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Ottawa's Air
Conditioning Experts!

Francis Plumbing & HVAC is the Gold Standard in Plumbing & HVAC in Ottawa providing Air Conditioning Repair, Air Conditioner Installation & Air Conditioner Tune-Up services since 1933!
We offer AC services throughout the Ottawa region including Nepean, Barrhaven, Kanata, Orleans, Gloucester, and Vanier. Our licensed and highly qualified HVAC technicians are available when you need us to replace or repair your air conditioning system fast and effectively. Trust our expertise and more than 90 years of experience to help you choose the best air conditioning solution for your Ottawa-area home.

MItsubishi split ductless

Buying A New Air Conditioner
in Ottawa

Installing a brand new air conditioner is the best way to beat the heat and enjoy a cool and comfortable summer! Whether you’re looking to replace an old unit or upgrade to a more energy-efficient model, Francis Plumbing & HVAC has you covered!

We know ac installation like the back of our hand! Discover the perfect air conditioner for your home and enjoy a breath of fresh air.

Best Plumber Ottawa

Types of Air Conditioners

There are more types of residential air conditioners on the market than what you might think!
The three most popular types of home air conditioners in Ottawa are:

The most common type of air conditioning in Ottawa homes is central air conditioners. These allow you to cool your entire home using the existing ductwork connected to your furnace.

A central AC air conditioner works to cool your home both by dehumidifying it, and then blowing cool air through it. It does this using two main parts; the outdoor unit which contains the motor and condensing coil, and the evaporator coil that’s inside your ductwork, typically right above your furnace. Together, they form a closed loop system that circulates refrigerant. As the warm air passes over the indoor coil it cools down, and then makes its way through the ductwork into your home through the vents.

In nearly all cases, your air conditioner will use the same thermostat as your furnace. It is typically set to Cool for the summer months to control the air conditioned, and will need to be swapped over to Heat again as colder fall days approach. Some thermostats allow for both Heat and Cool mode to be present at the same time to regulate both the upper and lower indoor temperature thresholds.

Homeowners are advised to replace their central air conditioner and furnace or air handler at the same time. This maximizes system dependability since both primary pieces are the same age. Secondarily, it increases efficiency since newer equipment works best when paired with new equipment; in some cases – like communicating equipment – it’s necessary. There can also be cost savings when replacing the entire system together rather than separately since some of the labour can be saved when the air conditioning system and furnace are changed at the same time. However, when adding a central air conditioner for the first time, there’s no need to replace your furnace if it’s been recently installed and in good condition. If you’re thinking about adding AC to your home, it’s a good time to act now! A Comfort Advisor can answer more specific questions about air conditioner installation and compatibility during an on-site assessment.

Central air conditioners typically last between 10 to 15 or more years depending on the completion of regular maintenance and the quality of the installation. More frequent air conditioner repairs will be required as the system ages. Get your Free AC Buyers Guide for complete details

As more people become motivated to use increasingly eco-friendly mechanical systems, we will see an increase in more homes switching to a heat pump to replace their air conditioner. The greatest benefit of heat pumps is the ability to function as an air conditioner replacement!

Heat Pumps work just like central air conditioners with a unit outside that connects to a coil above your existing furnace. In the summer time the Heat Pump dumps the hot air outside and the cool air inside – in the winter time it works in reverse dumping the cold air outside and the warm air inside to heat your home.

Heat Pumps used to be very costly and not practical for use in Canada until recently, as new heat pumps can provide heat when it is as low as -10°Celsius outside (newer cold climate rated heat pumps can continue providing heat with outdoor temperatures as low as -25°C or -30°C – via a major manufacturer)

Heat pumps – like ALL air conditioners listed – operate on electricity. The higher the efficiency the lower the electrical usage (meaning a lower hydro bill). The higher the efficiency the higher the price tag so you have to find that perfect balance of what will minimize your carbon footprint without costing you more in the long run.

A split ductless heatpump, also known as a ductless heat pump, is the best solution if you DO NOT have existing duct work. This is common in older homes (heritage homes) and homes built with hydronic heating systems (boilers, radiant floor heating and radiators).  When there is no duct work existing a split ductless air conditioner is the perfect solution.

It works like a central air conditioner with an outdoor unit for dumping the hot air outside that is connected by a refrigerant line to a self contained indoor unit called a head. These units are available in multiple heads (this way you can have an AC head in each necessary room of the house). Each head is independently controlled with its own remote controller so you can adjust different temperatures for different rooms for maximum comfort.

