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The Francis Home Environment Difference
Certified Technicians Providing Exceptional Service
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Comfort Guaranteed
We guarantee all of our installations, for a peaceful home and mind.
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Trusted Experience
Francis Home Environment has been serving families in Ottawa and the surrounding area since 1933.
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Locally Based & Operated
We’ve been serving local families for over eighty-five years, which shows both our dedication and experience.
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Serious Service
We offer ‘round-the-clock service so that you’re always covered.
Do I Need to Repair or Replace My Air Conditioning System?
If you are trying to determine whether it is time to say goodbye to your current cooling system, there are some factors you should consider.
One primary consideration is the age of your AC unit. If your system is more than 10-15 years old, it may be time to think about a replacement. Older units tend to be less energy-efficient, driving up utility bills and requiring frequent repairs. On the other hand, if your system is relatively new and has been properly maintained, a repair might be a more cost-effective option.
Another important factor is the frequency and cost of repairs. If you find yourself consistently calling for repairs and the costs are increasing, replacing your system could save you money in the long run. Recurring repair costs can quickly exceed the price of a new unit, especially if the repairs are significant.
Additionally, consider the performance of your current system. If you notice it struggles to maintain a comfortable temperature, produces strange noises, or uses more energy than it used to, it might be time to explore replacement options.
Not sure what path you should take? Just give us a call—one of our professionals can discuss your situation with you and give you some insight on how best to restore your home's capacity to keep you cool.
Symptoms of a Faulty Cooling System
Learning to spot the early warning signs of cooling system trouble can save you from major headaches (and expenses!) down the road. Call us at the first sign of trouble, and we'll fix the problem before it gets worse.
Here are some common signs to watch out for:
- Inadequate cooling: If your air conditioner is no longer cooling your home as effectively as it used to, you may have issues like low refrigerant levels, a failing compressor, or blocked airflow in the system.
- Strange noises: unusual sounds such as grinding, squealing, or banging can signify mechanical problems, such as loose or damaged components within the unit.
- Frequent cycling: If your AC unit is turning on and off too frequently, this short cycling could be due to issues like a malfunctioning thermostat, dirty filters, or an oversized system.
- High humidity levels: Your cooling system should make your home feel less humid. If it's feeling sticky or muggy inside, your system might need some attention.
- Increased energy bills: A sudden spike in your energy bills could mean that your AC is working harder than it should be, possibly due to inefficiencies or malfunctioning parts.
- Leaking or moisture buildup: Any signs of leaks or moisture around your air conditioning unit may point to problems such as a congested drainpipe or refrigerant leak, both of which need immediate attention.
Dependable Cooling Solutions in Ottawa
AC Repair
When your air conditioning system breaks down or isn't performing as efficiently as it used to, our skilled technicians are just a call away. We offer prompt and effective AC repair services to get your system back up and running in no time. Our team is trained to diagnose and fix a variety of issues, from refrigerant leaks to compressor failures, and make your home cool and comfortable again. A malfunctioning AC can be wildly disruptive, especially during peak summer months, which is why we prioritize quick response times and thorough repairs.
AC Maintenance
Regular maintenance is essential for the longevity and efficiency of your air conditioning system. Our AC maintenance services are designed to keep your system in peak condition, preventing unexpected breakdowns and spiking energy costs. During a maintenance visit, our technicians will thoroughly inspect, clean, and tune up your unit, addressing any potential issues before they turn into costly repairs. By scheduling regular maintenance, you can extend the life of your system, improve its performance, and enjoy a consistently cool home. Well-maintained systems can contribute to better indoor air quality, which is vital for your health.
AC Installation
If you're considering a new air conditioning system, Francis Home Environment has you covered. Our AC installation service takes the guesswork out of choosing the perfect cooling solution for your home. We partner with leading brands to offer energy-efficient, top-of-the-line systems tailored to your unique needs. Our experts will guide you through every step, from selecting the right model for your home's size and layout to ensuring flawless installation and optimal performance. We'll even consider factors like insulation and specific cooling requirements to guarantee your home stays comfortable year-round.
Heat Pumps
When it comes to versatile and energy-efficient cooling solutions, heat pumps are hard to beat.
Heat pumps offer the ability to cool and heat your home, making them a year-round solution for your home's comfort needs. Our team is experienced in installing, maintaining, and repairing heat pumps, so you can be sure that, when we are on the job, you will get the most out of this innovative technology. Whether you need a new installation or support for your existing system, we can help.
Contact us today to learn more about our cooling solutions and how we can help keep your home comfortable.
Choose Francis Home Environment for the Cool Home Comfort You Deserve
Your comfort and satisfaction are our top priorities. Serving the Greater Ottawa Area since 1933, we bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of reliability.
