Cold-climate ducted heat pump
Midea EVOX G3
2 to 5 ton, inverter, R-454B, ENERGY STAR cold climate, rated to -30°C
Up to 12 years parts and labour on select systems
AC Repair · Oshawa
AC Repair in Oshawa for Central Air on Old Ducts and Older Wiring
Lake humidity, undersized ducts and a condenser older than the kids
AC repair in Oshawa tends to involve equipment that has been cooling the same brick house for 15 or 20 summers. The condenser is tired, the ducts behind it were never meant for air conditioning, and the wiring feeding it dates from a different decade. Our licensed refrigeration technicians sort the quick fix from the real problem, quote the repair in writing and tell you when it is time to stop pouring money into the old unit, in Oshawa and throughout Ontario.
- Licensed refrigeration technicians for every brand of central air
- Airflow and duct checks, not just a refrigerant top-up
- Written repair price before any part is replaced
- Evening and weekend service through the hot stretch
Voted Best Company 2019 to 2021 · Authorized Midea, Lennox, Kepler & Rinnai dealer, plus Goodman · 20+ years
Our Brand Partners
Air conditioner faults we fix in older Oshawa homes
A central air conditioner bolted onto 60-year-old ductwork fails in predictable ways. Here is what each symptom usually means and how we handle it.
The AC is 20 years old and runs on R-22 refrigerant
R-22 is no longer produced, and the little that remains is costly. A small leak on an R-22 unit means a repair that may not be worth it. We test the system honestly, and if the charge is low we lay out the repair price beside a new cold-climate heat pump that cools and heats on a modern refrigerant.
The coil ices up every hot afternoon
In a wartime house the supply ducts are often too small to move the air a modern coil needs, so the coil runs too cold and freezes. A plugged filter makes it worse. We thaw it, replace the filter, measure static pressure and tell you whether the real fix is a duct change or a smaller, properly matched unit.
The upstairs of a 1.5-storey house never cools
Those half-storey bedrooms under the roof get one small supply duct and no return, so the AC cannot pull the hot air out. We balance what the ducts can do and, where that is not enough, add a single ductless head upstairs so the central system only has to cool the main floor.
The breaker trips when the compressor starts
A compressor's start-up current is hard on a weak capacitor and an old breaker. We test the capacitor, contactor and amp draw first. If the breaker or the wiring from a 60-amp or early 100-amp panel is the weak point, we quote that as ESA-licensed electrical work rather than resetting it and hoping.
The condenser sits on a sinking pad against the brick
A pad that has tilted over 20 years strains the line set and the refrigerant connections, and a unit jammed against a wall cannot pull air through its coil. We level the unit, check the line set for stress cracks and clear the airflow, and we recommend a better spot when the unit is replaced.
Water beside the furnace in the basement
The condensate drain in an older basement often runs to a floor drain that has not been cleared in years, or to nowhere at all. We clear the line, fit a trap and, where there is no drain nearby, add a condensate pump so the water goes where it should.
Cold but clammy on humid lake days
An oversized air conditioner cools the air fast and shuts off before it pulls the humidity out, which is why some Oshawa homes feel damp at 22 degrees. We check the sizing against the house's heat gain. A variable-speed heat pump at low speed fixes this better than any repair.
A north-end builder AC quit before its tenth summer
Newer homes in Windfields and Kedron came with the AC the builder could get cheapest, and coil leaks around year ten are common. We test the coil before quoting and show you the repair price next to a heat pump, since the ducts in those homes can usually carry one without changes.
Sound familiar?
Describe the problem and we'll tell you what it usually is, what it costs to fix, and whether it's worth fixing.
What AC repair costs in Oshawa
Repairs are priced after diagnosis and before any work. When an old unit is past saving, the cold-climate heat pump from-price shows where the modern replacement for central air starts.
| Service | Typical price in Oshawa |
|---|---|
| AC repair Diagnostic visit plus common parts such as capacitors, contactors and refrigerant leak repair | Quote after diagnosis |
| Central air conditioner, installed Lennox or Midea, sized from a heat-gain calculation | Written quote |
| Cold-climate heat pump, installed Midea EVOX G3 or Kepler, 2 to 5 ton, rated to -30°C | From $5,500 |
Installed pricing depends on size and installation requirements, and every job gets a written, guaranteed quote. Qualifying cold-climate heat pumps can bring back up to $7,500 through the Home Renovation Savings Program, and financing runs 0% for 3, 6 or 9 months on approved credit.
