Heating

Cold Weather Ahead? Ensure Your Heating System Is Ready

As Scarborough's crisp winter approaches, don't get caught unprepared with a malfunctioning unit. Discover how our top-rated heating services can keep your home cozy and warm without the wait; contact us today or inquire about financing to secure your comfort immediately.

• Immediate appointment scheduling available to address urgent needs.
• Expertise in diverse heating systems, from older models to modern installations.
• Transparent pricing and no hidden fees, ensuring your comfort and trust.

Fully licensed and insured, with flexible financing options to fit any budget. Call Metropolitan Heating & Air Conditioning now.

What You Get Today: Quick, Reliable Heating Services

When your heating system falters, time is of the essence. You do not need a sales pitch; you need a technician who can diagnose the issue accurately and restore heat to your property. Residents in Scarborough require robust solutions that can handle the sharp drop to -5°C and below during the peak of winter. Our service model is built around responsiveness and technical precision. We provide comprehensive diagnostics, repair, and maintenance for the full spectrum of residential heating equipment.

Comprehensive Furnace Repair and Maintenance

Gas furnaces are the workhorses of most local homes. When these systems fail, it is often due to specific, identifiable components such as the ignition control, the heat exchanger, or the blower motor.

• Ignition Control and Pilot Light Repair: Modern furnaces use electronic ignition, while older models rely on pilot lights. Malfunctions here mean no heat. We troubleshoot and repair these electrical components to ensure safe ignition.
• Heat Exchanger Inspection: A cracked heat exchanger is a safety hazard that can leak carbon monoxide. We perform rigorous testing to ensure the integrity of this critical component.
• Airflow and Blower Motor Optimization: If your rooms are cold but the furnace is running, the issue is often airflow. We repair or replace blower motors and belts to restore proper circulation.

Boiler and Radiator Services

For homes utilizing hydronic heating, the issues differ significantly from forced air systems. Leaks, pressure drops, and airlocks are common problems that require specialized handling.

• Leak Detection and Sealing: We identify the source of water leaks in the boiler body or pipework and perform necessary seals or part replacements.
• Pressure Valve Regulation: Incorrect pressure can cause a boiler to shut down. We calibrate expansion tanks and pressure relief valves to manufacturer specifications.
• Radiator Bleeding and Balancing: To ensure every room heats evenly, we remove trapped air from the system and balance the flow of hot water to each radiator.

Heat Pump Performance Tuning

Heat pumps are becoming increasingly common for their efficiency, but they struggle if not maintained correctly during deep freezes.

• Refrigerant Level Adjustment: Low refrigerant affects the transfer of heat. We detect leaks and recharge the system to optimal levels.
• Defrost Cycle Repair: If your heat pump freezes over in winter, the defrost cycle is likely failing. We repair the sensors and control boards that manage ice buildup.
• Auxiliary Heat Testing: We verify that your backup heating strips engage correctly when the temperature drops too low for the heat pump to handle alone.

How Installation/Replacement Works: Our Simple, Efficient Process

Replacing a heating system is a significant investment in your property. You need a process that minimizes disruption to your daily life while ensuring the new unit performs at peak efficiency. We handle every aspect of the installation, from the initial load calculation to the final safety check.

Step 1: Accurate Sizing and Assessment

We do not guess the size of the unit you need. Installing a unit that is too large causes short-cycling, while a unit that is too small will run continuously without warming the house.

• We perform a Manual J load calculation to determine the exact heating requirements based on your home’s square footage, insulation levels, and window orientation.
• We inspect existing ductwork or piping to ensure it can support the new, high-efficiency equipment.
• We discuss your budget and energy goals to recommend the best fuel source and efficiency rating (AFUE).

Step 2: Safe Removal and Site Preparation

Removing the old unit involves handling gas lines, electrical connections, and potentially heavy equipment.

• Technicians safely disconnect gas and electric lines in compliance with local safety codes.
• We remove the old unit and dispose of it responsibly, ensuring no debris is left behind.
• The installation area is cleaned and prepped. This may include modifying the plenum or adjusting the mounting pad to fit the new dimensions.

Step 3: Precision Installation and Connection

The longevity of your system depends on the quality of the installation. Metropolitan Heating & Air Conditioning technicians follow strict manufacturer guidelines during this phase to ensure your warranty remains valid.

• The new furnace, boiler, or heat pump is positioned and leveled.
• Gas lines are reconnected and tested for leaks using electronic sniffers and pressure tests.
• Venting systems are installed or upgraded to ensure exhaust gases are safely directed outside, preventing carbon monoxide buildup.
• Electrical wiring is connected to the thermostat and main panel, ensuring proper voltage and grounding.

Step 4: System Start-Up and Calibration

We do not simply turn the switch and leave. The system must be calibrated to the specific environment of your home.

