Questions & Answers

Two-stage heating means the furnace has two levels of heat output: a high setting for the coldest winter days and a low setting for milder ones.

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) is the percentage of the fuel a furnace or boiler burns that becomes heat for your home over a typical year.

Variable speed refers to the blower motor in your furnace or air handler, the fan that pushes heated or cooled air through your ducts.

The best system depends on your home's ductwork, fuel supply, budget and comfort goals.

Most gas furnaces last about 15 to 20 years, and boilers often last as long or longer because they have fewer moving parts.

Yes. Lancaster offers 24-hour emergency service for furnaces, boilers and other heating systems across Hamilton and Niagara.

Yes, if your home has a fuel-burning appliance such as a gas furnace, boiler, water heater or fireplace, or an attached garage.

Yes. Our technicians repair and maintain all makes and models of gas furnaces, whoever installed them, and our maintenance plans cover equipment from any manufacturer.

Yes. Lancaster installs, replaces, maintains and repairs heating systems for businesses as well as homes across Hamilton and Niagara.

Request a free estimate online, or reach us through our contact page.

A few safe checks can fix common problems before you book a repair.

When the furnace runs but rooms stay cold, the usual causes are a clogged filter, a thermostat fan set to On instead of Auto, an ignition or flame-sensor fault, or a weak blower that can't move enough warm air.

A furnace that turns on and off every few minutes, called short cycling, is usually protecting itself from a problem.

No. If you smell gas (a rotten-egg or sulphur odour), don't run the furnace or touch light switches, thermostats or appliances.

Get everyone, including pets, outside into fresh air right away and call 911.

Furnace repairs are priced on diagnostic time plus any parts needed, so the total depends on what's wrong.

Repair usually makes sense if the furnace is under about 15 years old and the problem is a single, reasonably priced part.

Different noises point to different problems.

First check the thermostat setting and batteries, the furnace power switch, the circuit breaker and the blower door, because most furnaces won't run unless the door panel is fully closed.

Water around a high-efficiency furnace usually comes from its condensate system: a clogged drain line, a cracked trap or hose, or a failed condensate pump.

It can be. A healthy gas burner flame is mostly blue.

Most gas furnaces last about 15 to 20 years.

The clearest signs are an age over 15 years, several repairs in one heating season, rising gas bills, uneven heat, and a cracked heat exchanger or heavy rust.

They differ in how finely they control heat output.

Most new gas furnaces sold in Canada must be rated at least 95% AFUE, so any standard replacement is high-efficiency, and some models reach about 98%.

The right size comes from a heat-loss calculation, which accounts for your home's insulation, windows, air leakage, layout and local winter design temperatures.

A straightforward furnace replacement usually takes about a day.

It can. As of October 2026, there are no Ontario rebates for a gas furnace on its own, but a hybrid system that pairs a cold-climate heat pump with a furnace can qualify for the Home Renovation Savings Program and the new federal National Heat Pump Rebate, if the model and your home meet the program rules.

Lancaster offers financing through Financeit, so you can spread the cost of a new furnace over monthly payments instead of paying all at once.

Your installer should. In Ontario, gas furnace work is regulated by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) and must be done by a registered contractor using certified gas technicians.

New furnaces come with a manufacturer's warranty on parts, and many brands cover the heat exchanger for longer.

Usually not. Most new furnaces connect to existing ductwork with some changes where the ducts meet the furnace.

Have your furnace professionally maintained at least once a year, ideally in early fall before the heating season starts.

A furnace tune-up is a full inspection, cleaning and safety check.

Yes. Most furnace problems develop gradually, without obvious symptoms, until a part fails on a cold night.

Yes. Most furnace manufacturers require yearly maintenance by a licensed contractor to keep the warranty valid, and they may ask for proof before covering a repair.

Early fall is the best time, before you need heat every day.

Yes. Every furnace tune-up includes a carbon monoxide test with a calibrated combustion analyzer, the reliable way to confirm your furnace is burning safely and efficiently.

Check the filter monthly during the heating season and replace it when it looks dirty.

A tune-up is a single visit, while a service plan is a yearly membership that handles your maintenance automatically.

No. A tune-up services the furnace itself: the burners, heat exchanger, blower, controls and filter.

It can. Dirty burners, a clogged filter, poor airflow and incorrect gas pressure all make a furnace burn more gas to deliver the same heat.

Your technician will explain what they found, how serious it is and your options before doing any extra work.

Yes. Most hot-water boilers heat and circulate water through pipes, radiators, baseboards or in-floor tubing.

Despite the name, a hot-water boiler doesn't boil water.

Usually not between oil and gas. Oil and gas burn very differently, so most boilers are built and certified for one or the other.

Yes. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that any fuel-burning boiler can produce if it isn't burning or venting properly, and it can be deadly.

A boiler should be sized with a heat-loss calculation, not by square footage alone.

Many residential boilers last 15 to 20 years or more, and well-maintained cast-iron boilers often run even longer.

A combi boiler heats your home and supplies on-demand hot water from one compact, wall-mounted unit, so you don't need a separate water heater.

A condensing boiler captures extra heat from its exhaust by cooling the gases until the water vapour condenses, which makes it far more efficient than an older non-condensing boiler.

Gurgling usually means air is trapped in the system and needs to be bled out.

A radiator that's cold at the top usually has trapped air and needs bleeding: with the heat off and the radiator cool, slowly open the bleed valve with a radiator key until water comes out, then close it.

