Your Questions Answered
Your HVAC Questions, Answered by People Who Install This Stuff
These are the questions we get on the phone, at kitchen tables and in the furnace room. Short, honest answers, with a link to the page that goes deeper. If yours isn't here, call us. We'll answer it and probably add it to the list.
- Written by licensed Ontario HVAC technicians
- Costs quoted are real EHI starting prices
- Updated as programs and equipment change
- No sales pitch, just answers
Voted Best Company 2019 to 2021 · Authorized Midea, Lennox, Kepler & Rinnai dealer, plus Goodman · 20+ years
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- How much does a new furnace cost in Ontario?
- A new high-efficiency gas furnace installed by EHI starts at $3,300. Most homes land between $3,300 and $6,500 depending on BTU size, efficiency (96% or 97% AFUE), two-stage or variable-speed features and venting work. Your quote is guaranteed before install. More on furnace installation
- How much does a heat pump cost in Ontario after the rebate?
- Cold-climate heat pumps from EHI start at $5,500 installed. A typical central system runs $8,000 to $16,000 before rebates. With up to $7,500 from the Home Renovation Savings Program for electric, oil, propane or wood-heated homes, the net cost often lands in the same range as a furnace and AC replacement. More on heat pump rebates
- Should I repair or replace my furnace?
- If the furnace is under 12 years old and the repair is under about a third of replacement cost, repair it. If it's 15 or older, has a cracked heat exchanger, or needs a second major repair in two years, replace it. We give you both numbers. More on furnace repair
- Do heat pumps work in Ontario winters?
- Yes. Cold-climate heat pumps such as the Midea EVOX G3 and Kepler are rated to -30°C and keep most of their heating capacity at -15°C. In the coldest parts of the province we pair them with a gas furnace or electric backup. More on cold-climate heat pumps
- What size AC do I need?
- AC size depends on a heat-gain calculation covering square footage, insulation, windows, orientation and occupancy. A rough rule for Ontario is 1 ton per 600 to 1,000 square feet, but oversizing causes short cycling and humidity problems, so we calculate rather than guess. More on AC installation
- Why is my AC blowing warm air?
- The usual causes are a low refrigerant charge from a leak, a failed capacitor or contactor on the outdoor unit, a frozen evaporator coil from a dirty filter, or a thermostat set to fan-only. A diagnostic visit pins it down and comes with a written repair quote. More on AC repair
- Is a tankless water heater worth it in Ontario?
- For most families, yes. A Rinnai condensing tankless unit delivers endless hot water at 0.97 to 0.98 UEF, frees up floor space and ends monthly tank rental fees. Installed from $3,300. Sizing accounts for Ontario's cold winter inlet water. More on tankless water heaters
- How often should I service my furnace or heat pump?
- Once a year for a furnace or AC, and once a year for a heat pump (ideally fall). Annual service keeps efficiency up, catches small failures early and is usually required to keep extended warranties valid. More on HVAC maintenance
- Do I need a home energy audit for the heat pump rebate?
- No. Under the Home Renovation Savings Program a heat pump is a single-upgrade rebate with no assessment required. You do need pre-approval before installation and equipment from NRCan's qualified list. More on heat pump rebates
- What's the difference between an HRV and an ERV?
- Both bring in fresh air while recovering heat from the stale air going out. An HRV transfers heat only; an ERV also transfers moisture, which helps keep humidity balanced. In most Ontario homes an HRV is the standard choice; ERVs suit very tight homes or humid regions. More on HRV and ERV
- Can a ductless mini-split heat a whole house?
- A multi-zone ductless system with two to five indoor heads can heat and cool a whole house without ducts, with each room on its own control. Midea multi-zone systems run from 18,000 to 60,000 BTU. More on multi-zone ductless
- What humidity should my house be in winter?
- Aim for 30 to 40% relative humidity in an Ontario winter. Lower causes static, dry skin and cracked wood; higher causes condensation on windows. A whole-home humidifier with a humidistat holds the target automatically. More on humidifiers
Still have a question?
Call 1-647-694-5845 or send us the form. We answer HVAC questions seven days a week.