• We measure the temperature rise to ensure it falls within the manufacturer's specified range.
• Gas pressure is adjusted at the manifold to optimize fuel consumption and heat output.
• The thermostat is programmed, and we walk you through its operation, including Wi-Fi features if applicable.

When Replacement Beats Repair: Making Cost-Effective Decisions

Homeowners often struggle with the decision to repair an aging unit or invest in a new one. While repairs are often cheaper upfront, they can become a financial drain over time. There are clear indicators when replacement is the more prudent financial decision.

The 50% Rule

A general guideline used in the industry is the 50% rule. If the cost of the repair approaches 50% of the value of a new system, replacement is usually the better option.

• Assess the quote for the current repair.
• Compare it against the price of a modern, high-efficiency unit.
• Factor in the warranty; a new unit comes with coverage (often 10 years on parts), whereas a repair only guarantees that specific part for a short period.

Age and Efficiency

Heating systems have a finite lifespan. Furnaces typically last 15 to 20 years, while boilers may last slightly longer.

• If your system is over 15 years old, parts may be obsolete or expensive to source.
• Older units often operate at 60-70% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). New models can reach up to 98% AFUE.
• Calculate your monthly energy bills. The savings from upgrading to a high-efficiency model can often offset the monthly cost of financing a new installation.

Safety and Comfort Consistency

Sometimes the decision is not about money but about safety and livability.

• Carbon Monoxide Risks: If a heat exchanger is cracked, repair is rarely an option due to safety liabilities. Replacement is mandatory.
• Uneven Heating: If some rooms are freezing while others are hot, and ductwork solutions haven't worked, the unit may lack the variable-speed technology required to push air effectively through your home.
• Noise Levels: As systems age, bearings wear out and components rattle. New systems are designed for quiet operation.

Local Notes: Compliance with Building Codes and Climate Insights

Operating in this region requires a deep understanding of specific regulatory requirements and environmental challenges. Scarborough poses unique challenges due to its humidity and severe winter lows.

Adhering to Ontario Building Codes and TSSA Standards

Heating work involves gas and electricity, meaning strict adherence to safety standards is non-negotiable.

• TSSA Certification: All technicians working on gas appliances must be certified by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA). We ensure every job meets these rigorous safety protocols.
• Venting Regulations: Changes in building codes regarding plastic venting pipes (such as the switch from ABS to System 636 PVC) mean that older venting often needs to be upgraded during a furnace replacement. We handle these upgrades to ensure your home remains insurable and code-compliant.
• Permits: We manage the permit process where required for new installations or significant alterations to your gas piping.

Climate-Specific System Protection

The local climate oscillates between humid summers and freezing winters. This thermal shock impacts HVAC equipment.

• Condensation Management: High-efficiency furnaces produce condensation. In our climate, condensate lines must be protected from freezing if they run through unconditioned spaces. We install heat tape or re-route lines to prevent ice blockages that shut down the system.
• Humidity Control: Winter air is dry, but the transitional seasons are humid. We often recommend integrating whole-home humidifiers or dehumidifiers with the heating system to protect wood flooring and improve respiratory health.
• Sizing for the Extremes: We size equipment based on the "design temperature" for the area, ensuring the system can handle the coldest recorded days without being grossly oversized for the rest of the season.

Proof & Differentiators: Decades of Service Locally

In a market saturated with contractors, reliability and longevity are the true markers of quality. You need a partner who will be there not just for the installation, but for the maintenance required five or ten years down the line.

Over 50 Years of Experience

We have been serving the community for over half a century. This longevity is not just a number; it represents thousands of unique heating challenges solved.

• We have seen every make and model of furnace and boiler produced in the last five decades.
• Our diagnostic process is refined by years of field experience, reducing the time we spend in your home and increasing the accuracy of our repairs.
• We have established relationships with major manufacturers, ensuring we can source parts quickly, even for older or less common units.

Commitment to Customer Education and Transparency

We believe that an informed homeowner is a satisfied homeowner.

• Upfront Quotes: You will know the cost of the job before we pick up a wrench. There are no surprise fees added to the final bill.
• No High-Pressure Sales: Our technicians are paid to fix your heat, not to meet a sales quota. If a repair is viable and safe, we will offer it.
• Warranty Support: We stand behind our labor and facilitate the manufacturer warranty process for parts, handling the paperwork so you don't have to.

Rapid Response for Critical Failures

When the heat goes out in January, it is an emergency.

• We prioritize calls where the lack of heat poses a safety risk, such as in homes with elderly residents or young children.
• Our service vehicles are stocked with universal parts to aim for a "first-time fix," reducing the need for follow-up visits and prolonged downtime.
• We offer flexible scheduling to accommodate the busy lives of our clients, ensuring you don't have to take a full day off work to wait for a technician.

Schedule Service Now

Your home's comfort and safety are paramount. Do not settle for temporary fixes or inexperienced contractors. Secure your heating system with Metropolitan Heating & Air Conditioning today.

Book Your Heating Service Now.