Why This Guide Matters for Ottawa Homeowners?
When purchasing a furnace for your Ottawa home, you are making a comfort decision that will be felt in your home for 15-20 years. Have no fear, AirZone is here to help make the decision making process simple with this Ottawa Furnace Buying Guide. Buying a furnace is not like buying many other home appliances. It is important to consider things like features, warranties, installation parameters and accessories. This ultimate buying guide will help you understand what questions to ask when you are making a decision on a new heating system for your home. Welcome to the only Ottawa Furnace Buying Guide you will ever need!
Types of Furnaces: Ottawa Furnace Buying Guide?
There are many different types of furnaces available in the Ottawa market. So which type of furnace is right for you?
- Natural Gas Furnaces (The most cost effective way to heat a home in Canada)
- Electric Furnaces (A great choice for customers that want to go Green and avoid carbon production)
- Propane Furnaces (A popular choice for those rural customers that are looking for an efficient heating solution)
- Oil Furnaces (Becoming a less popular option but still quite common in rural areas around Ottawa)
Your fuel type is often dictated by what is available in your area. The majority of homes within the Ottawa area have access to natural gas, making this the most popular choice of heating fuel. For homeowners in rural areas, oil, propane or electricity may be the only options available.
Features that differentiate types of furnaces:
- Single Stage (entry level furnace, heating is either on or off)
- Two Stage (Very popular, can operate at two different heat outputs)
- Modulating (The most advanced type of furnace, can vary heat outputs to match exactly what the home needs)
AirZone can help determine which furnace suits your home, budget and comfort goals to custom tailor a quote that meets your needs!
How Much Does a Furnace Cost in Ottawa? (2025–2026)
The average cost to replace a furnace in Ottawa is $5500+HST. There are many different parameters that can change the cost of furnace replacements.
| Furnace Tier | Typical Price (Installed) | AFUE Efficiency | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $3,800 – $5,200 | 92% – 95% | Budget-conscious, small homes |
| Mid-Range | $5,300 – $6,800 | 95% – 96% | Most Ottawa homeowners |
| Premium/Modulating | $6,900 – $9,000+ | 97% – 99% | Maximum comfort, energy savings, larger homes |
| Cold Climate Heat Pump Hybrid | $9,000 – $14,000+ | 300%+ (SEER2/AFUE) | Electrification + efficiency goals |
These are average prices based on installations by AirZone HVAC Services in Ottawa. Prices vary based on home size, venting, gas line access, and existing ductwork. Ottawa Furnace Buying Guide 2025.
Best Furnace Brands in 2025 (Ottawa & Canada)
We always say, the best furnace is the one that is installed properly! That being said, we have repaired, maintained and installed nearly every brand of furnace over the last 20 years. We have carefully chosen the brands that we align with. The most important factors when choosing a furnace brand are:
- Warranty
- Local Support and Parts Availability
- Technology Within the Unit
- Build Quality
| Brand | Efficiency Range | Known For | Why We Recommend It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lennox | 95% – 99% | Ultra-quiet operation, smart technology | Ideal for homeowners who want top-tier comfort and control |
| Rheem | 95% – 98% | Dependability, easy serviceability | Excellent reliability with great mid-range value |
| Amana | 96% – 98% | Industry-leading warranties | Lifetime heat exchanger warranty for peace of mind |
| Bryant (Carrier) | 95% – 98% | Performance + Carrier engineering | A more affordable way to access Carrier-quality technology |
| Continental (Napoleon) | 95% – 97% | Canadian-built for Canadian winters | Great cold-climate performance and local parts support |
At AirZone, we recommend the right brand based on your home, comfort preferences, and long-term savings—not just price.
Furnace Rebates in Ottawa – Ottawa Furnace Buying Guide
The rebate climate in Canada is ever changing. At the time of writing this article (July 2025), there are no direct rebates for gas furnaces. There are however many rebates/grants that can help you when replacing your gas furnace.
- Greener Homes Loan (When paired with a qualifying heat pump, you can receive a 0% interest loan to replace your furnace)
- Oil to Heat Pump Affordability Program (Allows up to $10,000 in rebates to replace your oil furnace with a fully electric furnace/heat pump)
- Manufacturer Rebates (Manufacturers regularly offer rebates at certain times of the years on their products)
- AirZone Rebates (We regularly offer sales, discounts and direct rebates on select furnaces)
When to Replace vs Repair Your Furnace
s your furnace acting up again? If you’re like most Ottawa homeowners, you’re probably wondering: Should I fix it, or is it time for a replacement?
Here’s our honest take at AirZone HVAC: If your furnace is over 15 years old, breaks down frequently, or you’re facing a repair bill over $800, a replacement is usually the smarter financial move. Today’s high-efficiency models offer better comfort, lower energy bills, and access to rebates that offset the upfront cost.
That said, we don’t believe in pushing unnecessary replacements. If your unit is less than 10 years old, well-maintained, and the issue is minor, a repair might be all you need.
We always start with a no-pressure diagnostic and explain all your options clearly. Whether it’s a quick fix or a full system upgrade, we’ll help you make the best decision for your home and budget—no guesswork, no surprises.
| Condition | Recommendation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Furnace over 15 years old | Replace | Efficiency drops; rebates make new units more cost-effective |
| Repair estimate over $800 | Replace | You’re nearing the cost of a down payment on a new unit |
| Furnace under 10 years old | Repair | Likely still under warranty or minimal wear |
| Uneven heating or rising bills | Replace | New models offer better zoning + lower energy costs |
| Strange noises or frequent shutdowns | Depends | Might be a major issue—request an inspection |
What to Look for in a Furnace Installation Company
Not all HVAC companies are created equal—and when it comes to your home’s comfort, cutting corners on installation can cost you far more than you save.
Here’s what to look for when choosing a furnace installation company in Ottawa:
- ✅ Proper Licensing & Insurance – Never hire unlicensed contractors. We’re fully licensed, insured, and certified for gas and HVAC work in Ontario.
- ✅ Custom Load Calculations – A quality install starts with the right sizing. We don’t guess—we perform full heat load calculations to ensure your furnace fits your home’s needs.
- ✅ Transparent Pricing & Financing – You deserve fair, upfront pricing. We offer clear quotes, flexible financing, and no hidden fees.
- ✅ Local Reputation – With 20+ years serving Ottawa, thousands of maintenance clients, and over 1000 5-star reviews, we’ve earned our reputation the right way.
- ✅ Ongoing Support – Our work doesn’t end after install. We offer full maintenance plans, extended warranties, and priority service to keep your system running for years.
When you choose AirZone HVAC Services, you’re not just buying a furnace—you’re partnering with a trusted local team that stands behind every job we do.
Get a Furnace Quote (Ottawa Furnace Buying Guide)
Call 613 592-5770 to receive a quick and free quote or submit a request online for more information.