Why Ontario homes and businesses choose EHI Heating And Cooling
20+ years in Ontario homes
We've installed through more January cold snaps and July heat waves than we can count. That experience shows up in the sizing, the ductwork and the little details.
Voted Best Company 2019 to 2021
HomeStars Verified. Our reviews come from real Ontario homeowners and business owners.
Authorized Midea, Lennox, Kepler and Rinnai dealer, plus Goodman
Factory-backed equipment, factory-backed warranties, and techs trained on the gear we install. We install and service Goodman too.
Guaranteed final pricing
The number on your quote is the number on your invoice. We may also beat comparable reputable quotes by up to 10%.
Rebate paperwork handled
Pre-approval, heat-loss calculation and documentation for the Home Renovation Savings Program. You just sign.
Licensed, certified crews
TSSA-certified gas technicians, licensed refrigeration techs and ESA-licensed electrical work on every job.
Ready when you are
Call us or send the form. Quotes are free, guaranteed and come with your rebate estimate.
Quick reference
How much does a new furnace cost in Ontario?
A new high-efficiency gas furnace installed by EHI starts at $3,300. Most homes land between $3,300 and $6,500 depending on BTU size, efficiency (96% or 97% AFUE), two-stage or variable-speed features and venting work. Your quote is guaranteed before install.
How much does a heat pump cost in Ontario after the rebate?
Cold-climate heat pumps from EHI start at $5,500 installed. A typical central system runs $8,000 to $16,000 before rebates. With up to $7,500 from the Home Renovation Savings Program for electric, oil, propane or wood-heated homes, the net cost often lands in the same range as a furnace and AC replacement.
Should I repair or replace my furnace?
If the furnace is under 12 years old and the repair is under about a third of replacement cost, repair it. If it's 15 or older, has a cracked heat exchanger, or needs a second major repair in two years, replace it. We give you both numbers.
Do heat pumps work in Ontario winters?
Yes. Cold-climate heat pumps such as the Midea EVOX G3 and Kepler are rated to -30°C and keep most of their heating capacity at -15°C. In the coldest parts of the province we pair them with a gas furnace or electric backup.
What size AC do I need?
AC size depends on a heat-gain calculation covering square footage, insulation, windows, orientation and occupancy. A rough rule for Ontario is 1 ton per 600 to 1,000 square feet, but oversizing causes short cycling and humidity problems, so we calculate rather than guess.
Why is my AC blowing warm air?
The usual causes are a low refrigerant charge from a leak, a failed capacitor or contactor on the outdoor unit, a frozen evaporator coil from a dirty filter, or a thermostat set to fan-only. A diagnostic visit pins it down and comes with a written repair quote.
Is a tankless water heater worth it in Ontario?
For most families, yes. A Rinnai condensing tankless unit delivers endless hot water at 0.97 to 0.98 UEF, frees up floor space and ends monthly tank rental fees. Installed from $3,300. Sizing accounts for Ontario's cold winter inlet water.
How often should I service my furnace or heat pump?
Once a year for a furnace or AC, and once a year for a heat pump (ideally fall). Annual service keeps efficiency up, catches small failures early and is usually required to keep extended warranties valid.
Do I need a home energy audit for the heat pump rebate?
No. Under the Home Renovation Savings Program a heat pump is a single-upgrade rebate with no assessment required. You do need pre-approval before installation and equipment from NRCan's qualified list.
What's the difference between an HRV and an ERV?
Both bring in fresh air while recovering heat from the stale air going out. An HRV transfers heat only; an ERV also transfers moisture, which helps keep humidity balanced. In most Ontario homes an HRV is the standard choice; ERVs suit very tight homes or humid regions.
Can a ductless mini-split heat a whole house?
A multi-zone ductless system with two to five indoor heads can heat and cool a whole house without ducts, with each room on its own control. Midea multi-zone systems run from 18,000 to 60,000 BTU.
What humidity should my house be in winter?
Aim for 30 to 40% relative humidity in an Ontario winter. Lower causes static, dry skin and cracked wood; higher causes condensation on windows. A whole-home humidifier with a humidistat holds the target automatically.