HVAC FAQ Hub · Metro Vancouver
HVAC Questions, Answered
Your complete guide to heating, cooling and hot water in Metro Vancouver — 42 answers on furnaces, heat pumps, boilers, AC, water heaters, maintenance, rebates and emergencies, from HeatLand, licensed since 1999.
General HVAC
What areas does HeatLand serve?
Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley — Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, the Tri-Cities, the North Shore, New Westminster, Delta, Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack and Maple Ridge. See service areas.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes — fully licensed and insured with TSBC-certified gas fitting, serving Metro Vancouver since 1999.
What HVAC services do you offer?
Furnaces, heat pumps, boilers, air conditioning, water heaters, gas fireplaces, thermostats, indoor air quality and commercial HVAC — install, repair and maintenance. See all services.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes — free, no-obligation estimates with upfront pricing. Call (604) 330-3812.
How do I book a service or estimate?
Call (604) 330-3812 or use the quote form on this page and a real person will get right back to you.
Furnaces & Heating
How long does a furnace last?
Typically 15–20 years with annual maintenance. If yours is older and facing major repairs, we’ll give honest repair-vs-replace advice. See furnace services.
Why is my furnace blowing cold air?
Common causes: thermostat settings, a clogged filter, ignition/pilot issues or a safety lockout. We’ll diagnose it fast.
Why is my furnace making loud noises?
Banging, rattling or screeching can mean ignition delay, a loose part or a blower/bearing issue — worth checking before it gets worse.
What furnace efficiency (AFUE) should I choose?
High-efficiency condensing furnaces reach 95%+ AFUE and may qualify for rebates. We’ll size and recommend the right unit for your home.
Should I repair or replace my furnace?
If it’s over ~15 years old, needs a costly repair, or your bills keep climbing, replacement often pays off. We give honest, no-pressure advice.
Heat Pumps & Cooling
Are heat pumps worth it in Vancouver?
Yes — our mild climate is ideal, they heat and cool in one efficient system, and they earn the largest CleanBC and utility rebates. See heat pumps.
Can a heat pump replace my furnace and AC?
Often yes — a properly sized heat pump covers year-round heating and cooling. We’ll assess your home and recommend the best setup.
Do heat pumps work in cold weather?
Modern cold-climate heat pumps keep heating efficiently well below freezing; we can pair one with backup heat for the coldest snaps.
How much can a heat pump save me?
Savings depend on what you’re replacing, but high-efficiency heat pumps cut energy use significantly — and rebates lower the upfront cost.
Boilers
How often should a boiler be serviced?
Once a year, ideally before winter, to stay safe, efficient and under warranty. See boiler services.
What’s the difference between a combi and conventional boiler?
A combi heats your home and provides on-demand hot water from one unit; conventional systems use a separate tank. We’ll advise what fits your home.
Why is my boiler not producing heat?
Causes range from pressure loss and airlocks to pump, valve or ignition faults. Our licensed techs diagnose and repair all major brands.
Water Heaters & Tankless
Tank or tankless water heater — which is better?
Tankless saves space and delivers endless hot water with lower standby loss; tanks cost less upfront. See water heaters.
How long do water heaters last?
Tanks usually last 8–12 years; tankless units 15–20 with maintenance. We offer fast replacement when repair isn’t worth it.
Why do I have no hot water?
Could be a failed element, thermostat, pilot/ignition or a tripped breaker. Call us and we’ll restore hot water fast.
What size water heater do I need?
It depends on your household size and peak demand — we’ll size it correctly so you never run cold.
Air Conditioning
Central air or ductless mini-split?
Central AC suits ducted homes; ductless mini-splits are perfect for additions, condos or homes without ducts. See air conditioning.
How do I keep my AC running well?
An annual tune-up (coil cleaning, refrigerant check, filter) keeps it efficient and prevents mid-summer breakdowns.
Why isn’t my AC cooling?
Low refrigerant, a dirty coil, a failing capacitor or a clogged filter are common culprits — we’ll diagnose and fix it.
Gas Fireplaces
Do you service and repair gas fireplaces?
Yes — our TSBC-certified gas fitters service, repair and safety-check gas fireplaces. See gas fireplaces.
My gas fireplace won’t light — what’s wrong?
Often a pilot, thermocouple, igniter or gas-valve issue. For safety, let a licensed gas fitter handle it.
Thermostats & Smart Controls
Is a smart thermostat worth it?
Yes — smart thermostats cut energy use, learn your schedule and may qualify for rebates. See thermostats.
Will a smart thermostat work with my system?
Most do, but compatibility varies (especially with heat pumps and dual-fuel). We’ll confirm and install it properly.
Indoor Air Quality
How can I improve my home’s air quality?
Better filtration, humidity control, HRV/ERV ventilation and duct cleaning all help. See indoor air quality.
How often should I change my furnace filter?
Every 1–3 months for standard filters, depending on pets and usage — it protects your system and your air.
Maintenance
How often should I service my HVAC system?
Once a year per system — furnace or heat pump before winter, AC before summer. Ask about maintenance plans.
What’s included in a tune-up?
Cleaning, inspection, safety checks, performance testing and minor adjustments to keep your system efficient and reliable.
Do you offer maintenance plans?
Yes — scheduled tune-ups that keep your equipment efficient, safe and under warranty year after year.
Rebates & Financing
What rebates are available?
CleanBC, BC Hydro, FortisBC and the federal Greener Homes program offer rebates on high-efficiency upgrades. See rebates.
Do you handle the rebate paperwork?
Yes — we confirm what you qualify for and handle the paperwork so you get every dollar you’re owed.
Do you offer financing?
Yes — flexible financing options so you can upgrade comfortably. See financing.
Service & Emergencies
Do you offer emergency service?
Yes — emergency and after-hours service for no-heat and no-hot-water calls. See emergency HVAC.
How fast can you come out?
We prioritize urgent calls and respond fast where possible across Metro Vancouver.
I smell gas — what should I do?
Leave the building, don’t touch switches, and call FortisBC at 1-800-663-9911 from outside. Once safe, call us at (604) 330-3812.
Choosing HeatLand
Why choose HeatLand?
Licensed and insured since 1999, brand-agnostic honest advice, upfront pricing, rebate help and free estimates. See about us.
What brands do you service?
Every major HVAC brand — and we recommend what’s right for you, not what we’re trying to sell. See brands.
Do you guarantee your work?
Yes — we stand behind our workmanship and install equipment to manufacturer and code requirements.
Still have a question?
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- Free, no-obligation quotes
- All major brands serviced
- Metro Vancouver & the Fraser Valley
- Financing & CleanBC rebate help