Yes. A yearly boiler service checks combustion and venting, tests for carbon monoxide, cleans the burner and heat exchanger as needed, and checks the pressure relief valve, expansion tank, circulator pump and controls.

Yes. Because boiler-heated homes usually don't have ducts, the most common option is a ductless heat pump, which adds efficient cooling and can share the heating load with your boiler in spring and fall.

Have your gas fireplace serviced once a year if you use it regularly in winter.

Choose gas if you want real flames and strong heat, and electric if you want the simplest installation and the most placement options.

No. Most new gas fireplaces are direct-vent: they draw combustion air from outside and send exhaust out through a sealed vent pipe, which can run through an exterior wall or the roof.

Yes, in most cases. A gas insert fits into your existing wood-burning fireplace and vents through new liners inside the chimney, giving you cleaner, more efficient heat at the push of a button, with no wood or ashes.

A gas fireplace can heat a room or open living area very effectively, but it usually isn't meant to replace your furnace or boiler.

Many gas fireplaces can run during a power outage, but it depends on the model.

Newer ones do. Under the North American safety standard for vented gas fireplaces, glass-fronted models made since January 1, 2015 whose glass gets hot enough to burn must come with a protective barrier screen, and it should stay in place.

Yes. Outdoor gas fireplaces are built for patios and decks, and they run on natural gas or propane so you can enjoy your outdoor space well into the cooler months.

A pilot that won't stay lit is usually caused by a dirty or worn thermocouple or thermopile, a dirty pilot assembly, a draft, or a gas supply problem.

We sell and install gas fireplaces, inserts and stoves from Regency, Continental and Kingsman, in natural gas or propane, as well as electric fireplaces.

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) measures how much cooling an air conditioner or heat pump delivers for the electricity it uses over a typical season.

The right size depends on how much heat your home gains, which is why we size systems with a proper load calculation rather than square footage alone.

New air conditioners and heat pumps are moving from R-410A to refrigerants with a lower global warming potential (GWP), mainly R-454B and R-32.

We install central air conditioners, ducted heat pumps that both heat and cool, and ductless mini-splits for homes or rooms without ductwork.

For most homes, a setting of about 24 to 25°C balances comfort and energy use.

A clammy feeling usually means your air conditioner is cooling the air without removing enough moisture.

Start with the basics. Change the filter regularly, keep the outdoor unit clear, close blinds on sunny windows and raise the thermostat when you're out.

Not currently. As of October 2026, the Home Renovation Savings Program, Enbridge Gas and Save on Energy don't offer rebates for central air conditioners.

Yes. Lancaster offers 24-hour emergency service for air conditioners, heat pumps and other heating and cooling equipment across Hamilton and Niagara.

Yes. We offer financing through Financeit for new air conditioners, heat pumps and other heating and cooling equipment, so you can spread the cost over monthly payments instead of paying all at once.

An AC that runs without cooling usually has a thermostat setting problem, a clogged filter, a dirty outdoor unit or a refrigerant problem.

Warm air from the vents, weaker cooling, ice on the indoor coil or refrigerant lines, and a hissing or bubbling sound can all point to low refrigerant.

Water around your indoor unit usually comes from a clogged condensate drain line, a cracked drain pan, a failed condensate pump or a frozen evaporator coil that drips as it thaws.

Weak airflow usually means something is restricting the air or a part is failing.

Repair is usually the right choice if your air conditioner is under about 15 years old and the problem is a single failed part.

Once a year, ideally in spring before the cooling season starts.

A frozen evaporator coil is usually caused by poor airflow or low refrigerant.

An outdoor unit that won't start usually has a power, thermostat or electrical part problem.

A breaker that trips when the AC starts usually points to an electrical fault or a system that's working too hard.

Yes, but repairs involving refrigerant are getting harder and more expensive.

Unusual AC noises usually mean a loose, worn or failing part.

Yes. Our technicians repair central air conditioners, heat pumps and ductless mini-splits from all major brands, for homes and businesses across Hamilton and Niagara.

Yes. Since 2025, the major manufacturers have moved new residential air conditioners and heat pumps from R-410A to refrigerants with a much lower global warming potential, mainly R-454B and R-32.

The right size comes from a load calculation, not the size of your old unit or square footage alone.

Most straightforward central air replacements take about a day.

Not always. If your furnace is in good condition and compatible, replacing only the air conditioner can make sense.

Hire a licensed professional. Installing a central air conditioner involves refrigerant, which in Ontario may only be handled by a certified technician with an Ozone Depletion Prevention (ODP) card, as well as high-voltage wiring.

A new air conditioner needs the same care as an older one.

Most central air conditioners last about 10 to 15 years, depending on how hard they work, how well they've been maintained and the quality of the original installation.

Choose the highest SEER2 rating that fits your budget and how much you use your AC.

Often, yes. A heat pump cools just like a central air conditioner but can also heat your home, and when you're replacing your AC anyway, the extra cost is often relatively low.

The cost of a new air conditioner depends on its size, efficiency rating and features, whether you also need a new indoor coil or furnace, how much ductwork, electrical or line-set work is involved, and how easy the installation is.

Yes. R-454B and R-32 are classed as A2L refrigerants, which means low toxicity and only mild flammability.

Don't wrap your air conditioner in a full cover for the winter.

Check your filter every month and replace it every 1 to 3 months, or more often if you have pets, allergies or renovation dust.

Regular maintenance keeps your air conditioner efficient, reduces breakdowns and helps it last longer.

