Complete Ottawa HVAC FAQ hub for 2026: furnace vs heat pump cost comparison, AC sizing, rebate eligibility, ductwork upgrades, and licensed contractor selection. 16 of the most-asked HVAC questions answered for Ottawa homeowners.
Choosing the right heating system for Ottawa. **How much does a new furnace cost in Ottawa in 2026?** Mid-efficiency natural gas furnace (95-96% AFUE): $4,500-$6,500 installed. High-efficiency (97-98% AFUE): $5,500-$8,500 installed. Premium variable-speed (Lennox SLP99V, Carrier Infinity): $8,500-$13,000 installed. **Should I install a heat pump instead of a furnace in Ottawa?** Cold-climate heat pumps (Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat, Daikin Aurora) work effectively to -25°C in Ottawa — covers 95%+ o...
AC sizing and pricing for Ottawa. **How much does a new AC cost in Ottawa in 2026?** Mid-range 16 SEER central AC: $4,500-$6,500 installed. Premium 20+ SEER variable-speed: $7,500-$11,000. Ductless mini-split (single zone): $4,000-$6,500. Replacement-only (existing ducting): $3,500-$5,500. **What size AC do I need for my Ottawa home?** Rule of thumb: 1 ton of cooling per 600-800 sq ft of conditioned space in Ottawa. A 2,000 sq ft home typically needs 2.5-3 tons. Insist on a Manual J load cal...
HVAC rebates for Ottawa. **What HVAC rebates are available in Ottawa in 2026?** Canada Greener Homes: up to $5,000 for cold-climate heat pump installation, requires pre/post energy audits. Enbridge Gas: rebates for high-efficiency furnace upgrades (varies by program year). City of Ottawa: occasional incentive programs for fuel-switching. **How do I qualify for the Canada Greener Homes heat pump rebate?** Three-step process: (1) Pre-retrofit energy audit ($400-$700, registered Natural Resourc...
Keeping Ottawa HVAC running. **How often does my Ottawa furnace need servicing?** Annual professional service ($150-$250) extends furnace life by 5-10 years and maintains warranty coverage. Change filters every 3 months (more often with pets). Annual chimney inspection if oil-fired. **What licensing should my Ottawa HVAC contractor have?** G2 or G1 gas technician licence (TSSA-issued) for gas work. 313A or 313D refrigeration mechanic licence for AC work. ESA permit for new electrical circuit...
Mid-efficiency natural gas furnace (95-96% AFUE): $4,500-$6,500 installed. High-efficiency (97-98% AFUE): $5,500-$8,500 installed. Premium variable-speed (Lennox SLP99V, Carrier Infinity): $8,500-$13,000 installed.
Cold-climate heat pumps (Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat, Daikin Aurora) work effectively to -25°C in Ottawa — covers 95%+ of Ottawa heating hours. Backup electric or gas needed for extreme cold snaps. Total install: $14,000-$22,000 for ducted, $12,000-$18,000 for ductless multi-zone. Eligible for $5,000 federal rebate.
At 2026 Ottawa rates: heat pump operating cost is $1,200-$1,800/year for a typical home, gas furnace is $1,400-$2,200/year. Heat pumps win narrowly on operating cost and significantly on environmental footprint. Decision often comes down to upfront cost and rebate eligibility.
Modern 95%+ AFUE furnaces in Ottawa last 18-25 years with annual maintenance. Skipping maintenance reduces life by 30-40%. Heat exchanger cracks (the death sentence for a furnace) typically appear at 18-22 years.
Mid-range 16 SEER central AC: $4,500-$6,500 installed. Premium 20+ SEER variable-speed: $7,500-$11,000. Ductless mini-split (single zone): $4,000-$6,500. Replacement-only (existing ducting): $3,500-$5,500.