Frequently Asked Questions
HVAC Questions Answered
Common questions from Oxford County homeowners about furnaces, heat pumps, AC, rebates, and more.
Furnace
What size furnace do I need for my home?
Furnace sizing depends on your home's square footage, insulation, ceiling height, number of windows, and local climate. We perform a proper Manual J load calculation before recommending any equipment — never just 'matching' the old furnace size.
How long does a furnace last?
A well-maintained gas furnace typically lasts 15–20 years. With regular tune-ups and filter changes, many last even longer. If your furnace is over 15 years old and needing frequent repairs, replacement is often the more economical choice.
Heat Pumps
What rebates are available for heat pumps in Ontario?
Ontario homeowners can access multiple programs: the Canada Greener Homes Loan offers up to $40,000 interest-free over 10 years; Enbridge HER+ provides up to $10,000+ for natural gas customers switching to heat pumps; Save on Energy offers additional incentives. Total savings often reach $15,000–$25,000. We handle all applications.
Do I need to replace my furnace when installing a heat pump?
Not necessarily. A dual-fuel system pairs a heat pump with your existing gas furnace, using the heat pump for mild weather and the furnace as backup in extreme cold. This reduces gas use while avoiding a full furnace replacement.
How much can I save with a heat pump compared to a gas furnace?
In most Ontario homes, a heat pump reduces heating costs by 40–60% compared to electric baseboard and 20–35% compared to gas, depending on electricity rates and natural gas prices. Air conditioning costs are also reduced since the heat pump replaces your AC.
Air Conditioning
Why is my air conditioner freezing up?
Common causes include restricted airflow (dirty filter, blocked vents), low refrigerant, or a dirty evaporator coil. Turn off the AC, switch to 'fan only' mode to thaw it, then call us. Running a frozen AC can damage the compressor.
Emergency
How quickly can you respond to a furnace breakdown?
We offer same-day emergency service across Oxford County and surrounding areas. For true emergencies (no heat in winter), we prioritize your call and aim to have a technician on-site within 2–4 hours during business hours.
Do you offer 24/7 emergency HVAC service?
Yes. We offer 24/7 emergency HVAC service for heating and cooling failures. After-hours emergency calls may carry an additional service fee, which our dispatcher will communicate clearly before dispatch.
What should I do while waiting for a furnace repair technician?
Keep interior doors closed to retain heat in occupied rooms. Use space heaters carefully — never leave them unattended. Turn off your furnace at the thermostat if you smell gas, and call Enbridge Gas at 1-877-362-7434 if you suspect a gas leak.
Maintenance
How often should HVAC filters be changed?
Standard 1-inch filters: every 1–3 months. Thicker media filters (4–5 inch): every 6–12 months. Homes with pets or allergies: more frequently. A clogged filter is the leading cause of HVAC breakdowns and efficiency loss.
Indoor Air Quality
What is TSSA certification and why does it matter?
TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) G2 certification is required by Ontario law to install gas appliances. Always verify your HVAC contractor holds a valid TSSA G2 licence before allowing any gas work in your home. Optimum HVAC is fully TSSA G2 certified and insured.
Financing
Do you offer financing for new HVAC systems?
Yes. We partner with approved lenders to offer flexible financing including 0% interest promotional periods on new furnace, AC, and heat pump installations. Ask about current offers when you request your free quote.
Have a Different Question?
Our team is happy to answer any HVAC question. Call or request a free quote.