You can safely change the filter, keep about 30 cm (12 in) clear around the outdoor unit, rinse loose debris off the outside of the outdoor coil with a gentle spray of water, and keep vents and returns open.

Keep the filter and coils clean, keep the outdoor unit clear, and have the system checked by a technician every year.

Start by replacing the filter, opening all vents, checking the thermostat setting and clearing debris from the outdoor unit.

A Lancaster spring air conditioner inspection follows a 21-point checklist.

Book your AC tune-up in spring, before the first hot spell.

Often, yes. Most heating and cooling manufacturers require yearly maintenance by a licensed contractor to keep the warranty valid, and they may ask for proof if you make a claim.

Yes. Our Gold, Silver and Bronze preventative maintenance plans include a spring air conditioner inspection and a fall furnace inspection, each a 21-point check.

A heat pump is a single system that heats and cools your home by moving heat rather than burning fuel.

Yes. Modern heat pumps work well in southern Ontario's climate and can replace electric baseboards, oil or propane heating, or work alongside a gas furnace.

For many Ontario homes, yes, especially those heated by electricity, oil or propane, where a heat pump can cut heating costs significantly.

Usually, yes. A ducted heat pump replaces your air conditioner and uses your existing ductwork, often with your furnace as the blower and backup heat.

Most air-source heat pumps last about 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance.

The cost of a heat pump in Ontario depends on the size of your home, the type of system (ducted, ductless or hybrid), the model's efficiency and cold-climate rating, and any ductwork or electrical work needed.

A hybrid (dual-fuel) system pairs an electric heat pump with a gas furnace and switches between them automatically.

Most Ontario homes should have some form of backup heat.

A heat pump's running cost depends mainly on your electricity rates, the fuel it's replacing, how cold the winter is and the unit's efficiency, shown by its HSPF2 (heating) and SEER2 (cooling) ratings.

For the Home Renovation Savings Program, yes.

A heat pump delivers air at a lower temperature than a gas furnace, but for longer periods, so the vents feel warm rather than hot.

Light frost and occasional steam are normal.

A ductless mini-split is a heat pump with an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor units by a small refrigerant line set and wiring, with no ductwork.

Yes. Ductless systems are designed for homes without ducts, such as older homes heated by radiators or electric baseboards, as well as additions, finished basements, garages and sunrooms.

It depends on whether you choose a single-zone or multi-zone system.

It can in some homes, especially smaller, well-insulated ones with open layouts, but many Hamilton homes keep a backup.

Ductless heat pumps are very quiet. The compressor and main fan sit outside, so the indoor units make only a soft hum and fan sound, typically much quieter than a window air conditioner.

Check and clean the filters on each indoor unit every few weeks to once a month, and more often during heavy use or if you have pets.

Yes, once a year. Beyond the filters, a technician cleans the indoor unit's coil and blower wheel, which can collect dust and mould you can't reach, checks the condensate drain, refrigerant and electrical connections, and cleans the outdoor coil.

The most common indoor unit mounts high on a wall, but there are other styles.

A single-zone ductless system can often be installed in about a day.

For most homes, yes. One ductless system replaces both, cooling in summer and heating in winter, and it's far more efficient than window units and electric baseboards.

Ductless systems are priced mainly by the number of indoor units, plus each unit's capacity and features, the outdoor unit, line-set lengths, any electrical work and how easy the installation is.

Running short of hot water is the most common complaint.

We install tank (storage), tankless (on-demand) and heat pump water heaters, in gas and electric models, from Navien, Bradford White and John Wood.

Yes. We service and repair all makes and models of tank and tankless water heaters, whoever installed them, for homes across Hamilton and Niagara.

If your home has natural gas, a gas water heater usually heats water faster and recovers more quickly after heavy use than a standard electric tank.

Canadian public health guidance is to store hot water at about 60°C, which limits the growth of Legionella bacteria, and to deliver no more than 49°C at the tap to prevent scalds.

In Ontario, gas water heater work must be done by a certified gas technician working for a contractor registered with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA).

A heat pump water heater can qualify for a $500 rebate through the Home Renovation Savings Program, but only in its assessment stream, which needs a home energy assessment and at least two upgrades.

Yes. We offer financing through Financeit, so you can spread the cost of a new water heater over monthly payments instead of paying it all at once.

Yes. We offer 24/7 emergency service for leaking or failed water heaters across Hamilton and Niagara; see emergency repair for how to reach us.

Check the rating plate on the side of the tank or unit.

A typical tank water heater lasts about 8 to 12 years.

There are two common reasons. If you wait a long time at the tap, the hot water may simply have far to travel through long pipe runs, pushing out cooled water first.

It can be. Most leaks cause water damage rather than an immediate hazard, but a leak from the tank itself usually means it's corroding and could fail.

On a gas tank, no hot water usually means the pilot is out, the burner won't ignite or the gas supply is off.

A tank that runs out fast has usually lost capacity.

Rumbling or popping is usually sediment.

A rotten-egg smell in the hot water only is usually hydrogen sulphide, produced when bacteria in the tank react with the magnesium anode rod.

The most common cause is a worn or dirty thermocouple or thermopile, the sensor that tells the gas valve the pilot is burning.

Write down the code and look it up in your owner's manual or on the manufacturer's website, since each brand uses its own codes.

A dripping temperature and pressure (T&P) relief valve is usually releasing excess pressure or heat.

Repair usually makes sense for a newer heater with a single faulty part, such as a thermostat, element, igniter or gas valve.