Your home’s size and layout, as well as your budget, will impact which home cooling solution is best for you. Each type of air conditioner has its own benefits, all of which provide the following benefits:

Central Air Conditioner Ottawa

Central Air Conditioner

The most common type of air conditioning in Ottawa homes is central air conditioners. These allow you to cool your entire home using the existing duct work connected to your furnace.

Heat Pump with Cooling Ottawa

Heat Pump w/Cooling

Heat Pumps work just like central air conditioners with a unit outside that connects to a coil above your existing furnace. In the summer time the Heat Pump dumps the hot air outside and the cool air inside – in the winter time it works in reverse dumping the cold air outside and the warm air inside to heat your home.

Split Ductless System

Split Ductless

A split ductless air conditioner is the best solution if you DO NOT have existing duct work. This is common in older homes (heritage homes) and homes built with hydronic heating systems (boilers, radiant floor heating and radiators). When there is no duct work existing a split ductless air conditioner is the perfect solution.

AC Specials

Save $500 On A New Heat Pump with Cooling!

Stay warm all cool all summer and warm all winter with a brand-new heat pump!

Heat pumps are highly efficient systems that can reduce both your home’s carbon footprint and energy bills!

Get Up To $7,100 In Rebates On A New
Heat Pump with Cooling!

Have you heard of the Greener Homes Grant? The Federal Government has recently released a special incentive program that incents you to upgrade your home’s cooling with a high efficiency heat pump! Modern heat pumps include cooling systems that can both heat your home in the winter and keep it cool in the summer.

Find out how you can upgrade to a high efficiency cold climate heat pump and save up to $7,100 in rebates — contact us today!

BOOK A NEW AC CONSULTATION

To help you select the best AC system, we recommend scheduling a FREE air conditioning consultation with a Francis Plumbing  advisor.  During the consultation the advisor will review the following with you:

  • Review which type of AC system unit will best fit your home (size, efficiency, etc.) and your family’s home comfort needs 
  • Review your budget as well as different finance options and any rebates that may be available for the air conditioner installation 
  • Discuss the different indoor air quality options for improving the overall health of your home and family

Whether you are thinking of adding an air conditioning system or unit to your home or you already have one that is over 10 years old that should be replaced with a unit that uses much less electricity – speaking to a professional consultant can help you plan (and budget) for the future.

Call Now or Book a free in-home consultation with a professional comfort advisor to get started!

AC Maintenance
and Protection Plans

Preventative equipment maintenance is an excellent way to avoid surprise ac repairs and extend the life of your air conditioning system. The Francis Plumbing GOLD Maintenance Plans include tune-ups for a wide range of home equipment, such as furnaces, air conditioners, boilers, water heaters, and more! These plans are designed to save Ottawa homeowners money by maintaining efficiency, reducing operating costs, and keeping your equipment in good working condition during those peak months of use. As a GOLD member, you become our priority, receiving discounted rates for maintenance and additional discounts for ac repairs and other services. You can cancel the plan anytime, and you’re free to contact other companies if you choose.

As a GOLD member, you enjoy priority service and special benefits such as:

  • Annual air conditioner maintenance and system tuneups
  • AC safety inspections
  • Discounts on air conditioning service and plumbing, new equipment or renovations
  • Free AC diagnostics within 30 days
  • Exclusive emails providing air conditioner replacement and repairs tips and in air conditioner sales, promotions and rebates

The GOLD Membership Maintenance Plan enables you to purchase annual preventative maintenance of your air conditioner including an inspection and tune up at a discounted rate.

To protect your equipment and start saving money, simply call us today or contact us for an application. We strive to make equipment protection effortless for you!

air conditioner repair ottawa

We Are Proud of Our Accreditations:

Why Choose Francis Plumbing And HVAC?

