Understanding what AC work costs before calling a technician puts you in a much better position. This guide covers typical repair prices for common faults, new central AC installation costs by tonnage, and how heat pump rebates change the math on replacement decisions.
AC Repair Costs in Ontario (2026)
| Repair Type | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic visit | $129 flat (same 24/7) | Usually waived or credited when repair is booked |
| Capacitor replacement | $150 - $280 | Most common AC repair; 1-hour job |
| Contactor replacement | $175 - $300 | Often replaced with capacitor on older units |
| Condensate drain flush / unclog | $79 - $150 | Seasonal maintenance item |
| Refrigerant recharge (R410A) | $300 - $500 per kg | Leak must be found and repaired first |
| Leak detection and repair | $250 - $600 | Price varies with leak location |
| Evaporator coil cleaning | $200 - $350 | Improves efficiency significantly if coil is dirty |
| Blower fan motor replacement | $250 - $450 | Indoor air handler motor |
| Condenser fan motor replacement | $250 - $400 | Outdoor unit motor |
| Thermostat replacement | $150 - $450 | Range depends on smart thermostat vs. standard |
| Compressor replacement | $900 - $2,000 | Labour-intensive; usually only worthwhile on newer units |
| Evaporator coil replacement | $1,400 - $2,200 | Often triggers replacement decision on older units |
New Central AC Installation Cost by Size (Ontario 2026)
We size central AC in tons of cooling capacity (1 ton = 12,000 BTU/hr). An improperly sized system is inefficient and causes comfort problems. We base every size decision on a Manual J load calculation, not square footage alone.
| System Size | Home Size (Approximate) | Installed Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 ton | Up to 900 sq ft | $2,800 - $4,200 |
| 2 ton | 900 - 1,300 sq ft | $3,200 - $5,000 |
| 2.5 ton | 1,300 - 1,700 sq ft | $3,500 - $5,500 |
| 3 ton | 1,700 - 2,100 sq ft | $4,000 - $6,500 |
| 3.5 ton | 2,100 - 2,600 sq ft | $4,500 - $7,500 |
| 4 ton | 2,600 - 3,200 sq ft | $5,000 - $8,500 |
These prices include the condenser unit, evaporator coil, line set, electrical disconnect, pad, permit, and installation labour. Refrigerant and startup are included.
Ductless Mini-Split and Heat Pump Costs
| System Type | Configuration | Installed Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ductless mini-split | Single zone (1 indoor head) | $3,500 - $5,500 |
| Ductless mini-split | Two zones | $6,000 - $8,500 |
| Ductless mini-split | Three zones | $7,500 - $11,000 |
| Air-source heat pump (ducted) | Replaces central AC | $4,500 - $9,000 |
| Cold-climate heat pump | Operates to -30C | $6,000 - $12,000 |
Heat Pump Rebates That Change the Cost Equation
If your AC is due for replacement, upgrading to an air-source heat pump instead of a standard AC unit can cost $1,500-$4,000 more upfront but generates significant rebates:
- Home Renovation Savings Program (HRS): up to $7,500 for a cold-climate air-source heat pump in a non-gas home (up to $2,000 for a natural-gas home), or up to $12,000 for geothermal
- Legacy programs closed: Enbridge HER+ (Dec 31 2025) and the Canada Greener Homes Grant (Feb 2024), both replaced by HRS
- Income-qualified homes heated by electricity or oil: a no-cost heat pump may be available through Save on Energy
- In a non-gas home the HRS rebate usually covers the extra cost of a heat pump over a standard AC; in a gas-heated home (up to $2,000) it covers part of it
- Plus: a heat pump also heats your home efficiently, reducing gas bills and providing backup heating redundancy
What Affects the Cost of AC Installation in Ontario?
- Refrigerant type: new systems increasingly use R-454B or R-32. These newer systems require certified technicians and different tools but have lower environmental impact.
- Electrical panel: If your panel lacks a 240V/30A circuit, panel work adds $300-$600.
- Line set length: Longer copper refrigerant lines between indoor and outdoor units cost more.
- Existing equipment condition: An old, corroded evaporator coil must be replaced alongside a new condenser ($1,400-$2,200 extra).
- SEER2 efficiency rating: 15+ SEER2 units cost more upfront but reduce electricity costs. Central AC has no rebate in 2026, whatever the SEER2 rating.
- Brand: Lennox, Carrier, and Trane cost more than Goodman but have longer warranties and better parts availability.
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Get a Free AC Installation Quote?Frequently Asked Questions
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