Frequently Asked Questions

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning — the complete system that heats, cools, and circulates clean, comfortable air throughout your home.

In simple terms, it moves heat in or out of your home. In winter your furnace or heat pump adds warmth; in summer your AC removes heat; and the blower and ductwork distribute conditioned air — all guided by your thermostat.

Typically a furnace or air handler, an outdoor AC condenser or heat pump, an indoor evaporator coil, ductwork, a thermostat, and an air filter.

It burns natural gas (or uses electric elements) to heat air inside a heat exchanger. The blower pushes that warm air through your ducts while the exhaust gases vent safely outdoors.

Refrigerant absorbs heat from your indoor air at the evaporator coil and releases it outside at the condenser. The cooled air is then blown back through your ducts.

A heat pump moves heat instead of creating it — pulling warmth from outdoor air to heat your home in winter, then reversing to cool it in summer. That makes it very efficient.

It is the control centre of your system — sensing room temperature and telling your equipment when to heat or cool. Smart thermostats add scheduling and remote control for extra savings.

Common culprits include a tripped breaker, a dead thermostat battery, a clogged filter, a blown fuse, or a failed capacitor or motor. Check the simple items first — if it persists, our technicians diagnose it 24/7.

Banging, squealing, or grinding usually points to a loose component, a worn blower bearing, a failing motor, or debris. Don't ignore it — early repair prevents far costlier damage.

Most often it is a clogged condensate drain line or a frozen evaporator coil that is thawing. Turn the system off and call us to avoid water damage.

It could be a thermostat set to fan-only, an ignition or pilot issue, an empty fuel source, or a heat pump in its defrost cycle. We will pinpoint the cause quickly.

Possible causes include a faulty igniter, a gas-valve problem, a dirty flame sensor, or a thermostat fault. Because these are safety-sensitive, they are best handled by a certified technician.

It depends on the part and labour involved. We always provide upfront, honest pricing before any work begins — no surprises.

Comfort issues should be addressed within a day or two. Anything involving no-heat in winter, gas, electrical, or water is an emergency — call us right away, any time, day or night.

A cracked heat exchanger or poorly vented gas furnace can leak carbon monoxide, which is dangerous. Keep working CO detectors and have your furnace inspected yearly — we test for this on every tune-up.

Yes. Excess moisture from leaks, high humidity, or dirty coils and ducts can grow mold. Proper maintenance, drainage, and humidity control prevent it.

It varies with system type, size, efficiency, and your home. The best way to know is a free in-home assessment, after which we provide an exact, written quote.

Equipment type and efficiency (SEER and AFUE), home size, ductwork condition, installation complexity, and any add-ons such as smart thermostats or air-quality equipment.

Differences in brand and efficiency, installation quality, warranties, and whether ductwork or electrical work is needed. The cheapest option is rarely the best — workmanship matters most.

Yes. We provide free, no-obligation quotes with clear, upfront pricing.

Yes — we partner with Financeit for flexible monthly payment plans, including 0% interest and deferred-payment options. Ask us for details.

Standard policies usually do not cover normal wear or age-related failure, but may cover damage from a covered event such as fire or flood. Check your policy for specifics.

For homeowners they generally are not deductible, but rebates and incentive programs may apply to high-efficiency equipment. Ask us about current rebates in your area.

Once a year per system — heating before winter and cooling before summer. Annual tune-ups keep things safe, efficient, and warranty-compliant.

Typically every 1 to 3 months, depending on the filter type, pets, and how much you run the system.

Check it monthly, and replace (or wash, if it is a washable type) every 1 to 3 months. A clean filter is the simplest way to protect your system.

Usually in the return-air duct or in a slot on the furnace or air handler. We will show you exactly where during your service visit.

Regular filter changes, annual professional tune-ups, keeping the outdoor unit clear of debris, and clearing the condensate drain. These prevent the large majority of breakdowns.

Yes. It prevents costly failures, lowers energy bills, keeps your air healthy, and is often required to keep your manufacturer warranty valid.

