Heating and cooling, sorted before the next cold snap.
HVAC is the category where timing costs money. A furnace that fails during a January cold snap gets you emergency pricing and whatever equipment is on the truck. The same replacement booked in September is calmer and cheaper.
Tell IzDon what your system is doing — or how old it is — and we connect you with licensed local HVAC contractors who service and install that equipment.
DIY or pro? Changing filters, clearing the outdoor condenser and programming a thermostat are homeowner jobs. Anything involving gas, refrigerant or venting is legally restricted to certified technicians.
What this covers
Pick the closest match and we'll start your request with it filled in.
What usually goes wrong
The heating & cooling issues GTA homeowners ask about most — and what they typically mean.
Furnace blowing cold air
Failed igniter, flame sensor, or a lockout after repeated ignition failures. Sometimes just a clogged filter starving airflow.
No heat at all in winter
Treat as urgent below freezing — burst-pipe risk follows a cold house. Check the furnace switch and breaker before calling.
AC running but the house isn't cooling
Low refrigerant from a leak, a dirty condenser coil, or a failing capacitor. Topping up refrigerant without finding the leak is a temporary fix.
Rooms that are always too hot or too cold
Duct sizing, balancing and return-air problems — common in additions and finished basements.
Short cycling — turning on and off every few minutes
Oversized equipment, restricted airflow or a thermostat placed near a heat source. Hard on the compressor.
Water pooling around the furnace
A blocked condensate drain on a high-efficiency furnace or a plugged AC drain pan.
Carbon monoxide alarm sounding
Leave the house and call 911 or your gas utility's emergency line first. HVAC service comes after.
What heating & cooling costs in the GTA
Typical Greater Toronto Area price bands for 2026. Federal and Ontario rebate programs change frequently — confirm current eligibility before signing.
| Job | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Service call / diagnostic | $120 – $250 | Higher after hours |
| Annual furnace or AC tune-up | $120 – $250 | Cheaper on a maintenance plan |
| Common furnace repair | $250 – $900 | Igniter, sensor, blower motor, control board |
| Furnace replacement (high-efficiency) | $4,500 – $8,500 | Venting changes add cost |
| Central AC replacement | $4,000 – $8,000 | Depends on tonnage and SEER |
| Cold-climate heat pump | $9,000 – $18,000 | Rebates can offset a meaningful share |
| Ductless mini-split (1 head) | $4,000 – $7,000 | Each extra head adds $2k–$3k |
| Duct cleaning | $300 – $700 | Be wary of $99 bait pricing |
| Thermostat (smart) install | $150 – $400 | Plus the thermostat |
| New ductwork / major reconfiguration | $3,000 – $12,000 | Access driven |
Estimate ranges for the Greater Toronto Area, not quotes. Actual pricing depends on your home, access and scope — always get it in writing.
What moves the price
- Equipment tier — mid-range vs. premium brands and efficiency ratings swing the price thousands.
- Venting and chimney work when moving to a high-efficiency furnace.
- Electrical capacity — heat pumps and backup heat often need a panel or circuit upgrade.
- Emergency winter replacement vs. planned shoulder-season install.
- Rebates — federal and provincial programs can materially change the net price if you qualify before installing.
Want a real number for your heating & cooling job? Tell us what you need and local pros will quote it.
Get It DonePermits, licences & Ontario rules
Gas appliances in Ontario are regulated by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). Municipal building permits apply to ductwork and structural changes.
Gas work requires a certified technician
Only a TSSA-certified gas technician (G1/G2/G3) may install, alter or service a gas furnace, boiler, water heater or fireplace. Ask to see the card.
HVAC / mechanical permits
Most GTA municipalities require an HVAC permit for a new furnace or duct system installation, and for adding ductwork to a basement apartment.
Electrical side of a heat pump
New circuits and panel work for a heat pump or backup heat require an ESA notification by a licensed electrical contractor.
Contracts and cancellation rights
Ontario's Consumer Protection Act gives you a 10-day cooling-off period on most direct-agreement HVAC contracts signed at your door. Never sign a rental contract under pressure.
Before you hire: a quick checklist
- Ask for the TSSA gas technician certification and the company's licence.
- Confirm general liability insurance and a valid WSIB clearance certificate before work starts.
- Get the scope, materials, timeline and total price in writing — not a number over the phone.
- Be cautious with large upfront deposits. In Ontario a deposit of roughly 10–30% is normal; full payment up front is not.
- Ask who is actually doing the work — the person quoting, an employee, or a subcontractor.
- Hold back final payment until the work passes any required inspection and you've seen it finished.
- Get at least two quotes on equipment replacement — spreads of $2,000+ on identical systems are common.
- Confirm whether the equipment is purchased or rented. Rental contracts can attach to your home for a decade or more.
This is the same bar we use when we look at who to send your request to — read The IzDon Standard.
Heating & Cooling near you
Common problems — and who to call
Heating & Cooling guides & how-tos
Want to try it yourself first? Start here — and hand it over when the job gets bigger.
Heating & Cooling FAQs
How much does a new furnace cost in Toronto?
Most GTA homeowners pay $4,500–$8,500 installed for a high-efficiency gas furnace in 2026, depending on size, brand and whether venting or a chimney liner needs changing. Emergency winter replacements sit at the top of that range.
How long does a furnace last?
Typically 15–20 years with annual maintenance. Once a unit is past 15 and needs a repair over about $1,500, replacement is usually the better spend.
Are heat pumps worth it in Ontario winters?
Cold-climate models work well down to around -25°C and are usually paired with a gas or electric backup. They shine where you also want air conditioning, since one system does both — run the numbers with your actual gas and hydro rates.
Should I rent or buy a furnace or water heater?
Buying almost always costs less over the equipment's life. Rentals are marketed on the low monthly payment but often include escalators and buyout clauses. Read the term and the exit cost before signing.
How often should HVAC be serviced?
Once a year for the furnace (fall) and once for the AC (spring), plus filter changes every 1–3 months. Manufacturers often require documented annual service to honour a warranty claim.
Do I need a permit to replace a furnace?
Most GTA municipalities require an HVAC/mechanical permit for a furnace installation, and the gas connection must be made by a TSSA-certified technician. A reputable contractor handles the permit as part of the job.
One Request. IzDon.
Submit once instead of calling contractor after contractor. We aim to connect you with up to 3–5 relevant local service providers.
Get It Done