Francis Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is your trusted furnace contractor in Ottawa, providing top rated furnace related services such as furnace installations, furnace repairs and furnace maintenance. With over 90 years of experience, we have the expertise to get any furnace related job done right! Since 1933 we’ve been proudly serving the Ottawa area including Nepean, Barrhaven, Kanata, Orleans, Gloucester, and Vanier.
It’s important to understand that furnaces are not your only option when it comes to heating your home. The main three home heating system options are furnaces, boilers and heat pumps. Currently, natural gas furnaces are by far the most common in Canada however, heat pumps have been rapidly gaining popularity in recent years as they are highly efficient – good for the planet and your wallet!
A furnace heats your home by burning fuel like natural gas, propane or oil. This heat is then distributed throughout the home using ducts and vents. It is the most common type of HVAC system used in Ottawa homes.
There are many types of furnaces, and finding the right one for you depends on your home, budget, and desired level of efficiency. In our professional opinion, a two-stage furnace is suitable for the vast majority of Ottawa homes.
A single-stage furnace has only one level of heating output, operating at full capacity whenever it’s on. It doesn’t modulate its heat output based on varying temperature needs, making it significantly less energy efficient than other types of furnaces and prone to short cycling which shortens the life of the equipment (learn more below).
Single-stage furnaces are more affordable upfront than other new furnaces but their low efficiency means higher monthly bills. We suggest steering clear of this type of furnace when looking for a new furnace.
A two-stage furnace has two levels of heating output: high and low. It can operate at a lower capacity on milder days, improving energy efficiency and providing more consistent indoor comfort by adjusting its output based on the required heating demand.
A two-stage furnace is a great option for anyone looking for a new furnace. These furnaces are slightly more expensive upfront than single-stage furnaces, however, their higher efficiency will provide lower monthly utility bills making it a smart financial decision long term.
If you have questions about furnace efficiency or are looking to buy a furnace in Ottawa – Contact us today!
A modulating furnace is a premium HVAC product that adjusts its heating output continuously, like a dimmer switch, based on the precise heating needs of the space. This results in highly efficient and consistent temperature control, minimizing energy usage and providing optimal comfort.
Modulating furnaces typically cost more than other new furnaces but reward the homeowner with the highest energy efficiency available and the most consistent home comfort.
If you have questions about furnace efficiency or are looking to buy a furnace in Ottawa – Contact us today!
The vast majority of furnaces in Ottawa and throughout Canada are powered by natural gas. This is because natural gas was the most affordable heating fuel choice for many decades and is more efficient than its predecessors like oil.
This landscape has started to change in the last few years with the introduction of the Canadian Federal Carbon Tax and instability in fossil fuel supply and cost. The Carbon Tax is set to triple in the next seven years and with it increase monthly utility bills on furnaces powered by fossil fuels such as natural gas, propane and oil. As a result of these economic conditions, as well as advancements in technology, electric-based heat pumps have been gaining popularity across North America.
At the same time, eco-consciousness is on the rise and many individuals are opting to reduce their carbon footprint by choosing greener home heating options such as electric heat pumps.
Natural gas furnaces are the most common home heating equipment installed in Ottawa homes because natural gas has been the most affordable fuel option here for decades. It’s important to keep in mind that utility bills on these furnaces will continue to rise as the Carbon Tax does.
Modern natural gas furnaces have high-efficiency ratings which keep utility costs in check. If your furnace is 20+ years old, a new furnace could help you decrease your monthly bills.
If you have questions about gas furnaces or are looking to buy a furnace in Ottawa – Call us today!
Propane is a good option for rural homeowners when natural gas is unavailable. It is more expensive than natural gas but still generally more affordable than electricity. As noted above the price of propane will continue to rise as the Carbon Tax does.
The homeowner must also work with a utility provider to ensure the propane is stored safely and refilled on a regular basis.
If you have questions about propane furnaces or are looking to buy a furnace in Ottawa – Call us today!
Oil used to be a common option for rural homeowners who couldn’t access natural gas however, its popularity has declined in recent years due to environmental concerns. The price has also become extreme given its scarcity, delivery costs, and the Carbon Tax.
The good news is that there has never been a better time to upgrade from an oil furnace to a heat pump! The Government of Canada is currently offering a rebate of up to $15,000 to homeowners who replace their oil furnace with a new, high-efficiency heat pump – Learn more.