A gas tankless water heater can go almost anywhere indoors with a gas line, an electrical outlet and a route to vent outdoors, usually on a basement wall.

Replacing a gas or electric tank with a similar model usually takes about two to three hours, including 45 to 60 minutes to drain, disconnect and remove the old heater.

A tank water heater keeps a supply of water hot and ready, so it's simple and lower cost but can run out.

Tanks are sized by first-hour rating, the amount of hot water the heater can deliver in an hour starting full, which should match your household's busiest hour.

It can be, especially in a home without natural gas.

An atmospheric vent water heater sends exhaust up a chimney by natural draft.

Sometimes. A like-for-like tank swap usually reuses the existing gas line, but a gas tankless unit uses much more gas when it fires, so the line, and sometimes the meter, may need upgrading.

A combi boiler can be a good choice if your home is heated by a boiler, with radiators or in-floor heating.

Yes, but check your rental agreement first.

It can. Many older homes vent a gas furnace and an atmospheric water heater through the same chimney.

Yes. Most tankless water heaters need yearly maintenance, mainly descaling: circulating a cleaning solution through the heat exchanger to dissolve mineral build-up, unless your model has built-in scale prevention.

A conventional tank water heater typically lasts about 8 to 12 years.

Once a year is a good rule for both tank and tankless water heaters.

You can, if you're comfortable with it. Turn off the gas or power, close the cold water supply, connect a hose to the drain valve and run it to a floor drain, then open a hot tap to let air in.

An anode rod is a metal rod inside a tank water heater that corrodes on purpose, so the steel tank doesn't.

Hamilton's water is moderately hard, about 120 mg/L according to the city, so minerals build up inside water heaters over time.

Place a bucket under the discharge pipe, lift the valve's test lever for a few seconds, then let it snap back.

It can. Many manufacturers, especially of tankless models, require regular professional maintenance to keep the warranty valid, and a heat exchanger damaged by scale may not be covered if descaling was skipped.

Ask us. Our service plans are built around a spring air conditioner inspection and a fall furnace inspection, and additional equipment can be added at a price set per plan.

A quick look every month or so can catch problems early.

We can't help with those units, because Lancaster Heating and Cooling doesn't manufacture, sell or service the "Lancaster" branded portable dehumidifiers sold in stores.

Yes, a properly installed whole-home electronic air cleaner can capture much finer particles than a standard furnace filter.

Aim for about 30 to 50 percent relative humidity.

Use carbon monoxide alarms, because CO has no colour or smell.

Check it monthly and replace it when it looks grey or clogged.

2, that rates how well a filter captures airborne particles; the higher the number, the smaller the particles it traps.

For most homes, MERV 8 to 11 is a good balance, and MERV 13 is worth it for allergies, pets or wildfire smoke if your system can handle it.

Yes, a filter rated MERV 13 or higher can reduce the fine smoke particles in the air moving through your system, and Health Canada recommends MERV 13 or more where your equipment allows it.

It depends on the problem you want to fix.

Usually, yes. Whole-home humidifiers, media air cleaners, UV lamps and ventilators are designed to connect to a standard forced-air furnace and ductwork, so most homes don't need new equipment first.

Yes, but it's simple. Evaporative humidifiers need a new water panel each year, media air cleaners need a new filter every 6 to 12 months, UV lamps are typically replaced every one to two years, and ventilators need their filters and core cleaned regularly.

Look for visible dust or debris in your registers or blowing out of them, a musty or stale smell when the system runs, or dust that settles again soon after you clean.

Dust and debris keep building up inside them.

Most Ontario homes benefit from duct cleaning about every three years.

It depends on the type of cleaning your home needs, so the best first step is a quick call.

Not with Lancaster. Our technicians treat your home as their own: they wear shoe coverings, lay floor runners, seal off your furnace so dust isn't pulled through it, and run an IAQ scrubber to control airborne dust while they work.

Popping usually comes from sheet-metal ducts flexing when the blower starts and stops, or as the metal heats and cools.

We clean every part of the system: the ducts, registers and furnace connections, top to bottom.

NADCA is the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, the trade association for the HVAC cleaning industry.

It can help, but it's only part of the picture.

Yes, these are two of the best times for duct cleaning.

It's a good time to consider it. A new furnace or air conditioner moves air through the same ducts as the old one, so years of dust can end up in brand-new equipment and its filter.

Aim for about 30 to 40 percent in most Ontario winters, and turn it down when it's very cold outside.

Common signs are static shocks, dry or itchy skin, chapped lips, and a scratchy throat or irritated sinuses when you wake up.

Bypass and fan-powered humidifiers evaporate water from a panel, while steam humidifiers boil it.

For most homes with a gas furnace, an evaporative humidifier is the right choice: bypass for typical homes with room for the bypass duct, and fan-powered for larger homes or tight spaces.

Replace it at least once a year, ideally at the start of the heating season.

Yes. At the end of the heating season, turn the humidistat off, shut the water supply and close the bypass damper on bypass models, then reverse it in the fall.

Not if it's set correctly. Problems happen when the humidity is set too high for the outdoor temperature, so moisture condenses on cold windows and inside exterior walls.

For most homes, yes. A whole-home humidifier adds moisture to every room through your ductwork, runs automatically from a humidistat and connects to a water line, so there are no tanks to fill.

Not much. Bypass models use very little electricity, and fan-powered models add only a small fan.

It can help a little. Moist air feels warmer than dry air at the same temperature, so many people are comfortable with the thermostat set a bit lower once the humidity is right.

Keep indoor humidity below 50 percent in summer.

