump installation is from $4,100 to $7,000. The price depends on factors such as the type and brand of equipment, necessary permits, and labor costs.

A good contractor can recommend the right type of heat pump for your home based on your current heating system and usage.

Furnaces: Equipment and Installation Cost

The average price for the purchase and installation of a new furnace is $3,500 to $6,000.

A furnace can last 15 years but homeowners should also consider the size of the furnace, frequency of break downs, safety, and quality of its performance. It makes sense to replace a furnace earlier if it is not working properly.

Each home is different and several factors affect the size of the furnace you need such as air flow, number of windows, insulation, and your needs.

To get the right size of equipment, make sure to work with a reputable contractor to evaluate your heat loss and airflow and recommend the best equipment for your home.

Furnaces are gas, oil, and electric. The average cost to replace and install an oil furnace price t is $3,500 to $5,400 while a gas furnace would cost around $2,500 to $5,000.

Cost of a Ductless Mini-Split System

A ductless mini-split or split system is a cooling and heating system with models that work as an air conditioner with a heating function.

Ductless air conditioning systems cool parts of the home without installing ductwork. Ductless heating systems can supplement an existing heating system in milder climates. Because the climate in Canada can be extremely cold, it is not advisable to use it as a primary heating system as they don’t usually work for temperatures of -20 degrees Celsius.

In Ontario, ductless split systems and air conditioners would generally cost from $2,500 to $3,000 but go as high as over $5,000 per unit depending on the brand, the output rating, and location.

In determining the price of a ductless system, you need to consider the following:

How many outdoor units are required – for large homes, 2 or more units may be needed. When cooling several rooms that are far apart, additional outdoor units are needed.
How many heads (indoor) are required – one head can be installed per room to be cooled.

When it comes to the price of a ductless system, two factors need to be considered:

How many outdoor units are needed— bigger homes will need several units for efficient cooling. If several areas are far apart, you will need multiple outdoor units.
How many indoor units are needed – A head or indoor unit is installed in each room or area that needs cooling.

The cost of a ductless system is more or less the same as a central air conditioner. However, a ductless mini-split or heat pump can be a good alternative to cool or heat a home without ductwork. For instance, if you are building a home addition and the ductwork is a problem, ductless systems can be ideal options to consider.

A complete ductless system installation could cost from $6,100 to $8,500 in total. For large systems with accessories, the total bill can reach $10,000.

Reasons why ductless systems are expensive

Ductless mini-split or split systems are expensive since they cool bigger spaces than a window unit. Unlike central air conditioners, they cannot use ductwork or blower systems for a forced-air heating system to cool the space so sophisticated technology is needed.

Some or their sophisticated features include smart sensors, Wi-Fi connectivity, remote climate control, and room sensors that automatically activate the system when someone occupies the room.

Ductless systems with heating also have built-in heating elements which increase the price.

Grant for Improving Heating and Cooling Systems

In May 2021, the government of Canada launched the new Canada Greener Homes Grant which will give up to $5,000 in grants to eligible homeowners to allow them to upgrade insulation, air leaks, and improve heating and cooling systems, among others.

This financial incentive is a perfect for homeowners to replace inefficient HVAC systems and reduce energy consumption and save money. In this way, living becomes more affordable with lower heating and cooling bills.

To qualify, a homeowner’s primary residence must be 6 months or older from the time it was first occupied by the initial owner and be eligible for an EnerGuide evaluation.

According to studies, 13% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions are from homes. By retrofitting the use of electricity for lighting, heating, cooling, etc., we can effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save the planet.

Contact your local municipality to find out more or connect with reputable HVAC contractors in your area.

Best Central Air-Conditioners in 2021

Are you searching for the best central air-conditioner to replace your current system before summer arrives?

There are many brands of central air conditioners in the market. To know which AC brand is the best, you can find out what to look for in your unit.

Traits of Top Air Conditioners you should look for

If you are in the market for a good air conditioner, here are the best traits to look for.

High-quality components

Consumers should know that every product they buy comes in different options – standard, mid-range, and premium.