Our fully insured team is available 24/7, ready to address your cooling concerns with prompt, professional, and friendly service. Whether you need same-day repair, weekend appointments, or emergency services, we're committed to keeping your home cool and comfortable whenever you need us.
Trust in Francis Home Environment for all your cooling needs and experience the peace of mind that comes with a dependable cooling system.
Contact us online or call (343) 453-5603 to schedule cooling services in Ottawa and keep your home comfortable all year round.
Our FAQS
Providing You With Answers & Solutions
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What is the Difference Between HVAC and Furnace?
Again, this is another common question that we often receive from homeowners who are looking to install a new HVAC system into their homes. While an HVAC unit is responsible for heating, cooling, or ventilating your home, a furnace is simply a type of heating unit that comprises the home’s overall HVAC system. A furnace is either powered by electricity or natural gas. If you have natural gas in your home already, then chances are your furnace is also powered using this method compared to electricity.
Further, regardless of the type of power used, the energy will produce heat onto a burner. The produced heat is then moved through what is known as a heat exchanger. The warmed air is then transferred out of your furnace system using your home’s ductwork before diffusing into each room of your home through air vents. At the same time, as your furnace produces heat, the combustion gasses created to do so are safely vented outside of your home using a flue pipe to ensure you do not come in contact with any carbon monoxide.
The main components of your furnace system include:
- The control system, also known as the thermostat
- Gas valves
- Burners
- Heat exchangers
- A motor blower
- Ducts
- Ventilation system
- Flue pipe
Together, they work to heat your thermostat to your liking regardless of what time of year it is.
Are you thinking of installing a furnace in your home? Do you need repair or maintenance services for your furnace? Call us directly or book an appointment with Francis Home Environment today for more information on all HVAC.
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What is the Difference Between AC and HVAC?
This is a common question we receive from homeowners who are looking to install a new HVAC unit into their home, as there is some confusion about what each unit is. Therefore, to provide you with clarity, let’s take a look at what these differences are in more detail.
Simply put, an HVAC unit is a heating, cooling, and air ventilating unit that is installed in your home. It allows homeowners to control the temperature inside their home to their preferences using a thermostat. This thermostat works to either increase or decrease the temperature. It also allows you to monitor your indoor temperature and set schedules for your heating and cooling cycles.
On the other hand, an HVAC unit is in charge of circulating air inside your home. As a result, it helps homeowners keep their indoor air clean by removing any dust, hair, dirt, and other airborne contaminants that can affect your health. In addition, it also helps ensure your indoor air quality is not stagnant. Generally speaking, HVAC units will fall into these categories.
- Air conditioners
- Heat pumps
- Boilers
- UV air purifiers
- Humidifiers
- Water heaters
- Furnace
As you can see, an air conditioner is a type of HVAC unit responsible for heating your home. These can either be ductless or work using the ductwork of your home. The air conditioning unit will draw hot air into your home’s ductwork through a vent before it is drawn into your unit’s compartment. If you have a ductless system, it will draw air from the outside of your home before it is drawn into its compartment. The warm air is cooled using a refrigerant liquid that removes the heat from the air before it is blown back into your home using ductwork or through a vent on your air conditioning unit. The process of cooling the air is continued until the desired temperature set on your thermostat has been reached.
The main components of your home’s air conditioning unit include:
- Refrigerant
- Compressor
- Condenser coils
- Air ducts, if applicable to your home
- Expansion valve
- Evaporator coil
AS you can see, it is easy to get these two systems mixed as they are technically the same thing, yet they are different as well. Therefore, if you want to learn more about installing an air conditioning unit in your home or require repair or maintenance services for your home’s current air conditioning unit, the team at Francis Home Environment is here to help.
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How Much Does HVAC Installation Cost in Ottawa?
At Francis Home Environment, we recognize that every homeowner and home is different. And with over 85 years in the industry, we can confirm that when it comes to installing an HVAC into your home in Ottawa, there isn’t a one size fits all solution. Therefore, before we are able to provide you with an installation cost for a new HVAC in Ottawa, homeowners must first schedule a free at-home consultation with one of our technicians.
During your consultation, a professional HVAC technician will listen to your unique needs as a homeowner before conducting a thorough inspection of your property. Once this is complete, a Francis Home Environment professional will be able to provide you with suggestions and recommendations on how to maximize your home’s energy efficiency while staying within your budget.
Therefore, while we are unable to provide you with an installation cost online, we can provide you with a list of factors that will ultimately play a role in the final price so you can have a better understanding of what to inspect.
Here is a closer look at some of these essential factors unique to your home and lifestyle:
- The type of HVAC system you wish to install into your home.
- The type of HVAC system currently installed on your property.
- The scope of the project at hand.
- The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio of the HVAC unit you need for your home to operate as efficiently as possible.
- The cost of labor relative to the size of your project.
