What Size Heat Pump Do I Need?

The size of the heat pump depends on the size of your home and the area that the heat pump needs to operate for. Calculate the total square feet and generally allot one ton per 500 feet.

Do heat pumps work in Ontario winters?

Modern cold-climate heat pumps work effectively down to -25 degreesC to -30 degreesC. Technologies like Mitsubishi Hyper-Heat, Bosch IDS, and Carrier Infinity are specifically engineered for northern climates. That said, most Ontario homeowners use a heat pump as their primary system with a gas furnace backup (a "dual-fuel" setup), which provides e

How much does a heat pump cost in Ontario in 2025?

A ducted air-source heat pump (replacing or supplementing a central AC) costs $4,500-$9,000 installed, depending on brand and HSPF2 rating. Cold-climate models from Mitsubishi, Carrier, or Bosch sit at the higher end. A ductless mini-split heat pump (single zone) runs $3,000-$5,500. Multi-zone ductless systems range from $7,000-$15,000+. Rebates ca

What rebates are available for heat pumps in Ontario in 2025?

Several programs stack in 2025. The Canada Greener Homes Grant offers up to $5,000 for a qualifying heat pump (requires EnerGuide audit). The federal Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program offers up to $10,000 for homes heating with oil. Enbridge Gas sometimes offers additional incentives for dual-fuel setups. Some municipalities have local program

What is the difference between a heat pump and a central air conditioner?

A central air conditioner only cools. A heat pump does both - it cools in summer by moving heat out of the home, and heats in winter by extracting heat from outdoor air and moving it inside. The cooling side is essentially identical in operation and appearance. The key difference is the reversing valve in a heat pump that allows bidirectional refri

What HSPF2 rating should I look for in a heat pump for Ontario?

HSPF2 (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, 2023 standard) measures heating efficiency. The new minimum in Canada is 7.5 HSPF2. For Ontario's climate, look for a minimum of 9 HSPF2 for good performance. Cold-climate models rated 10-12 HSPF2 offer the best winter efficiency but come at a higher upfront cost. Pairing a 9.5+ HSPF2 heat pump with a gas

Can I use a heat pump as my only heating source in Ontario?

In most of southern Ontario (Toronto, GTA, Barrie area), a properly sized cold-climate heat pump can serve as a sole heating source, with standard resistance backup heating for extreme cold days. However, a dual-fuel system (heat pump + gas furnace) is generally more cost-effective because natural gas is cheaper per BTU than electricity when temper

How long does a heat pump last?

Air-source heat pumps typically last 15-20 years with regular maintenance. Because they run year-round (unlike AC-only units), annual servicing is especially important - including coil cleaning, refrigerant checks, filter changes, and defrost cycle verification. Ground-source (geothermal) heat pumps last 20-25 years for the indoor components and up

Why Is My Furnace Leaking Water?

Your furnace is an essential part of your home so it’s no surprise that when your furnace leaks water and needs repairs, it can quickly cause panic and stress. Not only will the leaking water affect the use of your furnace, but water leaks can cause serious issues within your home as well.

Any unusual furnace water leaks should be inspected and repaired by a professional furnace technician. At North Wind HVAC, we provide emergency furnace repair services 24 hours a day, seven days a week including weekends and holidays.

Possible Causes of a Leaking Furnace

There are several reasons why you could have a furnace water leak. Possible causes of water leaking from your furnace include:

Condensation Leak

Today’s furnaces are designed to be more efficient than older furnace models. The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is the standard measurement used to rate your furnace performance. High efficiency furnaces with an AFUE over 90 naturally produce furnace condensation when they heat your home. A built-in cool exhaust system removes the moisture through a PVC line that is attached to your basement floor drainage or through a wall to the outside of your home. If your condensation pump or PVC lines are damaged, blocked cracked, or faulty, the condensation cannot be removed from your appliance so you will see water leaking from your furnace.

Humidifier Leak

Some home owners choose to have humidifiers installed in their furnace to improve the air quality within the home. The humidifier collects and dispenses vapour so if it breaks down, you could see your furnace humidifier leaking water. Your humidifier can develop clogs or cracks that can cause leaking water in your furnace or underneath.

A Clogged Filter

Your filter plays an important role in trapping airborne particles and contaminants so they do not get into your furnace. If your furnace filter is wet, clogging or dirty, it can put an extra strain on other furnace parts because the air cannot flow properly through your appliance. This can result in excess condensation buildup and leaking water from your furnace.

Filters should be inspected regularly and changed every three months to prevent leaks and other more costly furnace repairs.

Air Conditioner Leaking

If you have a central air conditioning unit installed, it could be the cause of your water leaking and not your furnace. Central air conditioners collect a lot of condensation within the home and remove it through condensation lines and a drain pan. If the lines or pan are clogged or damaged, your air conditioner cannot remove the moisture properly. Because the air conditioning unit is attached to your furnace, it could look like your furnace is leaking water when the actual culprit is your AC unit. At Northwind HVAC, we will inspect your AC unit thoroughly to make sure it is not causing any water leakage.