Absolutely. Well-maintained systems commonly last several years longer — and run more efficiently — than neglected ones.

Change filters on schedule, book annual tune-ups, address small issues early, and keep airflow unobstructed. A maintenance plan makes it effortless.

Yes. A clogged filter restricts airflow, overworks the blower, can freeze the coil, and may lead to premature system failure.

With good maintenance, most systems last about 15 to 20 years overall, though it varies by component and usage.

On average about 15 to 20 years with regular servicing.

Roughly 12 to 15 years, depending on usage and maintenance.

When it is near the end of its life, repairs are becoming frequent or expensive (a single repair over about half the cost of replacement), efficiency has dropped, or it uses phased-out refrigerant. We give you an honest repair-versus-replace recommendation.

A standard replacement usually takes most of a day. More complex jobs, such as new ductwork, can take longer.

Yes — most straightforward furnace or AC replacements are completed in a single day.

Most installations do require a permit — and we handle the permitting and code compliance for you.

Yes. We remove and responsibly dispose of your old equipment as part of every installation.

Spring and fall often offer the most flexible scheduling, but we install year-round, including emergency replacements.

Yes. Modern high-efficiency systems can use significantly less energy than older units, often paying back the difference over time.

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures cooling efficiency — the higher the SEER, the less energy your air conditioner uses.

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) measures furnace efficiency as a percentage. For example, 96% AFUE means 96% of the fuel becomes usable heat.

Yes. By automatically adjusting to your schedule and habits, they typically reduce heating and cooling costs. We install ecobee and Honeywell models.

Yes. Zoning lets you heat or cool areas independently, improving comfort and cutting waste in rooms you are not using.

High-SEER heat pumps, high-AFUE furnaces, variable-speed equipment, and smart controls. We size and recommend the right efficient system for your home.

Yes. Your AC removes humidity in summer, and add-ons like whole-home humidifiers and dehumidifiers keep levels comfortable year-round.

For many homes, yes — they deliver efficient heating and cooling in one system and can lower energy costs, especially when paired with available rebates.

Modern cold-climate heat pumps perform well through Canadian winters, and can be paired with a furnace (a hybrid or dual-fuel setup) for the coldest days.

Pros: very efficient, one system for both heating and cooling, and lower emissions. Cons: a higher upfront cost and, for older models, reduced output in extreme cold — which cold-climate or hybrid systems solve.

Yes. In many homes a heat pump can be the primary system, often with a backup furnace for peak cold in a hybrid configuration.

Often, yes — because they move heat rather than burning fuel. Actual savings depend on energy prices and your home.

Typically around 12 to 15 years with proper maintenance.

Ask about licensing and insurance, experience, warranties, written quotes, financing, and whether they are certified for your equipment. We are happy to answer all of these.

Always. It protects you and ensures the work meets code. Air Pro Heating and Air Conditioning Services is fully licensed and insured.

Comparing is smart — but weigh workmanship, warranty, and reputation, not price alone. We are confident in our value.

No license or insurance, no written quote, high-pressure sales tactics, vague pricing, large upfront cash demands, and no warranty on the work.

Reputable ones do. At Air Pro Heating and Air Conditioning Services, all of our work is guaranteed.

We register your manufacturer warranties and offer maintenance and protection plans. Ask us what is available for your specific system.

Yes. Annual servicing keeps your system safe and efficient, your air cleaner, and your warranty valid.

Consider it if you notice dust buildup, worsening allergies, musty odours, or after renovations. Duct cleaning improves airflow and air quality.

Duct cleaning, high-efficiency air filters, air purifiers and cleaners, humidifiers, and smart ventilation — from trusted brands like GeneralAire and Honeywell.

Generally between 30% and 50% relative humidity — comfortable, and high enough to discourage mold and dust mites without feeling damp.

In dry winters, a whole-home humidifier prevents dry skin, static, and cracked wood, and lets you feel comfortable at a slightly lower temperature — saving energy.