Air Conditioning · Kitchener

How to Choose an AC Company in Kitchener

How to choose an AC company in Kitchener — why the load calculation and the commissioning matter more than the brand on the box, and the questions that show whether a contractor does them.

The same air conditioner installed well or badly performs completely differently. Oversized, it short-cycles and never dehumidifies; undercharged, it runs forever; on undersized ducts, it freezes. Here's what to ask a Kitchener contractor before you sign.

Questions worth asking

• Do you do a load calculation? The only right answer is yes, on this house, before quoting. "Same size as the old one" or "one ton per 600 square feet" is how Kitchener ended up with so many oversized units.
• What about my ductwork? They should look at the return air and the trunk sizes, especially in a pre-1985 home, and tell you if the ducts limit the system.
• Are your technicians licensed, and are you insured? Refrigerant handling requires certification; the electrical needs an ESA notification. Ask for the paperwork.
• What's included? Removal and refrigerant recovery on the old unit, a matched coil, new lineset if needed, pad, disconnect, thermostat, commissioning, permit, and the warranty terms — in writing.
• How do you commission it? Measured airflow, superheat and subcooling, temperature split — written down. A unit that's "charged by feel" is a callback waiting to happen.
• Which rebates apply, and will you do the paperwork?

Red flags

• A quote over the phone from square footage
• Pushing a bigger unit "to be safe"
• No mention of ductwork or return air
• A brand pitch instead of an installation explanation
• No written scope, or a price far below the others with nothing to explain it

Frequently asked questions

Serving Kitchener and surrounding areas. Contact us for a free, no-obligation quote specific to your project.