If you have questions about oil furnaces or are looking to buy a furnace in Ottawa – Call us today!
Electric furnaces are more eco-friendly than other furnace options, however, they can be more expensive to operate depending on the utility costs in your area. Heat pumps also run on electricity but are generally more efficient than electric furnaces making them the more popular option. This is because heat pumps transfer heat rather than generating heat like a furnace does.
If you have questions about electric furnaces or are looking to buy a furnace in Ottawa – Call us today!
Hybrid systems are a combination of an electric and fossil fuel based heating source. Typically this is a heat pump paired with a high-efficiency natural gas or propane furnace.
This is a great option for those who want to reduce their monthly utility bills and be more eco-friendly while maintaining the reliability of a furnace that can quickly heat up the home on those extremely cold days.
If you have questions about hybrid systems or are looking to install a hybrid system in Ottawa – Call us today!
To determine the size of furnace you need, a professional Ottawa furnace service technician needs to conduct a heat load calculation. This calculation considers your home’s square footage, insulation levels, number of windows and doors, local climate, and more. The result is the heating capacity required to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.
Contact Francis Plumbing Heating & Cooling – your Ottawa HVAC experts – to get a proper heat load calculation. Our specialists will ensure your new furnace is sized to your home’s specific needs for optimal performance and efficiency.
A boiler uses either natural gas or propane to heat water that is then circulated through pipes and/or radiators in a building to heat the home and sometimes provide the home’s domestic hot water.
They are common in older homes in Ottawa but are not a popular choice for new installation because they are more expensive than furnaces and take up more room. Additionally, since homes with boilers typically lack ductwork they are not compatible with central air conditioners or central heat pumps.
Boilers are a great option, however, if you are interested in radiant floor heating. – Learn more about radiant floor heating
Conventional boilers used to be the standard. If you have an older boiler in your home chances are it’s a conventional boiler. These boilers have a flue to vent the boiler system however a significant amount of heat gets lost through this aged and inefficient design.
If you’re looking to get a new boiler there are better modern options for you like a condensing boiler.
Condensing boilers are much more efficient than conventional boilers because instead of a flue they use a heat recovery system, drastically reducing the heat lost through the system.
If you have questions about boilers or are looking to get a new boiler – Call us today!
A combi boiler, short for combination boiler, provides both central heating and domestic hot water from the same unit – removing the need for a separate water heater.
If you have questions about boilers or are looking to get a new boiler – Call us today!
Boilers are often seen as complicated systems to repair and maintain because they combine both plumbing and HVAC, but at Francis Plumbing, Heating & Cooling boilers are our specialty! With both highly trained and licensed plumbers and HVAC technicians on our team, we can do boiler repairs and boiler maintenance to get you up and running with heat and/or domestic hot water quickly.
Heat pumps are quickly becoming the new standard for both heating and cooling homes, as these highly efficient electrical systems often lower utility bills and carbon emissions. This year our team has installed over 5 times more heat pumps than the previous year!
What is a heat pump? A heat pump heats your home by extracting heat from the outside air and then transferring and releasing that heat into your home. Cold climate heat pumps can do this even through cold Ottawa winters. Then, when temperatures rise the heat pump will reverse its process to keep your home cool all summer long.
A central heat pump uses the ductwork of the home to circulate the cool or warm air. This is the best heat pump option for homes that have the ductwork to support it because the heating (or cooling) will be distributed evenly throughout the home.
What is a cold climate heat pump?
A cold-climate heat pump is a type of heating and cooling system designed to operate in colder climates. Traditional air source heat pumps have struggled to provide sufficient heat in very cold temperatures, as their efficiency decreases in line with the dropping temperature. Cold climate heat pumps are specifically engineered to overcome this limitation and work in even colder conditions.
If you have questions about heat pumps or are looking to buy a heat pump – Call us today!
A ductless heat pump is a heating and cooling system that doesn’t rely on ductwork. It consists of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units that are mounted on walls or ceilings, allowing for targeted temperature control in specific rooms of a building. It is the easiest solution for homes without existing ductwork.
What is a cold climate heat pump?
