Central air conditioning

Hidden costs on central ac projects

These are included as allowances in the estimate above. Check that any contractor quote covers them too.

• Dedicated circuit, disconnect, or a full panel upgrade
• New line set when the old one cannot be reused
• Indoor coil replacement, which is usually necessary on a system change
• Condensate drainage and overflow protection
• Ductwork that cannot carry the required airflow
• Condenser pad, brackets, or sound screening required by a bylaw

Questions homeowners ask

Why do I need a new indoor coil for an outdoor unit?

The coil and condenser are a matched pair. Modern refrigerants and efficiency ratings assume a matched set, and installing a new condenser on an old coil usually voids the equipment warranty and gives you neither the efficiency nor the capacity you paid for. It is included by default above for that reason.

Will my electrical panel handle it?

Often, but not always, and it is the single most common surprise on an air conditioning quote. A 100-amp panel in an older home with electric appliances may already be near capacity. Any installer should check the available load before quoting; if yours did not, ask.

Is a heat pump worth the extra cost?

A cold-climate heat pump costs more up front than an air conditioner but also heats, so it displaces gas or oil for most of the season. It also attracts the largest rebates available to Canadian homeowners. Select it above to see the difference against a plain air conditioner, then check the rebates page, because nearly every programme requires applying before the work starts.

How much does size matter?

More than most people expect, and bigger is not better. An oversized unit short-cycles, which cools the air without removing humidity and leaves a room clammy. Sizing should come from a heat-gain calculation on your home, not from the square footage alone.

Typical schedule: 1 day, or 2 to 3 days with electrical work. See the full renovation timeline.