🛡️ Licensed & Insured · TSBC Gas-Fitting LGA0043870 · Serving Metro Vancouver since 1999
★★★★★ 4.9 from 85+ Google reviews · info@canroheat.ca
Metro Vancouver HVAC · Since 1999

When to Replace Your HVAC System: Age, Repair Cost, and Resale Math

Licensed, Red Seal technicians — same-day response across Metro Vancouver. Call (604) 359-1081 or request a free quote.

★ 4.9/5 · 85+ reviews✅ Licensed & insured💰 Rebates & financing👨‍🔨 Since 1999

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25+ YearsServing Metro Vancouver since 1999
★
4.9 / 5 Rating85+ verified Google reviews
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Licensed & InsuredTSBC LGA0043870 · Boiler LBP0046450 · Red Seal · WorkSafeBC
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Rebates HandledCurrent BC programs—eligibility checked before installation

"Should I repair or replace?" is the most common Vancouver homeowner question we hear. Here is the decision framework we walk through on every service call where age and repair cost both matter.

TSBC Class-A gas-fitting
•
Red Seal certified HVAC
•
4.9★ from 85+ Google reviews
•
WorkSafeBC insured
•
Serving Metro Vancouver since 1999

The 50% rule (with context)

If repair cost exceeds 50% of replacement cost AND the unit is past midpoint of typical lifespan → replace. Below that → repair.

Typical lifespan by system

SystemTypicalReplace at
Gas furnace 80% AFUE (old)15-20 yr17+ yr or 50% rule
Gas furnace 96% AFUE18-22 yr18+ yr
Air conditioner12-15 yr12+ yr
Heat pump15-20 yr14+ yr
Gas tank WH8-12 yr10+ yr
Tankless WH18-22 yr18+ yr
Boiler (condensing)15-20 yr15+ yr

Replace signals beyond the 50% rule

  • R-410A refrigerant phase-out: any major leak on an R-410A heat pump or AC = replace with R-32 / R-454B unit.
  • Multiple service calls in 18 months: the next thing will break too. Replace.
  • Visible rust on the heat exchanger or tank shell: imminent catastrophic failure risk.
  • Capacity loss: system runs but no longer maintains setpoint.
  • Renovation alignment: if you are doing major work that touches the mechanicals, replace now.
  • Carbon escalation: as BC carbon tax rises through 2030, gas-only systems get more expensive — payback on electrification gets faster.

Get a written repair vs replace recommendation

$89-$129 diagnostic — applied against either repair or replacement.

📞 (604) 359-1081 Request a quote

Resale value considerations

BC Real Estate Association data shows heat-pump-equipped homes sell 1.5-3% faster and at 1-2.5% higher list-to-sale ratios in Metro Vancouver. On a $1.5M home that is $15,000-$37,000 of capitalized value. If you plan to sell within 5 years and your system is end-of-life, replace with a heat pump or dual-fuel — the resale uplift covers most of the install.

The CleanBC + BC Hydro rebate window

Current rebate programs run through 2026 with reviews scheduled at year-end. Programs are stable but never permanent. If your system is end-of-life, replacing during a strong rebate window (now) materially reduces net cost vs waiting.

CANRO Heating & Cooling — TSBC Class-A gas-fitting licence · Red Seal HVAC certified · WorkSafeBC and liability insured · 4.9★ from 85+ Google reviews · Serving Metro Vancouver since 1999.

CANRO Heating & Cooling — TSBC Class-A gas-fitting licence · Red Seal HVAC certified · WorkSafeBC and liability insured · 4.9★ from 85+ Google reviews · Serving Metro Vancouver since 1999.

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.

Heat-pump rebates from BC Hydro, FortisBC and the federal Greener Homes program stack to as much as $11,000+ for eligible Metro Vancouver households, dramatically changing the install-cost math vs. a conventional system. CANRO has worked with HVAC system systems across Metro Vancouver since 1999, including installations and service calls in Capilano, Point Grey, Pitt Meadows and Deep Cove.

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 Capilano, Point Grey, Pitt Meadows and Deep Cove.

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.
Keep reading

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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 Naderi
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 Colasurdo
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. Niek
B. NiekGoogle review

Need heat, hot water or cooling? Talk to a real technician today.

25+ years keeping Metro Vancouver homes comfortable. Honest advice, upfront pricing, work that lasts.

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