The same is true for central air conditioners. Many brands use internal elements manufactured by suppliers like Copeland, Carlyle, or Emerson.

Air conditioners with high-quality components last longer and perform more efficiently, hence, their higher price.

Warranty

Brands carry different warranties based on their models. Most general parts carry a warranty of 10 years and this already qualifies as a good rating.

High-end units can offer more extensive warranties such as No Hassle Warranty offered by Heil.

Variety of Models

You can look for a brand with a variety of models to choose from to suit your budget. Consider SEER ratings and warranties.

Some brands have only a few models while others have a complete line.

Compare these traits to find the best brand and model for your home’s central air conditioning.

Request free and no-obligation quotes from our partner HVAC contractors to save time and money!

Review of Central Air Conditioner Brands in Ontario

We have listed the top brands of central air conditioners in Ontario for you to consider. Check out their models, features, and prices to choose the right one for your home.
The following brands are not listed in any particular rank or order.

Goodman

Goodman has a reputation for good warranties and reasonably-priced equipment. The lower prices and warranties make them quite popular.
Daikin purchased Goodman in 2012 and this has improved the brand’s quality significantly. Although warranties are no longer as extensive as before, Goodman still remains one of the cheapest air conditioners in the market.
Most of its parts are universal, including Copeland compressors, and parts are easy to replace in case of repairs.
With Daikin’s takeover, the brand’s lineup of 5 models of air conditioners with 14 to 19 SEER and single or two-stage models offer you a variety of choices.
While Amana and Daikin central air conditioners are similar to Goodman units, their prices are higher. Goodman still leads the market for lower-cost air conditioners for homeowners who want value without the high cost.

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Heil

This brand of air conditioners are considered excellent. Much like Carrier units in performance and function, their prices are lower. For this reason, budget-conscious consumers find Heil air conditioners very appealing.

Most of the parts are universal and they use Copeland compressors, too, as well as other top-of-the line parts. These components can be easily replaced in case of damage.

In terms of warranties, the brand offers general parts warranties of 10 years. The company also offers a No Hassle Warranty with 1 to 10 years for top models.

Heil has an extensive line of air conditioners with SEER ratings from 14 to 19 and single, 2-stage, and 5 –stage models.

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Daikin

Daikin is a world leader when it comes to the manufacture of heating and cooling systems. To penetrate the North American market, it purchased Goodman but continued to offer products under the Daikin brand. In fact, it has an excellent array of ductless, mini-split air conditioners and indoor systems.

It also kept the Goodman brand and while some models look identical, the prices are not so similar.

Just like Goodman, the parts used for Daikin air conditioners are high in quality. One of its unique models is the DX20VC which uses an inverter compressor to modulate at different speeds.

It offers 12-year warranty on parts which is more extensive than what you can usually find with other brands. The warranty on the compressor, however, is only 12 years and there is no unit replacement warranty.

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Carrier/Bryant

As one of the world’s leading brands in air conditioning, Carrier is a trusted and preferred brand. Together with Bryant, both are owned by United Technologies Corporation and both brands have similar models.

The prices are also very similar. In fact, they both have the highest prices in the market. They require certified installers to ensure standard installation. Their units are known to be highly reliable, durable, and excellent in performance.

Both brands are built using high-end parts in the market and this is why you pay a higher price. They also offer an extensive selection of single-stage and two-stage models.

One of the biggest disadvantages of Carrier is the very limited warranty. Both brands offer only 10-year warranty on parts and no unit replacement warranty.

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Trane

Trane is a highly reliable brand and is a household name for air conditioners. They are installed by factory-certified technicians and use only quality components.

Compared to other brands, Trane is expensive and offers only 10-year warranty on general parts.

Trane has an extensive selection of models with 14.5 to 22 SEER, and from single-stage to variable capacity. Their models are also compact in size and ideal for smaller spaces.

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York

Johnson Controls owns the brands York, Champion, and Coleman.

This brand has had issues with leaks in the past but the company has exerted effort to fix the problem.

Its most popular model, the Affinity series, offers a lifetime warranty on compressors and 10 years on general parts.

York has models with 13 to 20 SEER with single-stage, two-stage, and variable capacity.

