Furnace quote guide: get, read and compare quotes
Short, practical guides for Ontario homeowners getting a furnace, air conditioner or heat pump quote. Read them in order: before the estimate, reading the quote, then deciding.
Start where you are
The FurnaceQuotes guides are for Ontario homeowners replacing a furnace, adding central air or a heat pump, or holding a quote they are not sure about. Pick your stage.
- Before the estimateWhat a proper visit looks like, what to ask and how many quotes you need.3 guides
- Reading the quoteHold your quote against a complete one, line by line, and scan it for warning signs.2 guides
- DecidingWhere there is room on price, buying versus renting, and what install day looks like.3 guides
How to compare furnace quotes, in five steps
The whole guide in one list. If you only have five minutes, do this.
Get every quote in writing, with model numbers
Brand, model number, efficiency and size for each piece of equipment. Without them you cannot compare like for like.
Check how each one was sized
A room-by-room heat loss calculation (CSA F280) beats "same size as the old one". If two quotes pick different sizes, ask each company why.
Line up the scope
Venting, condensate, duct connections, thermostat, permits and removal. The comparison worksheet puts quotes side by side so a missing line stands out.
Compare prices before HST
Some quotes include the 13% HST and some do not. Put them on the same basis, then check each one in the quote checker.
Compare the terms, not just the total
Parts and labour warranty, deposit, payment schedule, install date and how long the price holds.
Before the estimate
Get the visit right and the quote is easier to judge. Know what real sizing looks like, bring your questions and decide how many quotes are worth your time.
Reading the quote
Start with the complete version: an annotated sample and a printable checklist. Then scan yours for the gaps and pressure tactics that cost homeowners most.
Deciding
Once two quotes cover the same scope, the choice gets simpler: where prices have room, buying versus financing or renting, and how install day goes.
How to negotiate a furnace priceWhere there is room in a quote and where there is not.Read the guide
Financing vs rentingTotal cost over time, buyouts and contract terms.Read the guide
Installation day, what to expectHow to prepare and what to check before the crew leaves.Read the guide
Want a written quote to hold against these guides? One request, one free in-home estimate.
Get A Free QuoteAlready have a quote? Check it
Two free tools do the comparing for you. Both run in your browser and nothing you type is sent to us. See every tool on the tools page.
Example result: looks fair
$7,320before HST, for a two-stage gas furnace with PVC venting, duct transitions, a thermostat and a permit.
That sits inside the typical $5,500 to $8,000 range for this furnace type, and the quote lists a model number, sizing and warranty terms.
Want a second number to compare?
Get A Free QuoteQuotes by system
Each page covers the typical Ontario price range, what that kind of quote should include and how long the job takes.
- Furnace replacementNew high-efficiency gas furnace, installedTypical from $4,000
- Heat pumpCold-climate ducted or dual fuelTypical from $9,000
- Central ACNew or replacement central ACTypical from $3,800
- Furnace and AC comboReplace both in one visitTypical from $8,000
- Ductless mini-splitSingle room or multi-zoneTypical from $3,500
- BoilerHydronic or combi boilerTypical from $6,000
- Water heaterTank or tankless, gasTypical from $1,800
- Furnace repairNo heat, noises, short cyclingDiagnostic from $100
- AC repairNot cooling, leaks, trippingDiagnostic from $100
Common questions
Straight answers. If yours is not here, the company can answer it during your free estimate.
How do I compare furnace quotes?
Put them on the same basis first: the same equipment tier, the same scope (venting, condensate, ducts, thermostat, permits, removal) and prices before HST. Then compare warranty terms, deposit, payment schedule and install date. A quote that costs more but includes a load calculation, a chimney liner or a longer labour warranty can be the better deal.
How many furnace quotes should I get?
For a straight replacement, one complete written quote you can check against typical ranges is often enough. Get a second when the first is vague, far outside the typical range or pushes you to sign quickly. Two quotes for the same scope usually tell you more than three that each include different work.
Do I pay for an in-home furnace estimate?
Estimates for a replacement are usually free in Ontario, and the in-home estimate you request through this site is free. Repair visits are different: a diagnostic or service call typically costs $100 to $200 before any repair work.
Ready for a real number?
Answer a few quick questions. A participating local HVAC company confirms the details and books a free in-home estimate.
Takes under a minute. No cost, no commitment.