Canada is home to a wide variety of climates throughout the country. Toronto alone has four very distinct seasons ranging from cold and snowy in the winter to hot and humid in the summer. In order to live comfortably in a country with so much seasonal variability, your home has to be equipped with a proper heater and air conditioner.
If you’re in need of heating and cooling service, then you’re probably concerned about how much the service is going to set you back. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be a mystery. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the costs of cooling and heating services!
HVAC System Installation and Replacement
Are you building a new home and need to decide on an HVAC system? Do you have an older home with an HVAC system that’s on its last legs? Whether you’re installing or replacing your existing unit, it’s important to explore your options and the associated costs before signing on the dotted line for the service.
Depending on the system you install, expect to pay between $2,500 and $7,000 for the installation or replacement. Most homeowners find that they pay around $5,000 for their HVAC systems.
Split Systems
Split systems are probably the most common type of air conditioner found in Canadian homes. These systems utilize two components, one inside the home and one outside of the home. Split systems are ideal for homes that have a central furnace because they use the same ductwork.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps work by pumping hot air in or outside of your home, depending on the season. In the summer, heat pumps move hot air outside of your home. In the winter, heat pumps work by pumping warmer outside air into your home, though some pull the heat from the ground.
Central Air Conditioners
Central air conditioners combine the components of a split system into one unit. Central air conditioning systems are typically installed on your home’s roof or on a slab near your home’s foundation. Air is drawn from outside of your home, which is then cooled and pumped inside of your home.
Heating System Installation and Replacement
Canadians utilize a couple of different heating methods to keep their homes warm. Depending on where you live and your preferences for your home, then one may work better than the other. Talk to your HVAC service technician about whether they need to be installed separately from your air conditioning unit.
The cost of your heating system is typically rolled into the cost of installing your whole HVAC system.
Furnaces
Furnaces are the most common source of heat for most Canadian homes. They blow heated air throughout your home through a system of ducts. Furnaces are typically powered by natural gas, fuel oil, or electricity.
Your furnace and your air conditioner usually work via the same thermostat. This is because they utilize many of the same systems. You only need to change the setting from cool to heat to use it.
If you need to replace your furnace, it will cost a minimum of $3,000. Many homeowners pay upwards of $5,000 if they have a large or sophisticated system.
Boilers
If your home has radiators, then your home is heated by a boiler. Boilers are water heaters that move hot water through your home via pumps to the radiators. Boilers are heated using power from natural gas or heating oil, but not electricity.
Unlike furnaces, boilers have a separate thermostat or aquastat to regulate the temperature of the water and, therefore, the temperature in your home. If you need to replace your boiler, expect to pay between $3,000 and $5,000.
HVAC and Heating System Repairs
If the thought of replacing your entire HVAC system makes you panic, don’t worry. Many issues with these systems can be resolved with simple repairs or by replacing specific parts. The following items are some of the most common repairs that come up for Canadian homeowners.
Ductwork Issues
Ductwork problems are easily the most costly of all the expenses you’ll incur, apart from replacing your entire system. Depending on the extent of the damage, you might only need to replace part of the ductwork, or you might need to replace all of it.
Expect to pay anywhere between $45 and $70 per linear foot to replace the ductwork in your home. The larger your home, the more feet of ductwork you’ll need to replace.
Circuit Board Repairs
Every HVAC system relies on a circuit board to keep the system running properly. Furnaces utilize a similar part, called a control board. Think of it as the brain of your air conditioner or furnace.
If your home’s circuit board or control board needs to be replaced, expect to pay anywhere between $150-$800.
Compressor Replacement
The compressor is a vital component of your air conditioning system. It’s tasked with moving outside air into refrigerant in order to convert it into cooler air. If your compressor needs to be replaced you’re essentially replacing the entire outside unit of your AC system or you can try increasing CFM on an air compressor for a better cooling experience.
Depending on the size of the compressor, it’ll cost anywhere from $1500 to $2500 to replace.
Are You in Need of Heating and Cooling Service in Canada?
As much as most homeowners would like to avoid it, it’s necessary to enlist the help of a heating and cooling service from time to time to keep your home comfortable. The cost of the service depends on a number of factors, including the size of your home, the type of unit you have, and the service required. Be sure to ask for a quote from multiple services, and you’ll be good to go!
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