Air Conditioning Installation & Replacement in Barrie & Simcoe County
When it's time for a new air conditioner, choosing the right equipment and contractor makes all the difference.
At Central Heating, we believe homeowners deserve to know exactly what they're getting, why we're recommending it, and what it will cost before work begins.
Since 2007, we've been helping homeowners throughout Barrie and Simcoe County with professional air conditioning installation and replacement services.
As an owner-operated company, we take pride in providing the personal customer service, straightforward pricing and quality workmanship our customers have come to expect.
One thing that makes Central Heating different is that we perform heating and cooling load calculations on every installation job. We don't simply replace your existing air conditioner with the same size or guess what your home needs.
We take the time to evaluate your home's heating and cooling requirements, existing equipment and airflow before making our recommendations.
We don't guess. We calculate. That's why you Call Measure Twice Kev!
Call 705-214-9610 to discuss your air conditioning installation or replacement.
5 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Your air conditioner is a major investment that your family depends on to stay comfortable during Ontario's hot and humid summers.
Even with regular maintenance, every air conditioner eventually reaches the point where replacement makes more sense than another repair.
Here are five signs that it may be time to start planning for a new system.
1. Your Air Conditioner Is Getting Old
Most residential air conditioners can provide many years of reliable cooling, but their lifespan depends on installation quality, maintenance, operating conditions and how heavily they're used.
If your air conditioner is more than 12 to 15 years old, it's worth evaluating its condition before investing in a major repair.
That doesn't mean you automatically need to replace it. A well-maintained system may still have years of useful service left.
However, planning ahead gives you time to explore your options rather than making a rushed decision during the hottest week of summer.
2. Your Air Conditioner Uses R-22 Refrigerant
If your air conditioner still uses R-22 refrigerant, commonly known as Freon, we generally recommend replacement when it develops a refrigerant leak.
R-22 has been phased out of new production and import for most uses in Canada, and the remaining available refrigerant can be prohibitively expensive.
Because most R-22 air conditioners are also quite old, spending significant money on refrigerant and leak repairs often doesn't make financial sense.
Rather than putting more money into outdated equipment, replacing the system with a modern, more efficient air conditioner may provide better long-term value.
3. You're Spending More Money on Repairs
If your air conditioner seems to need repairs every summer, those costs can start adding up.
An occasional repair doesn't necessarily mean your system needs replacing. However, repeated breakdowns, expensive replacement parts or major compressor and coil problems can make a new installation the better investment.
At Central Heating, we'll help you compare the cost of repairs against the age and condition of your equipment so you can make an informed decision.
4. Your Air Conditioner Is Loud or Isn't Cooling Properly
If your air conditioner has become noticeably louder, struggles to maintain a comfortable temperature or runs excessively, it may be showing signs of wear.
An air conditioner that frequently turns on and off, known as short cycling, may be improperly sized or experiencing a mechanical or control problem.
If your system runs for long periods without reaching the thermostat setting, there could be an issue with cooling capacity, airflow or other components.
These symptoms don't automatically mean you need a new system. Sometimes a repair or adjustment is all that's required.
But if your equipment is older and no longer performing properly, it may be worth considering replacement.
5. Your Home Is Uncomfortable and Energy Costs Are Increasing
An older or inefficient air conditioner may run longer than necessary while still struggling to maintain comfortable temperatures.
You may notice certain rooms are too warm, your upstairs bedrooms never seem to cool down, humidity is difficult to control or your summer electricity bills keep increasing.
Upgrading to a properly sized, higher-efficiency air conditioner can help improve comfort and may reduce cooling-related energy consumption.
However, if the problem is caused by leaking ductwork or poor airflow, simply installing a new air conditioner may not solve it.
Not sure if you should repair or replace your air conditioner? Contact Central Heating for an assessment of your options.
Why Proper Air Conditioner Sizing Matters
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners can make when replacing their air conditioner is assuming the new system should be the same size as the old one.
Just because your home has always had a three-ton air conditioner doesn't mean that's what it actually needs.
At Central Heating, we perform a heating and cooling load calculation on every installation job.
A load calculation helps determine how much heating and cooling your home actually requires rather than relying on square footage, the size of the existing equipment or guesswork.
Our calculations take into consideration factors such as:
- Your home's size and layout
- Insulation levels and building construction
- Window sizes, types and exposure
- Air leakage and solar heat gain
- Local outdoor design temperatures
- Your home's heating and cooling requirements
What Happens if Your Air Conditioner Is Too Big?
Bigger isn't always better when it comes to air conditioning.
An oversized air conditioner may cool your home too quickly, causing it to shut off before adequately removing humidity.
This can result in short cycling, uncomfortable indoor conditions, inefficient operation and unnecessary wear on the equipment.
What Happens if Your Air Conditioner Is Too Small?
An undersized air conditioner may struggle to maintain comfortable temperatures during the hottest days of summer.
This can cause long operating cycles and higher energy consumption without providing the comfort you expect.
We Don't Guess at Equipment Sizes
Our load calculations help us select equipment that matches your home's actual requirements.