Heat Exchanger Problem

High efficiency furnaces have built-in secondary heat exchangers to absorb the natural gases as they pass through the system. The second exchanger is installed to absorb the remaining heat that is developed by the natural gases. If there is damage or blockages in the second heat exchanger, water can leak from your furnace. A faulty heat exchanger can only be replaced by a highly qualified furnace repair technician.

Metal Vent Pipe is Creating Condensation

Furnaces with an AFUE under 90 have a built-in metal exhaust vent pipe to eliminate the natural gases produced when your furnace is producing heat. If you have a poor fitting or faulty exhaust vent pipe, the gas cannot escape properly so condensation will form and cause your furnace to leak water.

What Should You Do When You Notice Your Furnace Leaking Water?

If you notice water leaking from your furnace, turn the appliance off immediately and disconnect the power source. This is especially important if you have an electric furnace because mixing the two creates a highly dangerous situation. Call us at Northwind HVAC to come inspect your furnace. We offer 24 hour service seven days a week so you can feel assured that one of our professional technicians will arrive at your place in a timely manner to troubleshoot your furnace leaking water issues.

Mop up all leaking water to make sure there is no further damage to your home. If left uncleaned, puddles of water can cause serious and costly damage to your home’s interior. Make sure the power is off before cleaning up the water to avoid injury.

Hiring Professional Furnace Repair Services

If you notice your furnace is leaking water, contact us at North Wind HVAC immediately. Many problems that cause water leakages require a trained professional with expert knowledge in furnace troubleshooting and repair. Trying to resolve these issues on your own could cause more serious problems that could result in more dangerous and expensive repairs.

At North Wind HVAC, we have built a reputation as one of the best furnace installation, maintenance and repair companies in the area. We provide fast, reliable service competitive prices. If you have a leaking furnace, contact us immediately for all your furnace repair and servicing needs.

FAQs

If you have water in your furnace, contact us at North Wind HVAC immediately. We are a furnace repair service you know you can trust.

✓ Expert Note — Our TSSA-licensed furnace technicians have diagnosed and repaired thousands of furnaces across the GTA and Simcoe County – the answers below reflect real-world experience from Ontario homes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Furnace Repair in Ontario

How much does furnace repair cost in Ontario in 2025?

Most furnace repairs in Ontario cost between $150 and $600 depending on the issue. A minor fix like a faulty ignitor or dirty flame sensor runs $150–$250. Replacing a heat exchanger or control board can reach $400–$700. Emergency or after-hours service typically adds $80–$150. Getting a diagnostic quote upfront is the best way to avoid surprises.

How long does a furnace repair typically take?

Most furnace repairs are completed in 1–3 hours during a single service visit. Simple fixes like replacing a capacitor, thermocouple, or flame sensor take under an hour. More complex repairs – such as replacing a blower motor or control board – may require a return visit if parts need to be ordered. Same-day parts availability is common in the GTA.

Is it worth repairing an old furnace, or should I replace it?

A general rule of thumb: if your furnace is over 15 years old and the repair cost exceeds 50% of the price of a new unit, replacement is usually the better investment. Newer high-efficiency furnaces (96%+ AFUE) can cut your heating bills by 20–30% compared to older models. Our technicians can give you an honest assessment – we will tell you if a repair makes sense rather than push for a replacement.

What are the most common furnace problems Ontario homeowners face?

The most common issues we see in Ontario homes include: dirty or faulty flame sensors (causes short cycling), failed ignitors (furnace will not start), blocked condensate drains (common in high-efficiency units), cracked heat exchangers (a safety concern – causes CO leakage), failing blower motors, and thermostat wiring issues. Annual maintenance catches most of these before they become emergencies.

Can I get same-day furnace repair in the GTA or Barrie?

Yes. North Wind HVAC offers same-day furnace repair 7 days a week across the Greater Toronto Area, Barrie, and surrounding communities. Call by early afternoon for the best chance at same-day service. Emergency after-hours service is also available for urgent no-heat situations.

Do I need a TSSA-licensed technician to repair my furnace in Ontario?

Yes. In Ontario, any work on a natural gas furnace must be performed by a TSSA-licensed Gas Technician (G1 or G2 designation). Unlicensed repairs are illegal, void your warranty, and can create serious safety hazards including carbon monoxide leaks. Always verify your technician’s TSSA credentials before any gas appliance work.

My furnace has a red tag on it – what does that mean?

A red tag means a TSSA inspector has identified a safety hazard and ordered the appliance shut down until repairs are made. Red tags are serious – do not attempt to override or restart the furnace. A licensed Gas Technician must inspect and repair the issue, then have it re-inspected before the unit can be returned to service. North Wind HVAC specializes in red tag removal and can typically handle the full process in one visit.

Written by

James Kowalski

Senior HVAC Technician | G1 Gas Technician (TSSA)

James Kowalski is a senior HVAC technician with over 15 years of hands-on experience servicing residential and commercial heating systems across the Greater Toronto Area. Licensed by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) with a G1 Gas Technician designation, James specializes in complex furnace diagnostics, high-efficiency system installations, and emergency heating repairs. He holds HRAI certification and has trained dozens of junior technicians throughout his career.

HVAC Tips and Tricks

Why is My Furnace Leaking Water?