Basements are cool and partly underground, so moisture moves in through foundation walls and floors, and humid summer air condenses on cool surfaces like walls and cold-water pipes.

For a damp basement or whole house, a whole-home dehumidifier is usually better.

It can help prevent new mould, but it won't remove mould that's already there.

Yes, but often not enough. An air conditioner removes moisture as a side effect of cooling, so on mild, muggy days, or when it's oversized and shuts off quickly, it doesn't run long enough to dry the air.

If a portable dehumidifier runs all summer and still can't keep up, a whole-home unit is worth considering.

Usually in the basement, near the furnace, or in a crawl space.

It depends on your home's size, how damp it is and how airtight it is.

Yes, but not much. Clean or replace the filter as the manufacturer recommends, and make sure the drain line and any condensate pump stay clear so water can't back up.

Usually not. Cold outdoor air holds little moisture, so in winter most homes need moisture added, not removed.

It won't lower the temperature, but drier air feels cooler, so you may be comfortable with the thermostat set a little higher.

Both exchange stale indoor air for fresh outdoor air through a core that recovers heat, and an ERV also transfers moisture.

Either can work well in southern Ontario; the right choice depends on your home.

32 of the Ontario Building Code. In today's new homes, that system is commonly an HRV or ERV.

Because they don't leak enough air to refresh themselves.

Yes. An HRV or ERV can be added to most homes, either connected to your furnace ductwork or with its own dedicated ducts.

Clean or replace the filters every one to three months, and clean the core about twice a year.

In most homes, yes, on low speed, with a boost when you need it, such as when cooking, showering or entertaining.

No, not noticeably. The core transfers heat from the outgoing stale air to the incoming fresh air, so much of the heat stays in your home; Carrier's Performance HRV, for example, is rated for up to 78 percent sensible recovery efficiency.

Yes, in winter an HRV is one of the most effective fixes.

No. A bathroom or kitchen fan only exhausts air from one room, and the replacement air leaks in wherever it can, unheated and unfiltered.

A UV air purifier shines ultraviolet-C light inside your heating and cooling system, damaging the genetic material of microbes such as bacteria and mould so they can't reproduce.

UV light doesn't remove dust, pollen, pet dander or smoke, because it doesn't capture particles.

A coil lamp shines constantly on your air conditioner's evaporator coil and drain pan to reduce mould and bacterial growth there.

Most UV-C lamps need replacing every one to two years, depending on the model, and many manufacturers recommend once a year.

A properly chosen UV lamp doesn't. Germicidal lamps work at a wavelength of 254 nanometres, which doesn't create ozone.

Yes, when it's installed inside your equipment as designed.

It may help if mould is part of the problem, because it reduces mould growth on the cooling coil, where spores could otherwise be spread through your ducts.

It can help it keep its efficiency. Mould and biofilm on the evaporator coil act like insulation and restrict airflow, so a coil that stays cleaner transfers heat better and drains properly.

It can help with musty odours caused by mould or bacteria growing on a damp coil or drain pan.

UV-C light can inactivate viruses with enough exposure, but a home system shouldn't be relied on to protect you from illness.

Ductwork is the network of pipes that carries air between your furnace or air conditioner and the rooms of your home.

Common signs include rooms that are always warmer or cooler than the rest of the house, weak airflow from some vents, rising energy bills, extra dust around registers, and whistling or rattling when the system runs.

Uneven temperatures are often caused by the ductwork rather than the furnace or air conditioner.

We take a pressure reading to measure how much air your duct system is losing, then inspect the ducts we can reach for gaps and loose joints.

Yes. Undersized ducts restrict airflow, which can cause noisy registers, weak heating and cooling in some rooms and extra strain on your blower motor.

Whistling usually means air is being forced through a restriction, such as an undersized duct, a closed or blocked register, a dirty filter or a gap in a joint.

Not always. Many homes can keep their existing ducts, but a new system may need modified or larger ducts if the old ones are undersized, leaky or damaged, or if the new equipment moves more air.

Plan the ductwork before the walls and ceiling go up.

No. Duct sealing and repair fix leaks and damage so air reaches the rooms it's meant for.

Lancaster Group's sheet metal fabrication shop builds custom ductwork and fittings to the measurements of your project.

We fabricate most custom ductwork from galvanized steel, along with other industry-standard materials where a project calls for them.

Custom ductwork makes sense when standard sizes don't fit your space or your airflow needs.

Timing depends on the size and complexity of the job, site measurements, and how the work fits into the rest of your project, such as framing and drywall schedules.

Yes. We design and fabricate ductwork for additions, renovations and relocated rooms, and connect it to your existing system.

Yes. Older homes often have ductwork that was undersized, altered over the years or never designed for central air.

Yes. We fabricate ductwork, plenums, transitions and rooftop curb adapters for offices, plazas, restaurants, tenant fit-outs and other commercial projects.

New equipment rarely has the same dimensions or connections as the old unit.

Often, yes. Much of the noise from a heating and cooling system comes from air forced through ducts that are too small or have sharp, abrupt turns.

We do both. Our fabricators and installers measure your space, design the system, build it in our shop and install it, so one team is responsible from start to finish.

Yes. We install permanent gas lines to outdoor BBQs, usually ending in a shut-off valve and quick-connect outlet on your deck or patio.

Yes. We run gas lines and connect gas ranges, cooktops and dryers, including when you're switching from electric.

Yes. Pool heaters and garage unit heaters are common gas line projects.