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You can compare actual prices of leading central air conditioning systems from our partner contractors. Just fill out the form on this page to receive free and competitive quotes to save time and money!

Professional HVAC System Installation is Important

Most good central air conditioning systems work best when they are installed professionally.

According to Consumer Report, many of these brands are almost equal in terms of durability, reliability, and performance. However, the quality of installation is critical to ensure they perform at maximum efficiency.

When you don’t work with certified or licensed professionals with a good record, you can experience:

Lower efficiency levels from your HVAC system
Mechanical failures
Frequent repairs

Our HVAC partners employ experienced and trained installers to ensure quality installation of your air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump.

Rather than wasting time looking for an HVAC contractor over the phone or online, use our convenient and quick free quote comparison tool. You have no obligation to buy or hire any contractor unless you are satisfied.

We will send your request to our partners who will respond with FREE ESTIMATES for air conditioning units and installation prices.

FAQS about Buying or Installing an HVAC system

You surely want to plan your purchase and installation of a new HVAC system for your home. Planning well is key to getting the most value for your money.

Below we present some of the most frequently asked questions about HVAC systems to guide you.

Can we buy an air conditioner and install the unit ourselves?

You can always buy an air conditioner and install the unit if it is a window-type unit. But if you want a central air-conditioner or ductless mini-split system, it is a lot more complicated. It is not only dangerous in inexperienced hands but could also pose safety hazards.

Hiring an HVAC contractor ensures that you buy the right unit based on your home’s cooling needs and choose a good brand that performs well. A contractor will also guarantee that the installation is proper to prevent any issues from your unit. In doing so, you get the most out of your investment and save money.

Remember that installing any HVAC system needs gas, electrical, and knowledge about refrigerants as well as building codes. If you fail to install it properly, you could run into a lot of problems. Most importantly, manufacturer warranties can be invalidated if the unit is not professionally installed.

What is the standard life expectancy of a furnace and air conditioning system?

Most air conditioners can last from 15 to 20 years while a furnace can last 10 to 15 years. The life span of your unit depends on level of maintenance and the unit’s efficiency.

How long does it take to install an air conditioner?

Each installation will be different as homes present unique challenges. Usually, an installation is completed within the day. The contractor will arrange with the homeowner the most convenient date and time.

Since the unit has a warranty, does it mean we don’t pay anything for repairs?

Depending on the manufacturer’s warranty, you could get covered for general parts or the compressor. In such cases, you may still need to pay for labor. If the part isn’t covered by the warranty, you will need to pay for it, too.

What is 2-stage cooling for air conditioners?

2-stage cooling means that the air conditioning unit or a heat pump uses a compressor with 2 levels that operate – high during summer days and low during cooler days. The low setting is enough to satisfy cooling demands most of the time so a 2-stage unit can run for long periods at steady temperatures.

How long will a furnace last in Ontario?

If it is maintained properly, you can expect a furnace to last about 15 years. With the cold climate, furnaces work hard for most of the year and need regular maintenance.

What is the best furnace in the market?

You can find several good and reputable brands of furnaces in the market but you should choose one based on your lifestyle and needs. Some furnaces are more expensive to install but are cheaper in the long term. You should also choose a furnace that optimizes efficiency and heat output and has a good warranty on parts to save on repairs.

How do I choose a HVAC contractor in Ontario?

When choosing a HVAC contractor, it is important to check their license. In Canada, HVAC professionals need to have industry knowledge and experience to apply for a license. They also need to carry comprehensive liability insurance to cover accidents.

It is important to compare multiple contractors before hiring the right one that suits your needs. Our partners were screened carefully based on their qualifications, experience, track record, insurance, and customer service. You should also ask for references from their most recent customers.

Save on HVAC System Replacement and Installation

We know it is important to save money on HVAC System Replacement and Installation so we made it easy for you to compare prices.

Our network has numerous contractors with the necessary qualifications to help you with the purchase and installation of your air conditioner, humidifier, furnace, or heat pump.

Improve your home’s heating and cooling system with the best HVAC equipment installed by an experienced contractor in your area.

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