HVAC systems are necessities in most world areas, and Canada is certainly no exception given the variable climate and harsh winters. So a properly functioning furnace or air conditioner is simply a necessary cost that’s part of homeownership.

You may be wondering about the actual costs of buying a new HVAC system for your Toronto-area home. How big of a hit is your bank account going to take? Is there financing available?

We’ll answer all of these questions and more below. Without further ado, let’s break down the average cost of a heating & cooling system.

HVAC Costs By System

The cost of your heating or central air conditioning system will depend upon the type of system it is. For instance, a furnace and central air will have a different total price than the combination of a boiler and ductless heat pump.

To help you determine the exact price of your system, we will review the average cost of each type below.

Central AC

Central air conditioning is one of the most common types of air conditioning in use today. It consists of a large compressor as well as a series of ducts. Vents are in each room, a single unit system cooling the entire home. Many homes in Canada, especially heated with a furnace, will already have built-in ductwork.

To have central AC installed, you’ll probably have to pay somewhere from $3,500 to $7,300. The average price of central AC installation sits around $5,000 but will vary on several factors, like the model you choose, its efficiency rating, etc.

Note, however, that if your home is large, you might have to pay even more. The larger the condenser unit needed, the higher your overall costs.

Ductless Mini-split System

Ductless mini-split systems are small climate control units designed to accommodate one room at a time. They can provide heat and cold, but they also operate without the use of ducts. As such, their installation costs can be relatively low.

The price range for a ductless mini-split heat pump system runs from $5,500 to $12,000. The average price is around $6,500 and includes installation.

However, it’s important to note that this price only covers one room or part of the home. If you’re looking to heat and cool multiple rooms in your home, you’ll need to pay for several indoor ‘heads’ and possibly more than one outdoor compressor. Therefore the total cost can be $5,000 – $7,500+ or more for a large home.

Furnace

Like central ACs, furnaces make use of duct systems. Utilizing gas or electricity as fuel, they create hot air and then blow it through said ducts to everyone’s room in their corresponding home. As such, they can heat entire dwellings with a single system.

A furnace is typically a little lower than a central AC, typically ranging from $3,500 to $6,000. The average is around $3,700 – $4,500.

Note that if your home exceeds 2,000 square feet and opt for a top-of-the-line model, you may pay closer to the higher end of that spectrum when it’s all said and done. The bigger your home, the higher the furnace unit’s cost and installation.

Boiler

Another heating option is the boiler system. Whereas furnaces blow hot air into every room in the house, boilers push hot water into radiators located in every room in the house. So, like furnaces, they can heat entire homes with a single heating entity.

Boilers are more expensive than furnaces, typically between $8,000 and $15,500. They average around $11,500.

Again, if your home is large, your boiler system will be even more expensive. The boiler itself has to be bigger and more powerful, but you’ll also need to install more water pipes (unless your home already has them, of course). In homes over 2,000 – 3,000 square feet, it’s not uncommon for boiler systems to approach $12,000.

Hot Water Heater

You can’t have a proper HVAC system without a  water heater. After all, no one likes cold showers.

Fortunately, water heaters are relatively inexpensive. The tank water heaters will cost between $1700 and $2,900. In contrast, Rinnai Tankless water heaters can be installed for between$3,800 and $5,000.

Can You Finance an HVAC System?

Skeptical as to whether you’ll be able to afford a new HVAC system? If so, you needn’t worry. There are financing options available, including the following.

See our Finance Options!

Credit Cards

You could charge your HVAC expenses to one or more credit cards. By taking out a 0% intro APR credit card, you might even be able to pay off the expenses before interest sets in. Allows you to pay the cost of the HVAC services (and only the cost of the HVAC services) over a span of 12 to 18 months.

Note, however, that if you don’t pay off your expenses within the intro period, you’ll be hit with substantial interest charges. As such, this is a risky move.

Home Equity Loan

If you have substantial equity in your home, you could consider taking out a home equity loan. It is a low-interest loan wherein you borrow money with your home equity as the collateral. It enables you to pay significant expenses over time while incurring only small amounts of interest.

Make note, though, that home equity loans can be risky. Not only can their interest rates fluctuate, but if you fail to pay them off, you could end up losing your home.

HVAC Company Financing Programs

Your best bet is to hire an HVAC company that offers financing programs. These companies offer low-interest financing as a means of assisting customers on small budgets.

The best thing about these programs? They come with little risk. Because their interest is low and they don’t force you to put your home equity up as collateral, they have a minimal negative financial impact.

Looking to Install an HVAC System in Toronto?

What do you say? Ready to install an HVAC system in your home? If so, and if you require an HVAC company in Toronto, City Home Comfort has you covered.

We offer a variety of HVAC systems, including but not limited to air conditioners, furnaces, boilers, and ductless mini-split systems. Providing finance options on all of our services, we accommodate all budgets.

Contact us today to discuss your needs!