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What size furnace should I buy?

Square FootageFurnace BTU
1,000-1,200 sq. ft. Home40,000 - 60,000 BTU
1,200-1,500 sq. ft. Home60,000 BTU
1,500-1,800 sq. ft. Home60,000 - 80,000 BTU
1,800-2,500 sq. ft. Home80,000 - 100,000 BTU
2,500-3,500 sq. ft. Home100,000 to 120,000 BTU

Enercare HVAC Review & Buying Guide for Canadian Homeowners   

Introduction

When it comes to keeping your home comfortable year-round, finding a reliable HVAC company can make all the difference. This Enercare HVAC review explores one of the largest home comfort service providers in Ontario, offering a wide range of heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical solutions. But is Enercare the right choice for your home?

Enercare has built a strong reputation through decades of service, emphasizing convenience and customer protection through its rental and maintenance programs. With options for homeowners to rent or purchase their HVAC systems, Enercare provides flexibility that appeals to both budget-conscious families and those seeking long-term comfort solutions.

In this detailed review, we’ll break down Enercare’s services, product lineup, pricing, and customer feedback to help you decide whether their rental or purchase options best fit your needs.

About Enercare

Enercare has been part of Ontario’s home comfort industry since 1959 and now serves over 1.1 million Canadians. Over the decades, the company has grown from a regional provider into one of the country’s most recognized names in residential HVAC services.

As highlighted in this Enercare HVAC review, Enercare offers both purchase and rental programs for furnaces, boilers, air conditioners, water heaters, and more. However, its rental model—Enercare Advantage™—has become its signature offering. This plan lets homeowners rent equipment with no upfront cost while receiving free ongoing maintenance and repairs.

While convenient, homeowners should be aware that long-term rental costs often exceed the price of purchasing equipment outright.

Beyond heating and cooling, Enercare has expanded into modern home technologies such as Generac backup generators and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, aiming to provide complete home energy solutions.

Enercare vs. Local HVAC Contractors

Enercare operates differently from traditional independent HVAC companies. Its business model emphasizes equipment rentals and bundled service plans, while local contractors typically focus on installations, one-time sales, and repair services.

While Enercare technicians are trained and certified, some customers feel that local contractors—especially smaller, family-run businesses—offer more personalized attention and flexibility. On the other hand, Enercare’s scale allows it to provide nationwide coverage, 24/7 service availability, and structured protection plans, which smaller providers may not match.

In short, this Enercare HVAC review finds that Enercare is ideal for homeowners who value convenience and predictable monthly payments, while others may prefer local contractors for more customized service and long-term savings.

Customer Feedback on Enercare HVAC Installation

Enercare’s customer reviews paint a mixed but informative picture. Here’s a summary of what homeowners often highlight:

Positive Experiences

  • Prompt and Efficient Service: Many customers appreciate Enercare’s quick response times and professional technicians. Service calls are often scheduled within a day or two, with same-day repairs available for rental customers.
  • No Maintenance Costs for Rentals: The Enercare Advantage™ plan covers maintenance and repairs for the lifetime of the rental agreement, eliminating surprise expenses.
  • Comprehensive Service Coverage: Customers often praise Enercare’s wide range of services—from plumbing to water heater repair—under one umbrella.

Negative Experiences

  • Rental Contract Concerns: Some homeowners find the rental agreements restrictive, with high buyout or cancellation fees.
  • Inconsistent Installation Quality: A few reviews mention poor workmanship or issues like gas leaks, often attributed to subcontracted installers.
  • Inherited Agreements: Buyers of pre-owned homes sometimes discover existing Enercare rental contracts they must continue paying for, adding unexpected costs.

Enercare HVAC Products

Enercare supplies single-stage, multi-stage, and variable-speed furnaces, giving homeowners the flexibility to choose a model that matches their comfort preferences and energy goals. Single-stage furnaces are ideal for smaller homes, offering reliable, cost-effective heating.

According to this Enercare HVAC review, multi-stage and variable-speed systems deliver greater energy efficiency, quieter operation, and improved temperature control, making them a strong choice for larger homes or those seeking year-round comfort.

