5 Common HVAC Mistakes Homeowners Make

1. Failing to Clean the Air Filters

A lot of dirt and grime can build up in the HVAC filters, affecting the airflow and cause the parts to work harder than necessary to operate. Failing to clean the air filters can also cause a lot of dust and contaminants to circulate in the building as the appliance is in use. This step is also useful for boosting your energy efficiency in the building.

2. Installing the Wrong Size

Many homeowners don’t realize that their HVAC system is too small or large for their home, which can cause the unit to work harder than necessary to operate or use too much energy usage. Either way, installing the wrong size of an HVAC system can lead to increased energy use and can cost more in the long run.

3. Neglecting Routine Maintenance

Similar to any other product on the property, the HVAC system requires routine maintenance to avoid issues or excess wear that can occur. Failing to schedule routine maintenance with a local technician can mean issues are easy to miss, which can lead to more severe problems in the coming years.

4. Failing to Repair Leaks Mistakes

Waiting too long to repair leaky ductwork can cause the cool or hot air to only distribute to certain areas of the home. Unfortunately, this can affect the building’s level of comfort and cause the unit to work harder than necessary to operate. All gaps and holes present should be repaired by a professional to reduce your energy usage and your electricity bill.

5. Performing Maintenance and Repairs Yourself

Many people attempt to perform maintenance or repairs on their home themselves to save money, but this can damage the appliance. It’s important to leave the work to a skilled and trained technician to ensure everything is completed correctly. A technician has a trained eye and can quickly perform the work to restore the operation of the appliance sooner. They also have the right tools and equipment, which can prevent damage from occurring. You’ll save more money with a professional’s help instead of fixing any damage that you may have caused.

Expert insights: HVAC systems in Metro Vancouver

Selecting and servicing HVAC systems in Metro Vancouver involves several local factors — climate, available rebates, code requirements — covered below. CANRO Heating & Cooling provides complete HVAC services across Metro Vancouver — heating, cooling, ventilation and hot water — for residential homes, condos with strata systems, townhouses and small commercial buildings.

Vancouver's moderately hard tap water (around 60-100 ppm hardness in most of Metro Vancouver) affects tankless water heaters, combi boilers, and hot-water tanks — annual descaling is essential. CANRO has worked with HVAC system systems across Metro Vancouver since 1999, including installations and service calls in Port Coquitlam, Norgate, Ladner and Mount Pleasant.

Technical considerations for HVAC systems in Metro Vancouver

Sizing. Right-sized HVAC equipment delivers comfort, efficiency, and long lifespan. Over-sized equipment short-cycles; under-sized equipment runs constantly and fails early.

Lifespan. Most modern HVAC equipment lasts 12-20 years in Vancouver's mild climate. Annual maintenance is the single biggest factor in extending lifespan and preventing emergency failures.

Warning signs. Common HVAC warning signs: rising energy bills, uneven heating/cooling, unusual noises, persistent error codes, frequent on-off cycling, or visible condensation on registers.

What CANRO checks during a HVAC system service

Full system safety inspection
Annual maintenance per equipment type
Combustion analysis on gas-fired appliances
Refrigerant check on heat pumps and A/C
Filter and airflow verification
Thermostat operation test
Written report with recommendations

Why Metro Vancouver homeowners choose CANRO for HVAC system work

Founded 1999 — over 25 years of an HVAC system installations and service calls in Metro Vancouver
4.9-star rating from 85+ verified Google reviews
Direct workers, no subcontractors — the tech who installs your system is the one who answers when you call back
Free written estimates on installations; transparent diagnostic fee on repairs (credited toward the repair if you proceed)
TSBC-licensed gas fitter, Red Seal HVAC, WorkSafeBC and liability insured
Permits filed and inspected on every gas-appliance install (BC Code-compliant)
Brand specialist coverage: Viessmann, IBC, Baxi, Laars, Weil-McLain, Navien, Rinnai, Bradford White, Carrier, Lennox, Bryant, Goodman, Mitsubishi, Daikin, Bosch and more

Hvac system FAQs

How do I know when to repair vs replace HVAC equipment?