What an AC repair visit in Oshawa looks like
From your call to a condenser that starts quietly and a coil that stays clear.
- 1
Call or book online
Tell us the symptom, the age of the unit and whether anyone in the house is vulnerable to heat. No-cooling calls in a heat wave get priority, and we keep you posted on timing.
- 2
Test the system and the airflow
A licensed refrigeration tech measures pressures, amp draws and the temperature drop across the coil, then checks static pressure, because in an older house the ducts are often the real fault.
- 3
Written quote, your decision
You get the repair price in writing. On an old R-22 unit or a failed compressor you also get the replacement price, and nothing happens until you say so.
- 4
Repair and prove it
Most repairs are done on the first visit from stock on the truck. We run the system and confirm the temperature drop and the drain before we leave.
The modern replacement for a worn-out Oshawa air conditioner
A cold-climate heat pump is central air that also runs in reverse. It cools like the AC it replaces, heats the house on most winter days with the furnace as backup, and a qualifying model may bring back a Home Renovation Savings Program rebate. These are the units we install when an old AC is not worth another part.
Ducted heat pump
Kepler cold-climate
1.5 to 5 ton, rated to -30°C, quiet operation
Registered warranty
Single and multi-zone
Midea ductless
18,000 to 60,000 BTU outdoor units, wall-mounted heads
Registered warranty
What's included in an Oshawa AC repair visit
Older systems get the full check, because the part that failed is seldom the only one on its way out.
- Refrigerant pressures, superheat and subcooling measured
- Capacitor, contactor, compressor and fan motor amp draws tested
- Static pressure and airflow checked against what the coil needs
- Condenser coil cleaned and the pad checked for level and clearance
- Condensate drain cleared, trap and pump checked
- Breaker and disconnect inspected, with any electrical work quoted as ESA-licensed
- Written repair quote, plus a replacement quote on R-22 units and failed compressors
Replace the AC with a heat pump? What old ducts and Oshawa Power rates mean
When an Oshawa air conditioner reaches the end, the replacement question is different from the one in a new subdivision. The ducts in a wartime or post-war house limit what you can bolt on, and the hydro rate from Oshawa Power decides whether a heat pump's winter heating is a bargain or just a nice extra.
Our approach is to measure first. If the ducts can carry the airflow a 2 or 2.5 ton heat pump needs, a hybrid with your existing gas furnace is usually the best value: the heat pump cools in summer, heats on mild and moderate days, and the furnace takes over in deep cold. If the ducts cannot carry it, we say so and look at a ductless multi-zone system instead of forcing a unit that will freeze its coil every August.
- Capacitor, contactor, fan motor or drain on a unit under 10 years: repair
- Refrigerant leak on an R-22 unit of any age: replace
- Compressor or coil on a unit past 12 years: compare both prices
- Ducts that cannot carry the airflow: ductless, not a bigger central unit
The duct testing and chimney questions that come with a furnace swap are covered on our Oshawa HVAC page. For symptom-by-symptom help with any air conditioner in Ontario, the province-wide AC repair and maintenance page goes deeper.
What it costs, and how we keep it lower
Guaranteed pricing
Your quote is your final price. No surprise extras on the agreed scope of work.
Rebates up to $7,500
Cold-climate heat pumps may qualify through the Home Renovation Savings Program. We confirm eligibility and file the paperwork.
0% financing
Interest-free for 3, 6 or 9 months, or open loans from 2.99% on approved credit.
Up to 12 years parts and labour
Extended warranty on select systems when registered.
Want the real number for your home?
A guaranteed quote takes one visit. Rebate and financing options come with it.
What Oshawa homeowners can expect: our customers in their own words
Rated 4.5 on Google and voted Best Company 2019, 2020 and 2021 on HomeStars.
4.5Google rating from verified customers
We had a heat pump/AC unit installed by EHI, on time, on budget, great workmanship. Julian and team were knowledgeable and courteous. Dustin communicated well and is managing our government rebate for the new efficient system. Thank you Team!