Furnaces

  • Single-Stage Motors
  • Multi-Stage Motors
  • Variable-Speed Motors

Boilers

Enercare’s boiler lineup includes conventional, high-efficiency system, and combination boilers. High-efficiency models help reduce gas consumption while maintaining powerful heat output. Combination boilers are particularly popular in compact homes since they provide both space heating and hot water from a single unit.

  • Conventional Boilers
  • High-Efficiency System Boilers
  • Combination Boilers

Fireplaces

Enercare offers both gas and electric fireplaces, blending warmth and aesthetics for living spaces. Gas models provide efficient heat output, while electric options are easy to install and maintain, offering flexible placement within the home.

  • Gas and Electric Fireplaces

Air Conditioners

Enercare’s Smarter AC™ systems and ductless mini-split units provide modern cooling solutions for diverse home layouts. Smarter AC models integrate with smart thermostats and remote monitoring for optimized performance and energy tracking. Ductless mini-splits are an efficient choice for homes without central ductwork, offering customizable comfort in individual rooms.

  • Enercare Smarter AC™ Systems
  • Ductless Mini-Split Units

Heat Pumps

The company’s central and ductless heat pumps offer both heating and cooling capabilities, making them a versatile solution for Canadian climates. Central heat pumps are ideal for whole-home comfort, while single- and multi-zone ductless systems allow for room-specific temperature control and energy savings.

  • Central/Hybrid Heat Pumps
  • Single-Zone and Multi-Zone Ductless Systems

Water Heaters

Enercare carries a variety of tank-based and tankless water heaters that deliver consistent hot water for families of all sizes. Tankless models are particularly valued for their space-saving design and energy efficiency, providing hot water on demand.

  • Tank-Based and Tankless Models

Each product is available for purchase or rental through the Enercare Advantage™ program, which includes free ongoing service, maintenance, and repairs for as long as the rental agreement is active—offering peace of mind and long-term reliability.

Brands Offered by Enercare

Enercare sources equipment from several reputable manufacturers, depending on the system type.
Their water heaters often come from trusted brands like:

  • GSW
  • Rheem
  • Bradford White
  • Radiant

For HVAC systems—furnaces, boilers, and heat pumps—Enercare is known to offer Lennox products, among others. However, specific brand availability may vary by location, so homeowners are encouraged to contact Enercare for exact details.

Enercare Maintenance & Repair Plans

Enercare offers a selection of maintenance and protection plans tailored to various home systems.

Maintenance Plans

  • Furnace Maintenance Plan – $9.99/month + HST
  • Boiler Maintenance Plan – $12.99/month + HST
  • Fireplace Maintenance Plan – $10.99/month + HST

(Note: Air filters are not included in any plan.)

One-Time Repair Services

  • Boiler Service Call – $99 (+HST)
  • Furnace Diagnostic – $0* (promotional)
  • Air Conditioner Diagnostic – $99 (+HST)
  • Water Heater Service Call – $99 (+HST)

Protection & Repair Plans

  • Boiler Plan – Starts at $28.99/month (immediate repair $179)
  • Furnace Plan – Starts at $24.99/month
  • Air Conditioner Plan – Starts at $24.99/month

These plans provide peace of mind for homeowners who prefer predictable monthly costs over unexpected repair bills.

Enercare HVAC Pricing Overview

HVAC pricing varies widely based on factors such as efficiency rating, size, and system type. The following estimates represent average Enercare price ranges across Ontario.

Furnace Prices

  • Purchase: $5,000 – $7,000+ (including standard installation and a 1-year warranty)
  • Rental:
    • Enercare Advantage™ – $80–$156/month
    • Enercare Smarter Advantage™ – From $106/month + HST (includes smart thermostat and system monitoring)

Boiler Prices

  • High-Efficiency Gas Boiler: $6,500 and up

Heat Pump Prices

  • Central Heat Pump: $10,000 – $20,000 (approx. $200/month rental)
  • Ductless Mini-Split: $7,000 – $12,000 (approx. $80/month rental)

Air Conditioner Prices

  • Purchase: $4,000 – $6,500+
  • Rental:
    • Enercare Advantage™ – From $82/month
    • Smarter Advantage™ – From $94/month (includes smart thermostat & performance monitoring)

All rental payments can be made online through participating Canadian banks.