A cold-climate heat pump is a type of heating and cooling system designed to operate in colder climates. Traditional air source heat pumps have struggled to provide sufficient heat in very cold temperatures, as their efficiency decreases in line with the dropping temperature. Cold climate heat pumps are specifically engineered to overcome this limitation and work in even colder conditions.
If you have questions about heat pumps or are looking to buy a heat pump – Call us today!
Ground source heat pumps or geothermal heat pumps transfer heat between the ground and the home (most heat pumps transfer heat between the air and the home). Ground source heat pumps are extremely efficient and have exceptionally low operating costs! According to Natural Resources Canada, they are around 65% cheaper to run than electric furnaces and can provide 10-20% more savings than air-source heat pumps because the ground holds more heat than air.
The installation of a ground source heat pump, however, requires the installation of long pipes into the ground and a good amount of ground space, making geothermal heat pump systems most well suited to rural areas.
If you have questions about geothermal heat pumps or are interested in installing a geothermal heat pump – Call us today!
Hybrid systems are a combination of an electric and fossil fuel based heating source. Typically this is a heat pump paired with a high-efficiency natural gas or propane furnace.
This is a great option for those who want to reduce their monthly utility bills and be more eco-friendly while maintaining the reliability of a furnace that can quickly heat up the home on those extremely cold days.
If you have questions about hybrid systems or are looking to install a hybrid system – Call us today!
To help you select the best heating system for your home we recommend scheduling a FREE consultation with a Francis Plumbing, Heating & Cooling advisor. During the consultation, the advisor will review the following with you:
Whether you want to replace your current furnace with a new furnace that uses less energy, you want to install a new a high-efficiency heat pump, or you don’t know what to do about your old boiler system – speaking to a professional consultant can help you plan (and budget) for the future.
Contact Francis Plumbing Heating & Cooling – your Ottawa HVAC experts – for a free in-home consultation with a professional comfort advisor to get started!
Preventative maintenance for your furnace or home heating system helps identify and address potential issues before they escalate, ensuring optimal performance while minimizing the risk of sudden breakdowns. This is especially important during those cold Ottawa winters when reliable heating is essential. Regular maintenance also extends the lifespan of your furnace or home heating system, reduces energy consumption, and can potentially save you from costly repairs or replacements in the long run.
The Francis Plumbing, Heating & Cooling GOLD Maintenance Plans include tune-ups for a wide range of home equipment, such as furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, air conditioners, water heaters, and more! As a GOLD member, you become our priority, receiving discounted rates for maintenance and additional discounts for furnace repairs and other services.
Contact Francis Plumbing Heating & Cooling – your Ottawa HVAC experts – to learn more today!
Is your furnace, boiler or heat pump broken or not working properly?
Don’t worry! We understand that a broken furnace or home heating system can be frustrating, especially during those cold Ottawa winters. Our expert technicians are equipped to handle all your heating and furnace repair needs. From addressing common furnace issues to diagnosing complex boiler problems, we ensure your heating system runs efficiently throughout the year. Trust us for professional and prompt heating and furnace repairs in Ottawa to keep you cool and comfortable during the hottest days.
For emergency furnace repairs in Ottawa always call us at (613) 224-0041.
Like any mechanical system furnaces, they can experience problems over time. Regular maintenance and addressing issues promptly can help extend the lifespan of your furnace and keep your home comfortable and safe. Here are some common furnace repairs that Ottawa homeowners might encounter:
| Lack of Heating | Poor Airflow | Strange Noises |
|---|---|---|
| Check the thermostat settings. Make sure heating mode has been selected and it is set to the desired temperature. | Check and clean the air vents to remove any obstructions or dust buildup. | Keep notes on the types of sounds and frequency. |
| Replace dirty air filters to improve airflow. | Replace dirty air filters to improve airflow. | Schedule a professional inspection if the noise persists, as it may indicate a more serious issue. |
| Check the breaker and emergency switch to ensure the furnace has power. If you have a propane or oil tank ensure that it isn’t empty. | Consider cleaning your air ducts if it has been a long time. | |
| Ensure all windows and doors are properly sealed and that vents are open. | Call on the professionals. There is likely an issue with your equipment. | |
| After checking all the above call in the experts. There is likely an issue with the system. |
The cost of buying a new furnace can vary widely depending on several factors, including the size of the home, the type of furnace, its efficiency, brand, size, and any additional features. On average, a basic new gas furnace might cost around $4,000, while more advanced models with higher efficiency ratings or additional features could range from $4,000 to $7,000 or more.