Sometimes. Gas piping is sized for the total demand of all connected appliances and the length of the run.

No. In Ontario, gas piping and gas appliances must be installed by a certified gas technician working for a TSSA-registered contractor.

1). As a TSSA registered contractor, we're responsible for doing the work to code and testing it.

Only if you need new or upgraded gas service to the building.

The most common sign is a rotten-egg or sulphur smell, which is added to natural gas and propane so leaks can be noticed.

Yes, if the manufacturer offers a conversion kit for that appliance.

If natural gas is available on your street, it's usually the simpler choice: it's piped in, so there's no tank to fill or rent.

Yes. We install new gas lines, extensions and equipment connections for commercial buildings, including rooftop units, unit heaters, and commercial water heaters.

We install, maintain and repair heating, cooling, ventilation and water heating systems for homes and businesses.

Yes. Our technicians service and repair all brands and makes of heating and cooling equipment, whether or not we installed it, with access to repair parts from all manufacturers.

Every technician who comes to your door is a licensed, factory-trained Lancaster employee, never a subcontractor.

For repairs, we use upfront, flat-rate pricing: our technician explains what failed and your options, and gives you the price before any work starts.

No. Quotes for new furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps and other installations are free and no-obligation.

Our main office is on the Hamilton Mountain, and Hamilton and Niagara are our focus.

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Yes. Lancaster Heating and Cooling is a TSSA registered contractor, and our technicians are licensed for the work they do, including gas work, which in Ontario must be done by certified gas technicians.

Yes, for homes. We offer financing through Financeit, so you can spread the cost of a new furnace, air conditioner, heat pump or water heater over monthly payments instead of paying all at once.

Yes. We're a participating contractor in Ontario's Home Renovation Savings Program, so we can submit heat pump rebate applications for our customers.

It depends on the equipment's age, condition, repair history and efficiency.

Every plan includes two visits a year: a spring 21-point inspection on one air conditioner or heat pump, and a fall 21-point inspection on one furnace, each with a tune-up and safety check, including a carbon monoxide test.

All three include the same spring and fall inspections.

No. A plan covers the two seasonal inspections and tune-ups, not repairs.

Plan visits happen twice a year: your air conditioner or heat pump is inspected in the spring, before cooling season, and your furnace in the fall, before heating season.

Yes. Each plan covers one air conditioner or heat pump and one furnace, and additional equipment can be added for an extra charge, priced per plan.

It helps. Most heating and cooling manufacturers require yearly maintenance by a licensed contractor to keep the warranty valid, and a plan makes sure that maintenance happens and is recorded every year.

Yes, in two ways. All plan members get priority emergency service: when something breaks unexpectedly, especially during a cold snap or heat wave, plan members are looked after ahead of non-plan customers.

No. Extra charges apply for service after regular business hours, on weekends and on holidays, whether or not you have a plan.

Filters aren't included in the inspection, but Gold and Silver members save on them.

Yes. Plans are available for all makes and models, whether we installed the equipment or not.

An HVAC emergency is any failure that puts your safety, health or property at risk.

Start with the simple things: make sure the thermostat is set to heat and has working batteries, the furnace power switch and breaker are on, the furnace door is closed properly and the filter isn't clogged.

Keep as much heat in the house as you can and keep water moving.

Call the gas company first, from outside.

Get everyone, including pets, outside into fresh air right away, then call 911 from outside.

It can be. During a heat wave, high indoor temperatures are a real health risk for older adults, infants and anyone with a medical condition, so a failed air conditioner deserves an urgent call.

Yes. We take emergency calls 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including nights, weekends and holidays.

Yes. Extra charges apply after regular business hours and on weekends and holidays.

Often, yes. Our vehicles carry parts for most common repairs, so failures like a switch, sensor or capacitor can usually be fixed on the spot.

A licensed, factory-trained Lancaster technician, never a subcontractor.

Shut off the cold water supply valve on the pipe at the top of the tank to stop more water flowing in.

Yes. We have our own sheet metal fabrication shop, so we design, build and install custom ductwork and sheet metal for new builds, renovations and tenant fit-outs without waiting on an outside supplier.

Yes. inquiry=commercial-project) and we'll put the right team on it, whatever its size.

You can keep running and servicing existing equipment, but supply rules are tightening.

Yes. We provide the paperwork businesses and property managers ask for on commercial work, including certificates of insurance and WSIB clearance.

It depends on the unit's age, condition, repair history and efficiency.

Not always. Curb sizes vary between manufacturers and models, so a new unit often needs a curb adapter to sit on the existing curb and line up with the ductwork below.

Usually by crane. We plan the lift with you: where the crane sets up, when the old unit comes down and the new one goes up, and how long the building is without heating or cooling.

Yes. We've planned and installed rooftop units for clients with more than one facility, then set up a maintenance plan to look after all of them.

Yes. Our licensed technicians service all brands of commercial rooftop equipment, and we have fast access to repair parts from all manufacturers to keep downtime short.

No, on purpose. Our home service plans work because most homes have one furnace and one air conditioner.

Most need at least two visits a year: a spring cooling inspection and a fall heating inspection.

A list of the equipment at each site if you have one, the size and use of each building, your operating hours, and any requirements from your landlord, insurer, lease or head office.

Manufacturers generally expect equipment to be maintained, and regular maintenance helps keep warranties in place.

We explain what we found and what it will take to fix it, and for older or repeatedly failing equipment, whether repairing or replacing makes more sense.

