Reliance Home Comfort Review & Buying Guide for Canadian

Square Footage	Furnace BTU
1,000-1,200 sq. ft. Home	40,000 - 60,000 BTU
1,200-1,500 sq. ft. Home	60,000 BTU
1,500-1,800 sq. ft. Home	60,000 - 80,000 BTU
1,800-2,500 sq. ft. Home	80,000 - 100,000 BTU
2,500-3,500 sq. ft. Home	100,000 to 120,000 BTU

Overview

This Reliance Home Comfort review highlights how the company has become a trusted name in the Canadian HVAC industry, offering rental and purchase options for heating, cooling, and home comfort systems. Serving both residential and commercial clients across Ontario and other regions of Canada, Reliance provides furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, plumbing solutions, and smart home products.

This guide takes an in-depth look at Reliance’s product range, protection plans, warranty coverage, and overall customer experience—plus the pros and cons of choosing Reliance compared to local HVAC contractors.

1Overview

2About Reliance Home Comfort

3Reliance vs. Local HVAC Companies

4Reliance Home Comfort Review: HVAC Installation Feedback

5Products Offered by Reliance

6Brands Available Through Reliance

7Services Offered

8Maintenance and Protection Plans

9Reliance HVAC Pricing

10Financing Options

11Warranty and Service Guarantees

12Pros of Choosing Reliance

13Cons of Choosing Reliance

14Things to Know Before Renting

15Alternatives to Reliance

16Frequently Asked Questions

17Final Thoughts

About Reliance Home Comfort

Reliance Home Comfort traces its roots back more than 50 years to Union Gas, where it began as a water heater rental business. Over time, the company has grown into a full-service home comfort provider offering:

Furnaces and boilers
Air conditioners and heat pumps
Water treatment systems
Smart home integrations
Plumbing and electrical services

While Reliance is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, it has expanded its presence to several provinces and even into parts of the United States. Its growth accelerated with the 2014 acquisition of National Home Services, and in 2017, it became part of Cheung Kong Property Holdings.

Reliance maintains professional accreditations with reputable organizations, including:

BBB (Better Business Bureau)
CSA Group
HRAI (Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada)
TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority)
BCOHS

These affiliations demonstrate Reliance’s commitment to safety, standards, and compliance in the HVAC industry.

Reliance vs. Local HVAC Companies

When comparing Reliance Home Comfort to local HVAC contractors, the biggest distinction lies in their business model. Reliance focuses heavily on equipment rentals, offering convenience with little to no upfront cost. However, as highlighted in this Reliance Home Comfort review, this convenience often leads to higher long-term expenses compared to buying.

Local HVAC companies, on the other hand, generally sell and install equipment directly, which can be more cost-effective over time and increase property value. Smaller companies often offer more personalized service, quicker response times, and continuity with the same technicians.

When deciding between Reliance and a local contractor, consider:

Upfront vs. long-term costs
Flexibility in ownership
Service consistency and customer support
Customization options for your home’s needs

Reliance Home Comfort Review: HVAC Installation Feedback

Reliance employs its own technicians but also works with third-party contractors in some areas. This mix can result in varied customer experiences depending on location and technician quality.

Positive Feedback

Effective Protection Plans: Many homeowners find Reliance’s maintenance and protection plans cost-efficient, saving on repair costs that might exceed the monthly fees.
Prompt Emergency Response: Customers frequently mention fast response times during emergencies, such as water tank leaks or heating failures.
Smart System Installations: Installations for smart thermostats, tankless water heaters, and air conditioners are often reviewed positively for professionalism and reliability.

Negative Experiences

Rising Rental Prices: Several customers have reported frustration over annual rental cost increases.
Sales Pressure During Visits: Some service calls reportedly include upselling tactics for new equipment or additional rentals.
Additional Charges: Customers occasionally note unexpected fees for tasks like equipment removal or account cancellation.
Difficult Cancellations: The process of ending a rental agreement has been described as complicated and time-consuming.

Products Offered by Reliance

Reliance Home Comfort offers a wide selection of products to meet most home comfort needs:

Furnaces (gas, electric, oil)
Boilers (standard and high-efficiency)
Air Conditioners (central and ductless)
Water Heaters (tankless, electric, gas)
Water Treatment Systems (softeners, filters, reverse osmosis)
Air Purifiers and Humidifiers
Standby Generators
Smart Home Solutions
EV Chargers

Brands Available Through Reliance

As part of this Reliance Home Comfort review, it’s worth noting that Reliance provides equipment from various well-known HVAC and home comfort brands, including Bradford White, Viessmann, Mitsubishi Electric, Goodman, Trane, Amana, Carrier, SmartAir, Rinnai, Nest, and FLO.

This mix of high-end and budget-friendly brands allows homeowners to balance performance and cost according to their needs.

Services Offered

Reliance Home Comfort’s services include:

Furnace installation, repair, and maintenance
Boiler and water heater service (tankless and traditional)
Air conditioner and ductless mini-split installation and repair
Duct cleaning and air quality improvement services
Heat pump installation and tune-ups
Plumbing and electrical services
Smart home and water treatment system installation

Maintenance and Protection Plans

As highlighted in this Reliance Home Comfort review, Reliance offers several maintenance and protection options for homeowners seeking ongoing coverage:

Maintenance Plans: Starting at around $9.99/month, these include annual system checkups for heating or cooling units.
Protection Plans: Around $14.99/month, they include most parts and labour for covered repairs, with no deductible.
Combined Heating & Cooling Plan: A full protection package for $29.99/month that covers both systems with annual inspections and repair coverage.