90+

Years Serving Greater Ottawa Region

24 / 7

Emergency
Service

400+

5-Star
Reviews

Marie-Claude Roy
Marie-Claude Roy
Read More
We used Francis Plumbing & Heating in the fall to replace our hot water tank and furnace in the same week after a friend recommended them. The experience was very smooth, professional, efficient, and the jobs were done on time, cleanly and were well priced. We also just had our air conditioner die in the first heat wave of the season and did not hesitate for a second before calling up Francis Plumbing & Heating. Once again, they delivered with exceptional responsiveness, quality, and value. Every one we've dealt with from that first phone call to receive a quote, to working with admin for payment and scheduling, to the employees in our home doing the installation have been amazing; so polite and friendly, so knowledgeable and helpful, so hardworking and efficient. HVAC and plumbing jobs are never fun because they are inconvenient and tend to cost a lot but Francis Plumbing & Heating Ltd has made our experiences very positive! We 10/10 recommend them.
Laith B.
Laith B.
Read More
Francis Plumbing & Heating has impressed me with their courteous and professional service from initial quote with advice that saved us hundreds of dollars and felt more like a masterclass in heating and ventilation than a sales pitch (thanks Ray) to follow-up communication without pressure from Ray and Jeff, to personal-touch front-office booking and communication, all the way to COVID-19 precautions during installation and obvious pride of workmanship from the technicians involved (Jeff, Ian, and Jordan H). The prices are fair, and competitive. The quality of the workmanship is top-notch. The customer service leaves the impression that Francis Plumbing & Heating is a reputable company is proud of their reputation, but doesn't rest on their laurels, and sees every project as an opportunity to earn your respect and future business.
Arnold Kovacs
Arnold Kovacs
Read More
Francis Plumbing was great! I was able to get the installation just a few days after my quote. Ian and Ray were great during the installation process, and when we discovered an issue with the installation, they were able to find me a suitable alternative and still install it on the same day.
Piper Bernbaum
Piper Bernbaum
Read More
We have used Francis Plumbing & Heating for three years now and have no regrets using them on each and every project. They are a stellar team of professionals I would 100% recommend to anyone looking for work to be done. They helped us on our new home to assess the plumbing, install outdoor faucets, get a new efficient water heater in, and to help us connect all our new appliances. We've had them back for furnace maintenance, new faucets, new toilets, etc. This week they installed a heat pump system for us and helped manage all the work to have an energy assessment for the available rebates. The new heat pump is amazing - quiet, efficient, and functions so well. The team at Francis is always friendly, kind, professional, and careful. They do clean work that is always really well managed, and they clean up fully after all their work. They are a fantastic group who communicates clearly, who let us know our options, and offer great financing too. We would work with no one else.
Siavash G.
Siavash G.
Read More
We had Pat and Kyle E install a ductless heat pump and they did an excellent job. They were fast, resourceful and they consulted us about all the major decisions. I highly recommend Francis Plumbing & Heating for your next home project.
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Is your air conditioner broken or not working properly?

Don’t sweat it! We understand that a broken air conditioner can be frustrating, especially during hot summer months. Our expert technicians are equipped to handle all your air conditioner repair needs. From addressing common AC issues to diagnosing complex problems, we ensure your cooling system runs efficiently throughout the year. Trust us for professional and prompt AC repairs in Ottawa to keep you cool and comfortable during the hottest days.

For emergency air conditioner repair services at no extra cost call us at (613) 224-0041

Check out our handy checklist of common AC issues and solutions below:

Lack of Cooling

Poor Airflow

Strange Noises

Water Leaks

Electrical Issues

Remember, while some air conditioner repairs can be handled by homeowners, it’s always advised to consult a certified HVAC technician for complex issues or if you’re unsure about performing AC repairs yourself. Our skilled team of technicians are just a phone call away, ready to provide prompt and reliable air conditioner repair services and emergency ac repair services through Ottawa and the surrounding region. 

Stay cool and comfortable this summer with our expert AC repair solutions. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and let us take care of your cooling needs. 

Areas We Serve

Air Conditioning FAQs

If you don’t have existing ductwork, a split ductless air conditioner is the ideal solution for your home. These systems consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units, connected by refrigerant lines. They offer several advantages, including easy air conditioner installation, zone-based cooling, and increased energy efficiency. Additionally, split ductless ACs provide flexibility in terms of placement and can be a cost-effective option for cooling specific areas or entire homes without the need for extensive ductwork installation.

Central air conditioners utilize existing ductwork connected to your furnace to cool your entire home. They consist of an outdoor unit that removes hot air and a coil above your furnace that blows cold air through the ductwork.

No, a heat pump cannot fully replace both the air conditioner and the furnace. While it provides cooling in summer and heating in spring/fall, it’s not recommended as the sole heating source in extremely cold weather. It’s advisable to have a backup system, such as a hybrid (with a gas furnace backup) or full electric setup (with options like duct heaters, electric furnaces, fan coils, or baseboard heaters) for efficient heating during colder months.