Buying or Renting an HVAC System from Enercare

Here’s how the typical purchase or rental process works:

Step 1: Free In-Home Consultation

Homeowners can schedule a free home assessment by phone or online. During the visit, an Energy Management Consultant (EMC) evaluates your home’s heating and cooling requirements and answers questions about system options, warranties, and costs.

Step 2: System Recommendations

Based on the home’s size and needs, the EMC suggests suitable systems, highlighting potential energy savings and efficiency ratings.

Step 3: Installation & Setup

Enercare handles all necessary permits and scheduling. Installations are performed by certified technicians, and homeowners receive detailed instructions on system operation and maintenance.

Enercare Financing & Rebates

Enercare also provides flexible financing options to make system upgrades more affordable. With its financing plans, homeowners can spread costs over time without large upfront payments.

These Enercare Finance Plan features make upgrading to modern, energy-efficient systems easier and more budget-friendly.

  • Instant credit approvals
  • Up to 180-month payment terms
  • Option to defer payments up to 12 months
  • Open contracts with no prepayment penalty

In addition, homeowners may qualify for government rebates:

  • Clean Home Heating Initiative: Up to $4,500 for installing air-source heat pumps with smart controls (Enbridge Gas customers).
  • Canada Greener Homes Grant: Up to $5,600 (including $600 for energy audit).
  • Home Efficiency Rebate Plus (HER+): Up to $10,600 for qualifying Enbridge Gas customers.

Enercare HVAC Review: Warranty Coverage

Enercare’s warranty coverage is tied to manufacturer warranties for equipment parts. Enercare’s role focuses on service, installation, and the Protection Plan, which provides additional repair coverage.

If a major component fails within five years of installation, Enercare pledges to replace the unit and restart a new five-year warranty period. For expired plans, a 90-day warranty applies to any paid repair work.

Pros of Choosing Enercare

Extensive Rental Program: Offers flexibility with no upfront costs.
Comprehensive Service Network: 24/7 support across Ontario and much of Canada.
Free Maintenance for Rentals: Repairs and service calls included.
Wide Range of Products: From furnaces to EV chargers, covering every comfort need.

Cons of Choosing Enercare

Expensive Long-Term Costs: Rental fees can exceed purchase costs over time.
High Cancellation Fees: Early contract termination can be costly.
Variable Service Quality: Outsourced installations can lead to inconsistent results.
Limited Coverage: Plans exclude air filter maintenance and some water damage issues.

Alternatives to Enercare

As noted in this Enercare HVAC review, renting HVAC equipment is common in Ontario, but it may not always be the most cost-effective option. Many homeowners prefer purchasing outright through trusted local contractors for greater long-term savings.

Independent HVAC companies—like those featured in FurnacePrices.com’s certified contractor directory—offer transparent pricing, energy-efficient systems, and eligibility for rebate programs. These providers are vetted for reliability, professionalism, and 4.8+ average customer ratings.

Other nationwide alternatives include Reliance Home Comfort, Costco, and Home Depot, which partner with local installers for HVAC services. Reliance typically offers simpler protection plans at lower costs, while Enercare provides more comprehensive packages at a premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I end an Enercare rental contract?

You can buy out your unit if it’s relatively new and still efficient. If your system is near the end of its lifespan, it may make more sense to continue the rental until replacement.

2. Which is better—Reliance or Enercare?

Reliance offers lower-cost, straightforward plans, while Enercare provides broader service coverage and additional incentives. The best choice depends on your budget and service expectations.

3. Does Enercare replace thermostats?

Yes, Enercare does offer thermostat replacement services and includes smart thermostats in certain rental programs.

4. Who owns Enercare?

Enercare Inc. is owned by Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP, a publicly traded company based in Toronto.

Final Thoughts

Enercare stands out for its convenience, nationwide presence, and strong rental offerings. It’s ideal for homeowners who prefer low upfront costs and 24/7 service coverage. However, those looking for the best long-term value might find more savings by purchasing equipment through local certified contractors.

Read our Enercare HVAC review and find your best fit today!

Visit FurnacePrices.com to access expert-reviewed buying guides, transparent cost comparisons, and connect with certified local HVAC contractors near you—trusted by Canadians for over 25 years.

For more information on energy efficiency standards and incentives in Canada, visit Natural Resources Canada.

📞 Have questions? Contact us or email us at contact@furnaceprices.com.
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Hans Vaillancourt
Hans Vaillancourt
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