These plans are appealing for homeowners who prefer predictable monthly costs and reduced risk of expensive repairs.

Reliance HVAC Pricing

Reliance does not list system prices publicly, as costs are provided after a professional in-home assessment.

Generally, homeowners can expect to pay between $5,000 and $8,000 for a new furnace or air conditioner installation through Reliance. Prices can vary based on:

Equipment brand and model
Home size and heating/cooling requirements
Location and installation complexity

While Reliance’s quotes may be slightly higher than smaller local competitors, they often include additional service perks and rental options.

Renting vs. Buying

Renting avoids upfront costs, but over the lifespan of the equipment, the total paid may exceed the cost of purchasing. Always calculate long-term costs before deciding.

Financing Options

Reliance provides financing for high-efficiency furnaces and other HVAC systems, often with promotions such as:

No-interest for 12 months
Equal monthly payments over a one-year period

This can be an attractive option for homeowners seeking to upgrade without paying the full amount upfront.

Warranty and Service Guarantees

Reliance’s warranties generally align with manufacturer policies. However, they also include several satisfaction guarantees, such as:

Full Refund Guarantee: If your system doesn’t perform as promised, Reliance will provide a full refund to ensure complete peace of mind.
First-Year Repair Guarantee: Free repairs for system failures within the first year, plus compensation for any inconvenience experienced.
Comfort Guarantee: If your system fails to maintain the promised temperature range, Reliance will replace it at no extra cost, ensuring year-round comfort.
Property Protection: Any damage caused during installation or service will be repaired or replaced by Reliance.
Extended Component Coverage: Includes five years for AC compressors and ten years for furnace heat exchangers, giving homeowners long-term reliability.

Additionally, Reliance emphasizes transparent service commitments and quality workmanship, ensuring every installation or repair meets strict performance standards. This comprehensive coverage helps homeowners feel confident that their investment is backed by both manufacturer and service-level protection.

Pros of Choosing Reliance

Fast Emergency Service: Quick response times during urgent repairs or unexpected breakdowns help minimize disruption and restore comfort promptly.
Strong Expertise in Water Systems: Reliance is well-regarded for its extensive experience in water heater and water treatment installations, offering dependable service and efficient performance.
Rental Options: Provides flexible HVAC rental programs, ideal for homeowners seeking comfort upgrades without large upfront costs.
Wide Brand Selection: Offers equipment from leading brands, giving customers a range of high-efficiency and budget-friendly choices.
Reliable First-Year Guarantees: Free repairs and refund options within the first year ensure customer satisfaction and peace of mind.
Large Service Network: With a wide technician base and multiple service hubs, Reliance can handle peak seasonal demand efficiently, ensuring faster response and consistent nationwide coverage.

Overall, Reliance’s scale, reliability, and variety make it a convenient choice for many Canadian homeowners looking for full-service HVAC support.

Cons of Choosing Reliance

Inconsistent Service Quality: Customer experiences can vary widely depending on location, technician expertise, and whether subcontractors are involved in the service.
Less Personalized Service: As a large corporation, Reliance may not provide the same personalized attention or continuity that smaller, locally owned HVAC contractors can offer.
High Long-Term Rental Costs: Although rentals reduce upfront expenses, monthly payments over several years can far exceed the actual cost of purchasing equipment outright.
Cancellation & Buyout Fees: Ending a rental agreement early often results in high fees, making it difficult for customers to switch providers or transition to ownership.
Mixed Maintenance Experiences: Feedback suggests inconsistency in service quality, especially when third-party contractors perform maintenance or repairs.
Complex Service Cancellation: Several homeowners report challenges when attempting to cancel or transfer rental agreements, citing lengthy procedures and unclear terms.

These drawbacks highlight the importance of reviewing contract details carefully and comparing multiple quotes before committing to a long-term HVAC agreement.

Things to Know Before Renting

Before renting any HVAC equipment from Reliance, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully.

Buying typically costs more upfront but builds equity and can save thousands over time. Renting provides convenience and free repairs, but with no ownership benefit.

When nearing the end of a rental contract, remember:

You do not own the equipment.
Billing continues unless you cancel.
Buyout offers can vary—sometimes it’s cheaper to purchase the unit than continue renting.

It’s also worth noting that Reliance, like many large providers, sometimes subcontracts installations and repairs. While this allows flexibility, it can also impact quality depending on the contractor.

Do your own research and don’t feel pressured into quick decisions during sales visits.

Alternatives to Reliance

If you’re exploring options, here are a few alternatives:

Enercare: A major Ontario competitor offering similar rental models. Their prices can be slightly higher but may include incentives.
Local HVAC Contractors: Independent certified professionals often offer personalized service, competitive pricing, and full ownership options.
Costco: For retail purchases, Costco partners with Lennox and offers 10% back in-store credit and extended labour warranties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Reliance provide duct cleaning?

Yes, Reliance offers professional duct cleaning services.

How long is a Reliance water heater rental contract?

Most water heater rentals last around 7 years, but they automatically renew until the customer cancels the agreement.

Final Thoughts

Reliance Home Comfort remains a major player in Canada’s HVAC rental and service market. Its wide product range, quick emergency response, and extensive service coverage make it appealing for many homeowners.

However, for those seeking long-term savings, personalized service, and full ownership, exploring local HVAC contractors may offer better overall value.