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.
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.
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:
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 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.
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.
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!
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!
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:
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!
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:
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!
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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:
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.
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:
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!
The most common air conditioning issues we encounter are:
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!
For immediate service, please use our live webchat or call us at (613) 224-0041.
Since 1933, Francis Plumbing, Heating and Cooling has been Ottawa’s trusted provider of HVAC and Plumbing services including installations, repairs & maintenance for furnaces, air-conditioners, heat pumps, boilers and water heaters. We offer after hours emergency HVAC repair services at no extra cost in Ottawa and surrounding areas including Barrhaven, Orléans, Vanier, Nepean, Kanata, and Stittsville. Contact us for all your HVAC and Plumbing needs!
894 Boyd Avenue
Ottawa, ON
K2A 2E3
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