Install AC Etobicoke: Stay Cool Through Every Summer Heat Wave
A couple in Alderwood called us two summers ago after enduring their third consecutive heat wave without air conditioning. Their home hit 32°C inside while they tried to sleep. Fans weren't cutting it anymore. We installed a new central AC system in one day. That first night with cool air, they slept better than they had in weeks.
Installing AC transforms your home during Etobicoke summers. Lake Ontario humidity makes heat feel worse than the thermometer shows. A good air conditioning system doesn't just cool air, it removes moisture and creates genuine comfort. When you're ready to install AC, you want technicians who do the job right the first time.
When You Need Air Conditioning Installation
Maybe you bought an older home without AC. Maybe your existing system died and can't be repaired. Maybe you finished your basement or added a room and need cooling there. Whatever the reason, new AC installation gives you comfort and adds value to your home.
Central air conditioning works with your existing furnace and ductwork. If you already have forced-air heating, adding AC is straightforward. We install an outdoor condenser unit, an indoor evaporator coil that attaches to your furnace, and connect everything with refrigerant lines.
Homes without ductwork need different solutions. Ductless mini-split systems cool individual rooms or zones without tearing apart walls to install ducts. These systems work great for older homes in neighborhoods like Islington Village and Kingsway where adding ductwork isn't practical.
How AC Installation Works
We start with a free home assessment. Our technician measures your space, checks existing ductwork if you have it, reviews insulation, calculates cooling loads based on window size and sun exposure, and determines the right equipment size for your needs.
Proper sizing matters. Oversized AC units cycle on and off too frequently, never removing humidity properly. Your home feels clammy even when cool. Undersized units run constantly, struggle during heat waves, and drive up electricity bills. We size equipment correctly based on actual cooling requirements.
Once we know what you need, we recommend options at different price points. Basic single-stage AC units cost less upfront. Two-stage and variable-speed systems cost more but run more efficiently and quietly. We explain the differences so you can choose what fits your budget and comfort priorities.
Installation day typically takes 6-10 hours for central AC. We arrive in the morning, position and mount the outdoor condenser, install the indoor evaporator coil, run refrigerant lines and electrical connections, modify ductwork if needed, install or upgrade your thermostat, vacuum and charge the system with refrigerant, and test everything thoroughly.
You get a complete walkthrough when we finish. We show you how to operate your new system, explain thermostat settings, discuss filter maintenance, and answer all your questions. We register your warranty and provide all documentation.
Choosing the Right AC for Your Home
Not all air conditioners are equal. Efficiency ratings matter for long-term costs. SEER ratings measure efficiency. Higher SEER means lower operating costs. Minimum SEER in Canada is 14, but we typically recommend 16 SEER or higher for Etobicoke homes.
A 16 SEER system costs $500-800 more than a 14 SEER unit but saves $150-200 per summer on electricity. Over the system's 15-20 year lifespan, the higher efficiency pays for itself several times over.
We install Lennox, Carrier, Trane, and Goodman systems depending on your budget and preferences. All are quality brands with good warranty coverage. Lennox and Carrier offer premium features and top efficiency. Goodman provides solid performance at lower price points.
Your home's specific needs also matter. Older homes in areas like Humber Valley and Princess Gardens might need ductwork upgrades. Two-story homes benefit from zoned cooling so upstairs and downstairs can be controlled separately. We identify these factors during assessment and include them in our recommendations.
READY TO UPGRADE YOUR AC SYSTEM?
Ductless AC Installation Options
No ductwork? No problem. Ductless mini-split systems provide powerful cooling without extensive renovation. We mount a compact indoor unit on your wall, install an outdoor condenser, and run a small refrigerant line between them through a 3-inch hole.
Single-zone systems cool one room or area. Multi-zone systems handle multiple rooms with individual temperature control. Each indoor unit operates independently, so you can keep bedrooms cool at night while saving energy in unused spaces.
Ductless systems work perfectly for room additions, finished basements and attics, sunrooms, garage workshops, and older homes without existing ductwork. Installation takes one day for most residential applications. The indoor units are quiet and unobtrusive.
Many customers choose ductless systems even when they have ductwork because zone control saves energy and provides better comfort. Why cool your whole house when you're only using two rooms?
Permits and Code Compliance
Installing AC requires permits in Etobicoke. We handle all permit applications, inspections, and code compliance as part of our service. You don't deal with city bureaucracy.
Our installers are licensed refrigeration technicians. Every installation meets Ontario building codes and manufacturer specifications. After installation, an electrical inspector verifies the work. We provide signed-off permit documentation for your records.
Proper installation protects your warranty. Manufacturers require professional installation by licensed technicians. Unlicensed work voids coverage. When you use us to install AC, your warranty stays intact.
Financing New Air Conditioning
Central AC installation costs $3,500-6,500 depending on size, efficiency, and installation complexity. Ductless systems run $2,500-5,000 per zone. That's a significant expense, especially during an unexpected heat wave.
We offer financing through trusted lenders with approved credit. Monthly payments make new equipment affordable without draining savings. Many customers choose financing even when they could pay cash because it preserves their emergency fund.
We also help access available rebates. Some high-efficiency systems qualify for utility rebates. We complete paperwork and ensure you get every dollar available.
What to Expect After Installation
New AC systems need a break-in period. Run your system for a few days before making adjustments. Some sounds are normal: whooshing air, clicking thermostats, occasional compressor vibration. Loud grinding, squealing, or rattling isn't normal and needs service.
We schedule a follow-up check after your first month of operation. This visit confirms everything operates correctly and gives you another chance to ask questions. Most customers have no issues, but we want to make sure you're completely satisfied.
Change your filter monthly during cooling season. Clean filters improve efficiency and indoor air quality. Set your thermostat to 22-24°C for comfortable, efficient cooling. Lower settings waste energy and can freeze your evaporator coil.
Installing AC in Etobicoke's Climate
Etobicoke summers bring heat and humidity from Lake Ontario. Your AC removes moisture from indoor air, which is just as important as lowering temperature. High humidity makes 26°C feel like 30°C. Good air conditioning creates genuine comfort by controlling both temperature and moisture.
Lakefront neighborhoods like Humber Bay Shores, Long Branch, and Mimico deal with salt air that can corrode outdoor units. We install units in protected locations when possible and recommend corrosion-resistant coatings for coastal properties.
Homes with southern or western sun exposure need more cooling capacity. Large windows facing afternoon sun turn rooms into ovens during summer. Proper AC sizing accounts for sun exposure, insulation quality, window size, and local climate factors.
FAQs
How long does AC installation take?
One day for most central AC installations. Ductless systems often finish in 4-6 hours. Complex jobs with extensive ductwork modifications might take two days.
Can you install AC if I only have baseboard heat?
Yes. Ductless mini-split systems are perfect for homes without ductwork. We can also install ducted systems if you want to add ductwork, though that's more expensive and invasive.
What size AC do I need?
Depends on your home's square footage, insulation, window size, and sun exposure. Oversizing wastes money and reduces comfort. We calculate proper sizing during our free assessment.
What's included in installation pricing?
Everything: outdoor unit, indoor coil, refrigerant lines, electrical work, thermostat, permits, inspections, startup testing, and warranty registration. No hidden fees.
How efficient should my new AC be?
We recommend at least 16 SEER for Etobicoke. Higher efficiency costs more upfront but saves money every summer through lower electricity bills.
What warranty comes with new AC?
Most manufacturers offer 10-year parts warranties. Compressors often carry additional coverage. We provide one-year labor warranty on installation work. Extended warranties are available for purchase.