Replaces our AC with a new heat pump in Ottawa and the whole experience was outstanding. From the first call, Dustin was incredibly responsive and communicated clearly every step of the way. He cut through all the usual sales fluff and got straight to what mattered — options, costs, timelines, and what made the most sense for our home. They addressed every concern I had, explained the details discussed my technical questions, and handled the installation quickly and professionally. The quality of the work is excellent, everything was done cleanly, and the system has been running perfectly since. Pricing was fair and transparent, and there were no surprises. It’s rare to find a company that combines speed, honesty, and solid workmanship like this. Highly recommended.
Recently got a shiny new heat pump installed. Went very well, nice unit and it works soooo quietly. These fine folks were very easy to deal with, professional and thourough. Would highly recommend.
Efficient Home Improvements truly went above and beyond. Our furnace failed on Christmas Eve in Ottawa, and their team stayed up late (3:00am) that night to replace it. Their responsiveness, professionalism, and dedication during the holidays were exceptional. The work was completed efficiently, and everything was explained clearly. It’s rare to find a company willing to sacrifice their own holiday time to ensure a customer’s home is warm and safe. I highly recommend Efficient Home improvements to anyone in need of reliable and compassionate service.
I recently had a new furnace and tankless water heater installed by this company. Excellent service by both office and technicians , I highly recommend!
The Installers were great.. Got in and got the job done..the furnace works amazing compared to the old one !!! Need a furnace..A/C water tankless system..there your guys!!!!
Had a tankless water heater installed and couldn’t be happier. The installation was quick, professional, and the system works great — endless hot water and more efficient than my old tank. Highly recommend!
Dustin and his team were really responsive and helpful in getting us a new heat pump to replace our broken AC unit. The team went above and beyond helping us through the process and answering other questions about the house we recently moved in to. I would highly recommend Efficient Home Improvements for any of your HVAC needs.
Licensed HVAC Contractor · Serving Ontario for 20+ Years
Proudly Serving Oshawa, Ontario
EHI Heating And Cooling has kept Ontario homes and businesses comfortable for more than 20 years. Our licensed crews come to your home or business anywhere in Oshawa, with a written, guaranteed quote before any work starts.
- ServingOshawa, Ontario
- Phone1-647-694-5845
- Emailefficienthomecomfort@gmail.com
Business Hours
- Monday8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Tuesday8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Wednesday8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Thursday8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Friday8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Saturday8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
- Sunday10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Emergency service available evenings, weekends and holidays.
More HVAC help in Oshawa and nearby
Other cities in Durham Region we serve
Every city gets the same licensed crews, guaranteed pricing and rebate paperwork. Pick yours for local details.
Frequently asked questions
How much does AC repair cost in Oshawa?
AC repair in Oshawa is quoted in writing after diagnosis, so the price depends on the failed part. A capacitor or contactor is a modest repair, a compressor or evaporator coil costs much more, and if replacement is the better value a cold-climate heat pump starts at $5,500 installed.
Can you repair an air conditioner in Oshawa on a weekend?
Yes. We take cooling calls evenings, weekends and holidays, and during a heat wave no-cooling calls go ahead of routine work. We give you a realistic window when you call rather than a promised arrival time.
Is it worth repairing an R-22 air conditioner?
Usually not if the repair involves refrigerant. R-22 is no longer produced and a leak repair plus recharge on a 20-year-old unit often costs a large share of a new system that cools better and heats too. A capacitor or contactor on the same unit is still worth fixing.
Why does my AC freeze up in my older Oshawa house?
The ducts in many older Oshawa homes are too small to move the air the coil needs, so the coil gets too cold and ices over, and a clogged filter or low refrigerant makes it worse. We measure static pressure and the charge to find which one it is.
Can my old ductwork handle a heat pump instead of a new AC?
Often it can carry a correctly sized heat pump, and we test the ducts before we promise anything. A hybrid with your gas furnace uses the same ducts and blower, and a qualifying model may earn a Home Renovation Savings Program rebate, commonly up to $2,000 for a gas-heated home. Eligibility has to be confirmed before the install, and program terms can change.
How often should central air be serviced in Oshawa?
Once a year, in spring before the first hot stretch. A yearly tune up cleans the coils, tests the capacitor and the charge, clears the drain and keeps most manufacturer warranties valid, which matters more on an older unit.
Page reviewed and updated October 27, 2026. Prices, rebates and program terms are checked at each update.