Yes. We're available 24/7, 365 days a year, for heating and cooling failures at offices, plazas, restaurants, medical buildings and multi-unit properties.

Yes. Our licensed, factory-trained technicians service all brands of commercial heating and cooling equipment, including rooftop units, split and ductless systems, unit heaters and commercial water heaters.

Check the thermostat or building controls first: the right mode, a sensible set point and, on programmable controls, the right schedule.

Repeat failures are worth a closer look.

Usually, yes. One exception to plan for: older units that use R-22 can only be serviced with recovered or reclaimed refrigerant, which makes major refrigerant repairs costly.

Bring us in early, while the layout is still being planned.

Yes. We plan crane lifts, shutdowns and noisy work with you so your tenants, staff and customers stay as comfortable as possible, including in buildings that stay open during the project.

Yes. As part of Lancaster Group, we can coordinate electrical, plumbing, sheet metal and combustion work alongside your heating and cooling, so you deal with one team instead of several trades.

Sometimes. It depends on the equipment's age and condition and whether it has the capacity for the new layout and use.

Make-up air is fresh outdoor air brought in, and usually heated, to replace air removed by exhaust fans and kitchen hoods.

Doors that are hard to open or slam shut, a whistle at doors and windows, a kitchen hood that leaves smoke and odours behind, cold drafts near the entrance in winter, and pilot lights or burners that flicker or go out.

In a Hamilton winter, bringing in large volumes of outdoor air without heating it would make the space uncomfortably cold and could freeze pipes or equipment near the intake.

Usually, yes. It depends on how much air is being exhausted, where a unit can go on the roof or wall, and the gas and electrical supply available.

Yes. Like any gas-fired heating equipment, it should be checked before the heating season: burners, ignition, safety controls, belts and filters.

Cooking equipment gives off a lot of heat, so the kitchen and the dining room need very different amounts of cooling and heating.

More often than in most buildings. Cooking adds grease and moisture to the air, which loads filters and coats coils faster.

Yes. We plan installations, crane lifts and noisy work around your hours, so you can stay open.

Call us at any hour. While you wait, check that the thermostat is set to cool and that the unit's breaker or disconnect hasn't tripped (don't reset it more than once).

Yes. Our licensed gas technicians install new gas lines and extensions and connect equipment.

Yes. We plan the work with you so patients and staff stay as comfortable as possible, including in buildings that stay open for business during the project.

Small rooms with closed doors, equipment that gives off heat, and rooms on outside walls all behave differently, so one thermostat rarely keeps them all comfortable.

Often, yes. Options include better filters, more fresh air and humidity control.

Yes. Many older office and professional buildings are heated by boilers.

Yes. We look after the heating and cooling across multiple properties and facilities, so you have one contractor and one point of contact.

Our technicians are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Yes. We can assess the equipment at each property and tell you straight which units are worth repairing and which are near the end, so replacements can be planned and budgeted instead of done in an emergency.

Yes. We check whether the existing equipment suits the new tenant's use, fabricate the ductwork in our own shop and coordinate gas, electrical and plumbing through Lancaster Group.

With its own cooling. Servers give off heat around the clock, including nights and weekends when the building's system may be set back or off.

Offices on outside walls gain and lose heat with the weather and the sun, interior rooms stay warm all year, and meeting rooms heat up when they're full.

Stuffiness usually means not enough fresh air, or air that isn't moving.

Yes. We plan installations, shutdowns and noisy work around your hours so staff can keep working.

It depends on the space. Gas-fired unit heaters are a common choice for open areas with high ceilings, because they heat the working area directly and can be placed where they're needed.

A large overhead door can empty a building of warm air in minutes.

Yes. Like any gas-fired heater, a unit heater should be checked before the heating season: burner, ignition, venting, safety controls and the fan.

Yes. Our licensed gas technicians install new gas lines and extensions and connect heaters and other equipment.

Not currently. The Home Renovation Savings Program, Enbridge Gas and Save on Energy don't offer rebates for gas furnaces or central air conditioners as of October 2026.

The federal government says the National Heat Pump Rebate can be combined with existing provincial programs.

No. The Home Renovation Savings heat pump rebate and the National Heat Pump Rebate don't require an energy assessment.

Under the Home Renovation Savings Program, yes.

No. The Home Renovation Savings Program doesn't cover replacing an existing heat pump.

Yes. For the Home Renovation Savings heat pump rebate, the contractor must get written pre-approval before any work starts.

Public Canadian cost guides put most central air conditioner replacements at about $4,000–$8,500 installed, before tax.

If both are near the end of their life, replacing them together is often more cost-effective.

It depends on how much you run your air conditioning and on electricity rates.

A heat pump usually costs more up front than an air conditioner of the same size, but it also heats your home for much of the year, and eligible cold-climate models qualify for rebates that air conditioners don't.

Usually, yes. The indoor coil on your furnace must be matched to the outdoor unit and its refrigerant.

Change or clean your furnace filter regularly, keep plants and debris clear of the outdoor unit and book a yearly spring tune-up.

We don't know of any independent, published data that ranks furnace brands for reliability in a way we'd stand behind.

Yes. 5% AFUE.

Among the furnaces we carry, Goodman includes a 5-year unit replacement limited warranty on its gas furnaces, with registration.

All three furnace brands we carry offer a modulating gas furnace.

Trane is a brand of Trane Technologies. Carrier is part of Carrier Global Corporation.

By model first. The differences between tiers within one brand, such as single-stage vs modulating, or a multi-speed vs variable-speed blower, affect your comfort far more than the differences between brands in the same tier.

