McCann Heating & Cooling

Heating

Heating options vary by system (furnace, heat pump, boiler, unit/garage heaters) and by fuel source (natural gas, propane, oil, or electricity.) There are countless variations, and the McCann Heating & Cooling team can help you sort out which one is best for your home and budget!

Furnaces, Heat Pumps, Boilers, & More

At McCann Heating & Cooling, we know that finding the right cooling system for your home can be a big decision. With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here, we break down the basic characteristics of air conditioners and heat pumps, highlighting their pros and cons. We’ll also discuss the differences between central ducted units and ductless systems to help you make an informed choice.

Furnaces

Furnaces are the traditional go-to home heating system in Canada. They are tied to an air duct system that delivers air throughout the home, and were traditionally fueled by wood, coal, or oil. The modern fuel options are usually natural gas or propane, both of which are very efficient. A standard two-stage gas furnace achieves 96% efficiency, and the best modulating furnaces deliver an incredible 99% fuel efficiency! McCann’s most popular furnace in the modulating category is the Lennox SLP99, and the two-stage category is a toss-up between the Lennox El296V and Trane’s S9V2 (which has a stainless steel heat exchanger with a life-time warranty!) We’ll help you find the best match for your home.

Heat Pumps

Heat Pumps are the up-and-coming heating system of choice, especially as the government pushes to reduce carbon fuel consumption. (A quick primer: A heat pump works by transferring heat rather than generating it, making it an energy-efficient choice for both heating and cooling. It uses refrigerant and a cycle of compression and expansion to extract heat from one area and move it to another. In the winter it absorbs heat from the outside air, ground, or water—even in cold weather. A refrigerant captures this heat, which is compressed to raise its temperature. The heat is then transferred indoors to warm the air in your home. The cycle is reversed in the summer.) Some pros and cons of heat pumps:

Pros:

Year-Round Comfort: Offers both heating and cooling, making it a versatile all-in-one system.
Energy Efficient: Highly efficient, especially in moderate climates, as they transfer heat rather than generate it.

Cons:

Less Effective in Extreme Cold: Even the best cold-temperature heat pumps (which work down to -28c) require a back-up heat source in our cold Canadian climate.
Regular Maintenance Required: Because they work in both the winter and summer, they will not typically last as long as a standard furnace and air conditioner combination. Therefore it needs regular servicing to maintain efficiency and performance.

Boilers

Boilers offer superb home comfort. Boilers were historically paired with a radiator system, but many homes now use them with in-floor heating. Radiators and in-floor heating systems provide a very comfortable, constant heat. Another plus is that boilers typically provide on-demand domestic hot water heating as well! However, they don’t have a cooling option so they are often paired with a ductless air conditioner to provide summer-time cooling. McCann Heating has an experienced team of boiler-savvy techs who can service any make of boiler. However our go-to sales options are the NTI and Viessmann brands, which we consider to be the best in the market. Technically they are very strong, and they have a robust parts and supply chain in Canada if repairs are ever needed.

Heating for Special Spaces

Heating for Special Spaces describes the many heating systems that are designed for very specific uses. One common example is the Unit Heater, often called a Garage Heater. As its name implies, it is used to heat garages or commercial units. Wall furnaces are another product that McCann can help you with; they are often used in mobile homes, or rooms that are cut off from the main heating system. A ductless heat pump could also work in this situation but it might still need some back-up heat. Fireplaces are also useful for gently heating a small living space. McCann can service any make of fireplace, but we promote Kingsman fireplaces because of their selection, reliability, and parts availability. Let the McCann team advise you on the best solutions for these unusual spaces! We have decades of experience.

Installation

A typical home comfort system has two main components: an indoor unit (like a furnace or air handler) and an outdoor unit (your air conditioner). The furnace is responsible for heating the air and circulates through your home to provide warm, comfortable air. For the best performance, the indoor and outdoor units must be properly matched. When an furnace is paired with a compatible air conditioner, you get maximum efficiency, reliable performance, and a longer system life. This pairing is key to keeping your home at the perfect temperature while minimizing energy use.

Our installation process is thorough and meticulous to ensure your new cooling system performs at its best from day one. We start by safely removing your old system, disposing of it responsibly to make room for your new unit. Next, we install the new furnace and ensure it’s perfectly matched with your outdoor unit for optimal performance. We fine-tune the settings to maximize efficiency, ensuring your system operates smoothly and effectively right from the start. Once the installation is complete, we’ll take the time to walk you through the operation of your new system. We want you to feel confident using it and to understand how to get the most out of it. Finally, we make sure your space is cleaner than when we arrived. We believe in leaving your home spotless, so you can immediately enjoy your new, comfortable environment without any extra hassle.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is the key to keeping your heating system running efficiently and prolonging its lifespan. At McCann, we offer annual maintenance services that include comprehensive system cleanings, performance checks, and fine-tuning to ensure everything is operating at its best. For those seeking extra peace of mind, our Guardian Plan offers enhanced coverage and protection. These check-ups help mitigate potential breakdowns, maximize energy efficiency, and ensure continued warranty coverage.

Need a Consultation?

We Provide Free In-Home Consultations!

Contact us today at (613) 354-5512 to schedule a free in-home consultation. Let us help you find the right heating and cooling solution for your home.