General rule: if the equipment is more than 75% of its expected life AND the repair cost is more than 50% of replacement, replacement is usually the better investment because new high-efficiency equipment pays back the difference in energy savings over 5-10 years.

Do you service strata buildings and condos in Vancouver?

Yes. CANRO works with stratas across Metro Vancouver on common-area HVAC (boilers, makeup-air units, A/C towers) and in-suite systems. We provide signed work orders and detailed invoicing suitable for strata reporting and reserve-fund planning.

Are your technicians licensed and insured?

Yes. CANRO holds a TSBC Class-A gas-fitting licence, our technicians are Red Seal certified for HVAC, and we carry full liability insurance plus WorkSafeBC coverage.

How often should HVAC equipment be serviced?

Annual servicing is recommended for every gas-fired appliance (furnace, boiler, hot-water tank, fireplace) and every cooling system (A/C, heat pump). Annual maintenance is also required to keep most manufacturer warranties valid.

How long does HVAC equipment last in Metro Vancouver?

Typical service life with annual maintenance: gas furnace 15-20 years, gas boiler 15-20 years (cast-iron 25-30), heat pump 15-20 years, central A/C 12-15 years, hot-water tank 8-12 years, tankless water heater 18-22 years, gas fireplace 20-30 years.

What HVAC services do you offer?

CANRO provides installation, repair, annual servicing and parts replacement for boilers, gas furnaces, heat pumps, hot-water tanks, tankless water heaters, gas fireplaces, central air conditioning, ductless mini-splits and gas-fitting services across Metro Vancouver.

Book HVAC system service in Metro Vancouver

To book HVAC system service or get a free written quote for installation, call CANRO at (604) 359-1081 or email info@canroheat.ca. We service all of Metro Vancouver including Port Coquitlam, Norgate, Ladner and Mount Pleasant.

This guide was written by the CANRO Heating & Cooling team based on 25+ years of HVAC system installation, repair and annual service work across Metro Vancouver. Last reviewed May 2026.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Do I need air conditioning in Vancouver?

Vancouver summers have been getting hotter — the 2021 heat dome saw temperatures over 40°C. Most modern Vancouver homes now install a heat pump that provides both heating and cooling, replacing a furnace and avoiding the need for a separate A/C system.

How much does central A/C cost in Vancouver?

A typical 2.5–3 ton central air conditioner added to an existing forced-air furnace costs $5,500–$9,500 installed. A heat pump conversion (cooling + heating in one unit) is usually a smarter long-term investment given available rebates.

How often should A/C be serviced?

Annual servicing in spring keeps the outdoor coil clean, refrigerant charge correct, and the indoor evaporator coil and condensate drain clear. Skipping service is the single biggest cause of premature compressor failure.

What HVAC services does CANRO offer in Metro Vancouver?

CANRO installs, services and repairs boilers, furnaces, heat pumps, hot water tanks, tankless water heaters, gas fireplaces and air conditioning across Metro Vancouver. We work on residential homes, townhouses and condos throughout the Lower Mainland.

How long has CANRO been in business?

CANRO has been serving the Greater Vancouver area since 1999. Our founder George is recognised by customers as one of the most experienced boiler and hydronic heating technicians in the Lower Mainland.

What areas do you serve?

We cover all of Metro Vancouver: Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, New Westminster, Delta, Langley, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, White Rock, Pitt Meadows, and Maple Ridge.

Reviews

What Metro Vancouver homeowners say

4.9

★★★★★

85+ verified Google reviews

“Canro does an amazing job! Super professional and skilled with everything—boilers, furnaces, and AC. Always a pleasure working with them!”

Nadia NaderiGoogle review

“Five stars for Canro. We needed a replacement of a 30-year-old boiler. A new high-efficiency unit was installed—clean, professional work.”

Arlene ColasurdoGoogle review

“I can’t speak highly enough about George, who was recommended for a boiler service call for my parents’ home. George is excellent.”

B. NiekGoogle review

Read all 85+ reviews →