Buying a new furnace and heat pump system is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home. It’s a decision that will affect your comfort and your bills for the next 15-20 years.
Many homeowners spend weeks researching the brand—Lennox vs. Rheem, Midea vs. Moovair. But here’s the truth from a company that does this every day:
The HVAC company you hire is a far more important, and far more critical, decision than the brand you choose.
Why? Because today’s advanced technology and complex rebate programs have created a minefield for unqualified installers. A cheap installation can cost you tens of thousands in the long run.
Challenge #1: Today’s Tech is Not for Amateurs
Twenty years ago, a furnace was a simple “on/off” box. Today, we’re installing incredibly advanced, communicating systems, like this top-of-the-line Lennox heat pump installation in Ottawa.
This isn’t just a simple air conditioner. It’s a variable-capacity, cold-climate heat pump. It’s designed to run at 25% or 50% or 100% capacity, making tiny adjustments to perfectly match the home’s heating needs.
These systems are brilliant, but they are complex.
- System Matching is Everything: A variable-speed heat pump must be paired with the correct furnace or air handler and, most importantly, the correct communicating thermostat. If you pair a high-end unit with the wrong thermostat, you’ve wasted your money. It simply won’t perform.
- Specialized Training is Required: An installer can’t just “figure it out.” These systems require manufacturer-specific training on refrigeration charging, dip-switch settings, and software configuration.
- Improper Installation is Devastating: We’ve seen it. A system is installed by an unqualified company, and it short-cycles, makes noise, and fails in 5 years. A $20,000 investment is ruined because the installer didn’t have the right training.
A qualified HVAC company isn’t just licensed; they are certified by brands like Lennox and Rheem to install and commission this specific, high-tech equipment.
Challenge #2: The HVAC Rebate “Minefield”
This is where we see the most costly mistakes. Programs like the Canada Greener Homes Loan and other HVAC rebates promise thousands of dollars back on your high-efficiency heat pump. But these programs are constantly changing! For example the Greener Homes Grant has been discontinued but there are now new programs available for Ottawa homeowners.
This is not a simple mail-in coupon. It’s a complex application with a long list of technical rules.
Here’s the trap: A homeowner gets three quotes. One is $1,000 cheaper. They go with the cheaper company, who “promises” the system is eligible. The installation is done, and the homeowner submits their paperwork… only to be disqualified.
Why?
- The installer used a non-matched coil or air handler.
- The model installed wasn’t on the exact “Eligible Models” list.
- The company wasn’t a licensed and certified installer for the program.
The homeowner just “saved” $1,000 on the install but lost $5,000 to $10,000 in rebates. We see this happen every single season, and it’s heartbreaking.
A qualified HVAC company knows the rebate rulebook inside and out. They will provide you with a written quote that guarantees the proposed system (like this Lennox SLP99V & SL25XPV combo) qualifies, and they will handle the paperwork correctly.
What to Ask Before You Hire
Before you sign any contract, ask these questions:
- “How many installations under the [specific rebate program] have you completed?” You want a team with experience, not one using you as a test.
- “Are you a certified partner for the brand you are quoting?” (e.g., A Lennox Premier Dealer, a Rheem Pro Partner). This proves they have the factory training.
- “How do you determine the right size for my system?” If they give you an “instant quote” over the phone, hang up. A professional will insist on an in-home consultation to perform a proper load calculation.
Your new HVAC system is a major investment. The skill of the installer is just as important as the equipment itself.
Don’t risk your investment or your rebates on the lowest bidder. Book a free, no-obligation consultation with our team of trained and certified experts. We’ll design a system that works for your home, runs at peak performance, and is guaranteed to qualify for every rebate you’re entitled to.
