Cooling
Air conditioning installation in Ottawa
Ottawa summers are short, hot and humid. A properly sized central air system keeps the whole house cool and pulls moisture out of the air, without running loud all afternoon.
- HRAI member
- TSSA affiliated
- Licensed technicians
- Free estimates
01Is it time?
It may be time for new central air if…
- 01 Your air conditioner is 12 to 15 years old or more and losing ground on hot days.
- 02 It uses R-22 refrigerant and needs a recharge.
- 03 The house feels cool but clammy, or upstairs stays hot.
- 04 You're replacing your furnace and want the cooling side matched.
- 05 You're tired of window units and the noise that comes with them.
- 06 Your side yard is too narrow for a traditional square condenser.
02The install
What's included in every AC install
Most AC complaints come from sizing and airflow, not the brand. This is what we do on every job.
Cooling-load calculation
We size the system to your home's actual heat gain. An oversized air conditioner cools fast but shuts off before it removes humidity, so the house feels damp.
Matched indoor coil
The outdoor unit, indoor coil and furnace blower have to be matched to reach their rated efficiency. We check your furnace's blower and fit the right coil.
Ductwork check
Cooling needs more airflow than heating. We look at return air and supply runs, especially to upstairs rooms, and flag changes before we quote.
Outdoor placement
Set level on a pad or bracket, clear of dryer vents and roof drip lines, with room for airflow and service.
Line-set and electrical
Refrigerant lines pressure-tested and vacuumed, charge checked on start-up, and the electrical done to code with a proper disconnect.
Walk-through and paperwork
We show you the thermostat settings and filter, register the manufacturer warranty and leave the paperwork with you.
03Featured equipment
Goodman SD Series: central air for narrow side yards
Many Ottawa homes have only a metre or two between the house and the fence. The Goodman SD Series discharges air out the side instead of the top, which makes the unit slimmer and easier to place in tight spots.
The SD Series is available as a straight air conditioner or as a heat pump. If you're replacing your AC, it's worth asking whether the heat pump version makes sense for your home.
- Slim footprint for side yards and townhouse lots
- Side discharge keeps hot air away from the space above
- Quiet operation
- Available as an air conditioner or a heat pump
- Free in-home estimate
04Options
Which cooling system is right for your home?
We'll recommend one after we've seen the house, the ducts and the yard.
Central air conditioner
Best for: Homes with ductwork and a furnace in good shape
An outdoor unit and an indoor coil on your furnace cool the whole house through the existing ducts. The familiar, reliable choice.
Heat pump instead of AC
Best for: Owners who want lower heating costs too
Installed the same way as an air conditioner, but it also heats in spring, fall and much of the winter. Your furnace stays as backup for the coldest days.
Ductless mini-split
Best for: Homes with radiators or no ducts
Wall-mounted heads cool the rooms that need it, with no ductwork. Common in older homes heated by boilers or baseboards.
05How it works
From first call to first cold night
- 1
Call or book online
Tell us what you have now and which rooms aren't comfortable in summer.
- 2
Free in-home estimate
We look at the furnace, ducts, electrical and where the outdoor unit can go.
- 3
Clear written quote
Equipment, scope of work and price in writing, including any duct or electrical changes.
- 4
Installation day
A straight AC replacement is usually done in a day. We test cooling, airflow and refrigerant charge before we leave.
- 5
Yearly maintenance
A spring tune-up keeps the coils clean and the charge right, and protects the warranty.
What does central air cost in Ottawa?
The main factors are the size of the system, its efficiency rating, whether the indoor coil and line-set need replacing, and any duct or electrical work. Adding central air to a house that has never had it costs more than replacing an existing unit.
The estimate is free and the price is in writing before we start.
Rebates & financing
A standard air conditioner rarely qualifies for rebates, but choosing a heat pump instead often can. We check current programs for your home during the estimate.
Current programsWhat size air conditioner do I need?
It depends on your home's insulation, windows, sun exposure and layout, not just the square footage. We do a cooling-load calculation so the system is neither too small for July nor so large that it leaves the house humid.
Should I get a heat pump instead of an air conditioner?
Often it's worth considering. A heat pump cools just like an AC and also heats much of the year, which can lower your gas bill. If your furnace is in good shape, it can stay as the backup.
What is a side-discharge air conditioner?
An outdoor unit that blows air out the side rather than the top. It's slimmer than a traditional square condenser, so it fits narrow side yards. We install the Goodman SD Series.
Do I need to replace the indoor coil too?
Usually, yes. A new outdoor unit needs a matched indoor coil to reach its rated efficiency and work with current refrigerants. Reusing an old coil can cut efficiency and lead to problems later.
How long does an air conditioner last?
Typically 12 to 15 years in Ottawa with regular maintenance. Units that run with dirty coils or the wrong charge wear out sooner.
Can you add central air if I don't have ducts?
Not as a standard central system. A ductless mini-split or a small-duct high-velocity system are the usual options. We'll look at the layout and recommend the most practical one.
Related services
Heat Pumps
Cold-climate heat pumps for heating and cooling, including compact Goodman side-discharge units.
Learn moreAC Repair
Warm air, ice on the lines, a unit that won't start: we track it down.
Learn moreDuctless Mini-Splits
Targeted heating and cooling for homes without ducts, additions and basements.
Learn moreMaintenance & Tune-Ups
Seasonal furnace and AC tune-ups that keep warranties valid and bills down.
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