Many can. Carrier's gas furnaces run on natural gas and convert to propane with an optional kit.

Each major brand now makes a model built for cold climates, so compare models rather than brands.

It's a designation for heat pumps that keep a large share of their heating output in cold weather.

A heat pump moves heat from the outdoor air into your home.

If your home has ducts in good condition, a ducted heat pump heats and cools every room through the existing vents, with one outdoor unit.

Many of their cold-climate models can. The Home Renovation Savings Program covers cold-climate air-source heat pumps, ducted or ductless, if the specific model is on Natural Resources Canada's eligible product list and meets the program's minimum efficiency.

In winter, a heat pump's outdoor unit defrosts itself from time to time, and the meltwater can refreeze in the base of the cabinet.

Higher is better, but it isn't the whole story.

Public Canadian cost guides put most installations at about $5,000–$10,000 for a standard ducted air-source heat pump in a home with usable ducts, and about $10,000–$18,000 for a ducted cold-climate model.

Cold-climate models use variable-speed (inverter) compressors and are built to keep heating efficiently well below freezing, so the equipment costs more.

Under the Home Renovation Savings Program, an eligible cold-climate air-source heat pump earns $1,250 per ton up to $7,500 in homes heated by electricity, oil, propane or wood, or $500 per ton up to $2,000 in Enbridge gas-heated homes.

Often, yes. If your gas furnace is in good shape, a hybrid system adds a heat pump in place of your air conditioner and keeps the furnace for the coldest days, so you may not need a larger cold-climate unit or electric backup heat.

Not always. Many homes have enough capacity, but a heat pump needs its own circuit, and older 60- or 100-amp panels sometimes need an upgrade, especially if you also add electric backup heat or have an electric vehicle charger.

Each indoor unit adds equipment, line set and labour, so cost rises with the number of zones.

It depends on what you heat with now. Heat pumps are usually much cheaper to run than electric baseboards, oil or propane.

3%. In the standard tier, the Carrier Comfort 96 is rated up to 97% and the Trane Choice 96 up to 96%.

The Trane Premier 96M has ComfortLink II communicating capability.

Yes. Trane's 10-year limited parts warranty applies with registration.

Not for most models. The Trane Priority 96 works with most standard thermostats, for example.

A standard furnace will usually work with another brand's air conditioner, but we don't recommend mixing brands.

Quietness depends more on the type of furnace than on the brand.

Neither is better across the board. Both offer single-stage, mid-range and variable-speed air conditioners.

Yes. Goodman builds air conditioners in all three tiers, from the single-stage GLXS3B to the variable-speed GXV9S, and they're sold through independent HVAC contractors.

Variable-speed models are the quietest in every brand, because they spend most of the summer at low speed.

No. Trane and Carrier air conditioners in our lineup use R-454B (Carrier calls it Puron Advance), while Goodman's use R-32.

It is if you value even temperatures, lower humidity and quiet operation.

For Carrier and Goodman, yes. Carrier's Consumer Choice Warranty depends on timely registration and drops to 5 years of parts coverage if you don't register within 90 days.

Often, yes, if your furnace's blower and the new indoor coil are compatible with the new outdoor unit.

Public Canadian cost guides put a standard gas tank at about $1,500–$2,500 installed and a power vent tank at about $2,000–$3,500, before tax.

A power vent water heater has an electric blower that pushes exhaust out through plastic pipe in a side wall, so the unit costs more and needs a nearby electrical outlet.

It can be for larger households, homes short on space or anyone who often runs out of hot water.

Ontario rental tanks are often quoted at about $30–$40 a month, depending on size, and many rental contracts increase the rate each year.

Yes, but the rental company owns the tank, so contact them first about ending the agreement, removing the tank and any buyout or termination charges.

Usually, yes, if there's enough space and air around it.

Common causes are a thermostat set to "fan on" instead of "auto", a clogged filter causing the furnace to overheat and shut the burners off, a blocked condensate drain, or an ignition or flame-sensor fault.

No. If a furnace locks out more than once, it's protecting itself from a problem such as overheating, poor venting or a failed sensor.

Don't touch light switches or appliances.

It depends on the cause and the part needed.

The most common causes are a dirty filter, a dirty outdoor coil, a frozen indoor coil, low refrigerant from a leak, or a failed capacitor or fan motor.

Ice usually means poor airflow (a dirty filter or closed vents) or low refrigerant.

No. Refrigerant work must be done by a certified technician.

Based on public Ontario cost guides, a new high-efficiency gas furnace typically costs about $3,500–$5,500 installed for a single-stage model, $4,500–$7,500 for two-stage and $6,000–$9,000 for modulating, before tax.

Modulating furnaces adjust their output in small steps, giving the most even temperatures, quieter operation and the lowest gas use.

Most current Ontario incentives focus on heat pumps, smart thermostats and insulation rather than gas furnaces.

Yes. We offer financing through Financeit, so you can spread the cost over monthly payments.

Yes. Modern cold-climate air-source heat pumps keep heating well below freezing, and many models are rated to operate in temperatures far colder than a typical Hamilton winter.

It depends on gas and electricity prices and on the outdoor temperature.

Often, yes. If your furnace is in good shape, a heat pump can replace your air conditioner and work together with the furnace as a hybrid system.

Yes. Heat pumps qualify for the largest current incentives.

A tank water heater usually lasts about 10–12 years.

Many Ontario homes rent their water heater.

Yes, if it's sized for your peak demand.