We also consider existing ductwork, airflow and equipment compatibility before recommending a new system.
This is an important part of our installation process because selecting the right equipment is about more than matching the size of your old air conditioner.
It's not just a catchy radio slogan. There's a reason we say: Call Measure Twice Kev!
Why Is Your Upstairs Hotter Than Your Main Floor?
One of the most common complaints homeowners have during the summer is that their main floor stays comfortable while the upstairs bedrooms are too hot.
Many people assume their air conditioner isn't big enough and that installing a larger system will solve the problem.
But the problem might not be your air conditioner at all. It could be your ductwork.
Your air conditioner can only cool the rooms where the conditioned air actually reaches.
Over time, ductwork can develop gaps, leaks and poorly sealed connections. Some homes have duct systems that were never properly sealed in the first place.
According to ENERGY STAR, a typical home can lose approximately 20–30% of the air moving through its ductwork because of leaks, holes and poorly connected ducts.
Some homes can have substantially greater leakage, which is why testing is important.
That means a significant amount of the air you've paid to cool may not reach the rooms where you need it.
Why Does This Affect Upstairs Bedrooms?
Second-floor bedrooms can be especially difficult to cool because:
- Heat naturally accumulates on upper floors.
- Roof and window exposure can increase heat gain.
- Long duct runs can make it difficult to deliver sufficient airflow.
- Leaky duct connections can reduce the amount of conditioned air reaching upstairs rooms.
- Inadequate return-air pathways can interfere with proper air circulation.
Simply installing a larger air conditioner doesn't necessarily solve these problems.
In fact, an oversized system can create additional comfort and humidity issues.
We Look Beyond the Air Conditioner
At Central Heating, we don't believe in simply replacing equipment and hoping for the best.
We perform a heating and cooling load calculation on every installation and consider your existing ductwork and airflow when recommending a new system.
Even the best air conditioner won't perform as expected if the conditioned air isn't reaching the rooms that need it.
When we identify potential ductwork problems, we can recommend further testing and discuss solutions to improve comfort throughout your home.
Aeroseal: A Solution for Leaky Ductwork
Central Heating also offers Aeroseal duct sealing, a technology designed to seal many hidden leaks from inside your existing ductwork.
Traditional duct sealing can be difficult when ducts are concealed behind finished walls and ceilings.
Aeroseal uses a specialized sealing process that can address suitable leaks from inside the duct system without having to open finished walls to access every connection.
The process includes measuring duct leakage before and after sealing, allowing us to show customers the results.
By reducing duct leakage, Aeroseal can help more conditioned air reach its intended destination, potentially improving comfort in rooms that are difficult to heat or cool.
Of course, duct sealing won't correct every airflow problem. Some homes may also require duct modifications, additional return airflow or other adjustments.
If your upstairs is too hot, don't automatically assume you need a bigger air conditioner.
Before investing in new equipment, let Central Heating help determine whether the issue is equipment sizing, airflow, duct leakage or a combination of problems.
Learn more about our Aeroseal Duct Sealing Services.
Choosing the Right Air Conditioner for Your Home
Not every home needs the same cooling system.
At Central Heating, we don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We help homeowners choose equipment that fits their comfort needs, existing HVAC system and budget.
Central Air Conditioning
Central air conditioning is a popular choice for homes with existing ductwork.
These systems provide cooling throughout the house using an outdoor unit and indoor evaporator coil connected to your forced-air heating system.
When properly sized and installed, central air conditioning offers dependable whole-home comfort.
High-Efficiency Air Conditioners
Newer air conditioners are available with different efficiency ratings and operating technologies.
Depending on the equipment, features such as two-stage or variable-capacity operation can help improve comfort, temperature control and humidity management.
Our team can help explain the differences and determine whether the additional investment makes sense for your home.
Ductless Mini-Split Systems
If your home doesn't have ductwork or you need additional cooling in a particular area, a ductless mini-split may be a good solution.
Ductless systems can provide efficient cooling without the need to install traditional ductwork throughout the house.
Heat Pumps
If you're already considering replacing your air conditioner, it's worth looking at a heat pump.
A heat pump can provide air conditioning during the summer and heating during cooler weather.
Depending on your home, existing heating system and available equipment, a heat pump may provide additional comfort and efficiency benefits.
We can help compare a traditional air conditioner with a heat pump so you understand the advantages of each option.
Understanding the New R-454B and R-32 Refrigerants
The air conditioning industry is changing as manufacturers move toward refrigerants with lower global warming potential.
For years, R-410A was widely used in residential central air conditioners and heat pumps.
Now, manufacturers are introducing newer equipment designed to operate with refrigerants such as R-454B and R-32.
Both have significantly lower global warming potential than R-410A.
These newer refrigerants require equipment specifically designed for their use, including appropriate safety features and installation procedures.
Should You Replace Your Existing R-410A Air Conditioner?
Not necessarily.
If you already own an R-410A air conditioner that's working properly, there's no reason to replace it simply because refrigerant technology is changing.
Existing R-410A systems can continue operating and receiving appropriate professional