Installing a heat pump can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and lower your energy consumption. It provides both cooling and heating, making it a more eco-friendly and budget friendly alternative. The Federal Government has provided incentives to homeowners looking to upgrade to a heat pump due to their high levels of efficiency.

On average, central air conditioners last between 10 to 20 years, depending on the unit’s quality, regular maintenance, and installation quality. More frequent ac repairs will be required as the system ages. 

Yes, you can upgrade your existing air conditioning system to a more energy-efficient model. Consider top-rated brands like Carrier, Trane, and Daikin for high-efficiency options. Heat pumps, which provide both cooling and heating, are also excellent choices for energy efficiency and year-round comfort.

Our professional estimator will assess your home’s size, layout, insulation, and other factors to recommend the appropriate size of air conditioner that suits your needs. Having a professional assess your home and calculate heat loss and air flow is crucial to ensure that you select the right-sized unit, as choosing an incorrect AC size can result in reduced lifespan of the unit and higher utility expenses due to inadequate cooling of your home.

Absolutely! Upgrading to a more energy-efficient air conditioning system, like a heat pump, can save you money on energy bills. Heat pumps provide year-round cooling and heating, and they qualify for grants, further enhancing your savings potential!

There are many factors that can affect an air conditioner’s performance — some issues can be resolved by basic troubleshooting but some problems are more complicated and must be examined by a licensed technician. If you’re having issues turning on your air conditioner, try the following:

  • Check for blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers
  • Check your thermostat to see it is on, set on cooling mode, and not reporting any errors
  • Ensure all vents and registers and not blocked and have proper airflow
  • Replace your air filter if it is dirty
  • Examine the condenser on the side of your home — see if there is any grass, weeds, leaves, or other objects that are on the unit

If you are still having issues, please Call Us. Our professional air conditioner repair services are here to keep you cool and comfortable

An air conditioner leak can be caused by multiple issues, such as improper installation, clogged drainage, old pipes, and even improper airflow. Also, leaked refrigerant is a cause for concern as exposure to the liquid is dangerous to your health. Phone a local ac repair technician immediately in order to determine the root of the problem and have it resolved.

Buying a new air conditioner to replace an older one that is near the end of its life is typically the best option for homeowners. Newer equipment is more energy efficient than older cooling systems, therefore when your air conditioner is starting to get old and is not functioning at its highest ability, you may actually save more money while still getting a drastic performance increase. Additionally, more frequent ac repairs will be required as the system ages. Contact a licensed ac repair technician to evaluate your current situation as in some cases the money saved on your utility bill may pay back what you’ve paid for a new air conditioner within years!

The suggested time frame to change your air conditioner’s air filter is every 3 months, but realistically an air filter should be checked every month and replaced if it looks dirty enough to restrict airflow.

Our team of air conditioning technicians is dedicated to servicing the Greater Ottawa Area! Regardless of your residence in prominent neighborhoods such as The Glebe, Orleans, Nepean, South Keys, Gloucester, Manotick, or Barrhaven, we pride ourselves on promptly dispatching a skilled technician to your doorstep within one hour!

Our team proudly provides 24/7 emergency air conditioner repair services in Ottawa and surrounding areas. No matter if it’s an evening, weekend or holiday, if disaster strikes our emergency AC repair team will be there in a flash.
 
For all HVAC emergency services call us at (613) 224-0041. Emails are only replied to during office hours.

The most common air conditioning issues we encounter are:

  • Insufficient cooling
  • Poor airflow
  • Strange Noises
  • Water leaks
  • Electrical issues

Our skilled team of technicians are just a phone call away, ready to provide prompt and reliable air conditioner repair services through Ottawa and the surrounding region.

Yes! Francis Plumbing has proudly served communities across the Ottawa-Gatineau Metropolitan Area for over 90 years! Take a look at our full service area here.

Whether you’re looking for “ac repair near me” or other HVAC solutions local to your area, Francis Plumbing has you covered!

The ideal temperature for Ottawa homeowners depends on personal preference. However, since the Ottawa area typically has hot summers, it is recommended that the thermostat be set at a comfortable temperature between 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit (22-26 degrees Celsius) for cooling during hot summer months!

AC Resources