Need an Ottawa furnace installation? Call Francis Plumbing Heating & Cooling your Ottawa HVAC specialists.
A well-maintained furnace can last 12 to 15+ years in the Ottawa climate. As the equipment ages, however, repairs become more common and the efficiency of the machine may no longer be optimal compared to newer furnace models, thus increasing utility costs. A trained HVAC professional will be able to advise you on whether the best decision for your home and wallet is to repair or replace.
Need a new furnace in Ottawa? Looking for furnace repairs in Ottawa? Contact Francis Plumbing Heating & Cooling your Ottawa HVAC experts.
A central furnace operates by drawing in cool air from your home through a return duct, then using a heat source such as natural gas, propane, oil or electric heating elements to generate heat in a heat exchanger. A blower fan then circulates the heated air through the furnace and into ducts that distribute it throughout your home. The thermostat monitors the indoor temperature and controls the central furnace, cycling it on and off to maintain the desired temperature. Finally, exhaust venting safely removes any combustion byproducts in gas central furnaces. This process efficiently warms your home and provides consistent comfort.
Need an Ottawa furnace installation? Looking for furnace repairs in Ottawa? Contact Francis Plumbing Heating & Cooling your Ottawa HVAC experts.
A furnace installation is a comprehensive process that encompasses several crucial steps to ensure your home’s heating system operates efficiently and safely. Firstly, HVAC professionals will assess your specific heating needs, taking into account factors like your home’s size and insulation. Then, they will remove your old furnace if you have one, disconnecting it from the ductwork and electrical supply.
Next, the new furnace will be carefully installed, connected to the existing ductwork, and integrated into your home’s electrical system. Proper ventilation and exhaust systems will also be installed to guarantee the safe operation of the furnace. After the furnace installation, technicians will conduct rigorous testing to verify that the new furnace is functioning correctly and efficiently.
A safety check will be performed to ensure that all components meet safety standards and pose no hazards. Finally, you will receive detailed instructions on how to operate and maintain your new furnace to maximize its lifespan and performance.
The furnace installation concludes with a thorough clean-up, leaving your home tidy and ready to enjoy the benefits of your new heating system.
Need a new furnace in Ottawa? Looking for furnace repairs in Ottawa? Contact Francis Plumbing Heating & Cooling your Ottawa HVAC experts.
A furnace is a heating system that heats air and then distributes it throughout a building using ductwork and vents. A boiler, on the other hand, heats water and uses pipes or radiators to distribute the heat throughout the building.
Looking to get a new boiler or furnace installed in Ottawa? Contact Francis Plumbing Heating & Cooling your Ottawa HVAC experts.
A gas combi boiler, short for combination boiler, is a compact and highly efficient heating appliance that provides hot water and central heating from a single unit. Gas combi boilers eliminate the need for separate hot water storage tanks, making them space-saving and energy-efficient.
Looking to get a new boiler? Contact Francis Plumbing Heating & Cooling your Ottawa HVAC experts.
The lifespan of a boiler typically ranges from 10 to 15+ years, depending on factors such as the quality of the unit, maintenance practices, and usage frequency. Regular maintenance and addressing issues promptly can help extend the boiler’s lifespan toward the upper end of that range.
Looking to get a new boiler? Call Francis Plumbing Heating & Cooling – your Ottawa HVAC experts – for all your boiler installation, boiler repair and boiler maintenance needs.
A boiler works by heating water using a fuel source like gas or oil. This hot water is then sent through pipes and/or radiators to provide heat throughout the home. Boiler heating is especially nice when implemented through radiant floor heating – Learn more about radiant floor heating
Ottawa homeowners have distinct HVAC needs driven by the city’s ever-changing weather patterns, ranging from frigid winters to humid summers. Ensuring reliable HVAC systems year-round is paramount to maintaining comfort and energy efficiency. To avoid costly repairs and ensure consistent indoor comfort throughout the seasons, regular HVAC maintenance should be a priority for homeowners in Ottawa.
Have you been searching for “Best HVAC Companies Ottawa”? Look no further than the experts from Francis Plumbing Heating & Cooling!
For immediate service, please use our live chat 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
Copyright Francis Plumbing Heating & Cooling
