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 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.

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 and we will have a licensed technician come out to resolve the problem.

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 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. Contact a licensed 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:

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

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.

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!