- The installation techniques needed to connect your new HVAC unit based on the size, layout, and other factors of your home.
Another important consideration that will help us determine the appropriate size of your HVAC unit is the number of British Thermal Units (BTUs) required to heat and cool your home. This energy unit measures how much power it takes to heat one pound of water. Each HVAC unit has a different BTU number. This number is determined by:
- The age of your home.
- The quality of your home’s insulation, in addition to its heat gain and loss.
- The total square footage of your home.
- The layout of the rooms and floors throughout your home.
- The style and quality of ductwork you have installed in your home.
- The height of your ceilings.
As you can see, choosing the correct HVAC unit for your home, along with the process of installation, are pretty complicated. As such, it’s common for homeowners to feel overwhelmed, especially when they do not have professional guidance to rely on. For example, without the professional advice of an HVAC company, you risk installing a unit into your home that is either too small or too large for your home. When this occurs, you will inevitably use more power to cool and heat your home than is required. In the end, it will end up costing you more money on your monthly energy bill. In addition, with a system that is the wrong size, you risk causing damage to your home that can end up costing you money over time as well.
However, with the help of Francis Home Environment and our licensed, expert HVAC technicians, we’ll work with you closely from start to finish to ensure you feel well-informed and confident in the decisions made for your home from start to finish. Regardless of the type of project at hand, Francis Home Environment has your best interests in mind, so you can rest assured knowing your home is in good hands.
At Francis Home Environment, we’re happy to offer all Ottawa homeowners financing when purchasing a new HVAC system!
For more information on installation costs and choosing an HVAC in Ottawa that will optimize your home’s energy efficiency based on the unique features of your home, call us directly or book a free consultation with Francis Home Environment today so we can get you back to enjoying your home in no time.
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What to Look for in an HVAC Servicing Company?
When it comes to choosing a company to partner with for your HVAC services, sometimes, it can be not easy to select one that is reliable enough to get the job done right the first time. Therefore, it is essential that homeowners do their due diligence and research before signing a contract with any HVAC servicing company, as it can end up costing them more money in the long run if something is not repaired or installed correctly.
Therefore, to ensure that homeowners feel well-informed when making their decision, here are some of the most critical factors that you should look for in an HVAC servicing company that prove they are trustworthy and suitable for the job:
Years of Experience
One of the first and most important factors in choosing the right company for your HVAC services is choosing a business that has years of experience. While newer companies may provide quality work, it can lead to a hit or miss scenario. On the other hand, a company with years of experience has the knowledge and skills to keep a business up and running for an extended period of time.
Positive Customer Reviews
The most telling sign that a business is reliable with its ability to offer you quality results is positive customer reviews. Customers are what make any business successful. Therefore, if the company has positive testimonials on its website and other social media pages from previous clients, then you can feel confident that what they are saying is true.
Proper Licensing
All HVAC technicians and companies in Ottawa are required to have all the proper licenses and certifications to operate legally. Therefore, if you are looking for more confirmation that a company you’re thinking of working with is legitimate, ask them for proof of documentation to ensure that it is accurate and valid.
Insurance/Warranty on Services
Further, the company you choose to partner with should also come with insurance and/or warranty on all services they offer. That way, if something should go wrong, you can rest assured knowing that you will not be reliable to pay for any repairs or modifications once a technician has finished servicing your home.
Get a Free Quote
Companies that are unwilling to give homeowners free quotes should not be trusted. A professional company should provide you with a free estimate on the services you need, and all costs should be confirmed before any work is conducted in your home.
Hear From Our Happy Customers
At Francis Home Environment, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our customers have to say about working with us.
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“Professional, friendly and efficient. He diagnosed the issue within seconds and had it fixed within minutes. He gave our system a thorough checkover after completion and had lots of useful advice for cheap maintenance and care.”- David C.
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“We have been dealing with them for years and always have a good experience. I highly recommend Francis.”- Laura P.
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“I own a home that was built in the 1960s and this team was able to find a solution for every problem that came up.”- J.W.
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“The technician worked extremely hard to troubleshoot the issue in our extremely warm house. He utilized another team member via video call to assist him with the technology.”- Marshall M.
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“A team that works well together, pleasure to have them in our home. This is the second big job done by Francis Fuels here, not one complaint. Good products, great reliable service and to top it off, friendly, kind and respectful.”- Catherine L.
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“Service has always been top-notch for the many years we have been with them. Highly recommended for both service and installation of equipment and add-ons.”- Arthur W.
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“I appreciated their time, care and expertise to inform me about the best practices for good ventilation and air flow. They also reiterated how Francis Homes is always available...”- Shuaib S.
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“Damin was very professional and helpful and ever so kind. He patiently and knowledgeably walked me through all of the diagnostic tests he was performing.”- Carol H.