Should I get central AC, ductless mini-split, or a heat pump?

If your home has ductwork, central AC is the cleanest install ($4,500–$8,500). For homes without ducts (or for room-by-room control), ductless mini-splits are ideal ($3,200–$5,800 per zone). A heat pump does both heating and cooling and qualifies for up to $16,000 in CleanBC rebates — often the smartest long-term choice for Vancouver homes.

Can a new AC handle the Vancouver heat dome?

Yes — if it's properly sized. During the 2021 heat dome, undersized or older ACs failed across the region. We use ACCA Manual J to size every system to your home's actual heat load, including a 10% buffer for extreme-weather events. A correctly sized 1.5–2.5 ton system will hold 22°C indoors even at 40°C outside.

How much are CleanBC rebates for switching to a heat pump?

Through the CleanBC Better Homes Energy Savings Program, homeowners replacing an AC or furnace with a heat pump qualify for up to $16,000 in rebates ($9,400 base + $5,000 income top-up + bonus offers). We handle pre- and post-energy assessments and all paperwork at no charge. Most rebate cheques arrive in 8–12 weeks.

How do I know what size AC my home needs?

We perform a free ACCA Manual J calculation on every quote. It factors in your home's square footage, ceiling height, insulation, window area and orientation, sun exposure, number of occupants, and local climate data. Most 1,500–2,000 sq ft Vancouver homes need 1.5–2.5 tons of cooling. We never guess — undersized systems fail in heat waves, oversized ones short-cycle and dehumidify poorly.

How long does an AC installation take?

A standard central AC swap (existing pad, electrical, ductwork) takes 4–6 hours. A new central AC install (with new electrical circuit and disconnect) is a full day. Ductless mini-split single-zone installs take 6–8 hours. Multi-zone ductless systems take 1–2 days. We protect floors, clean up daily, and demo the new system before we leave.

Air Conditioning Installation Vancouver | AC Repair & Maintenance

Our Cooling Services

Air conditioning services for every home

From a single-room ductless unit to whole-home central AC, our Red Seal refrigeration techs design, install, and service systems sized right for the Vancouver climate — heat dome included.

AC Repair

Not cooling? Ice on the lines? Weird noise? Our techs carry common parts (capacitors, contactors, fan motors, refrigerant) for every major brand — most repairs completed same visit.

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AC Installation

Central AC sized to ACCA Manual J with a 10% heat-dome buffer. Carrier, Daikin, Mitsubishi, Lennox — installed with new electrical, disconnect, and condenser pad in one day.

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AC Maintenance

18-point tune-up: clean condenser coils (cuts efficiency 20% when dirty), check refrigerant charge, lubricate motors, clear drain line, verify capacitor health. From $199/year.

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Ductless Mini-Split

Perfect for homes without ducts, additions, or room-by-room control. Single-zone to multi-zone Mitsubishi & Daikin systems — quiet, efficient, and installable in a day.

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Central Air Systems

Whole-home central AC integrated with your furnace ductwork. Manual J sized, balanced airflow to every register, and a system that holds 22°C even at 40°C outside.

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Refrigerant Recharge

Low charge? Ice on the suction line? We pressure-test, find & repair the leak, then recharge to manufacturer spec — R-410A and R-32, fully certified.

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Pricing

Typical AC & cooling costs in Vancouver

Honest, upfront price ranges so you know what to expect. Your final quote is confirmed in writing before any work begins.

Service	Typical Cost
AC Repair	$200 – $550
AC Installation	$3,000 – $6,500
AC Maintenance	$150 – $280
Ductless Mini-Split Install	$2,500 – $5,000
Refrigerant Recharge	$200 – $500
Emergency AC Repair	$250+
Annual Tune-Up	$150 – $250

Prices are typical ranges for labour + standard parts in Metro Vancouver, BC. CleanBC rebates up to $16,000 may apply when replacing an AC with a heat pump — ask us for details.

Why Choose Us

The BC Home Service cooling promise

Four commitments we make to every customer — on every job, big or small.

Licensed & Insured

Red Seal refrigeration techs, $2M liability + WorkSafeBC. We pull electrical permits on every new install and pass inspection the first time.

24/7 Emergency Service

AC out in a heat wave? Our emergency line is staffed 365 days a year. Call 604-615-2212 — typical arrival in Metro Vancouver is under 45 minutes.

Upfront Pricing

Flat-rate quotes before any work begins. No surprises, no hidden fees, no "while we're at it" add-ons. The price we quote is the price you pay.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Every install is backed by a 12-month workmanship guarantee plus the manufacturer's parts warranty. If something isn't right, we make it right.

FAQ

Cooling questions, answered

How do I know if my AC needs repair?

Watch for: warm air from supply registers, weak airflow, ice or frost on the suction line, weird rattling/scraping/buzzing sounds, rising hydro bills with no change in usage, short cycling (turning on and off every few minutes), or water pooling around the indoor unit. Any of these warrant a service call — most repairs are completed the same visit.

How long do AC units last?

A well-maintained central AC lasts 12–15 years; ductless mini-splits 15–20 years. After 12 years, repair costs climb and efficiency drops 15–25% versus a new 18+ SEER unit. If yours is over 12 and needs a compressor, coil, or major refrigerant work, replacement is usually the better value — especially since you may qualify for CleanBC rebates when switching to a heat pump.

Do you install central air?

Yes — central AC is one of our specialties. If your home has forced-air furnace ductwork, central AC is usually the cleanest install ($3,000–$6,500). We size every system to ACCA Manual J with a 10% heat-dome buffer, add a dedicated electrical circuit, install a new disconnect and condenser pad, and balance airflow to every register. Most installs take one day.

What's a ductless mini-split?

A ductless mini-split is a quiet, wall-mounted indoor unit connected by a small refrigerant line to an outdoor condenser — no ductwork needed. Perfect for homes without ducts (radiant heat, baseboard), room additions, garage suites, or room-by-room temperature control. Single-zone installs start at $2,500; multi-zone systems (one outdoor unit powering up to 5 indoor heads) from $5,000+. We install Mitsubishi & Daikin.

Do you offer emergency AC service?

Yes — 24/7/365, especially during heat waves. Call 604-615-2212 any time. Typical arrival in Metro Vancouver is under 45 minutes for true cooling emergencies (elderly or infant in the home, medical equipment, indoor temp above 30°C). No overtime charges on the repair itself; we only add a flat $195 emergency dispatch fee after hours, weekends, and holidays.

How often should I service my AC?

Annually, ideally in May or early June before cooling season. Annual service keeps your manufacturer warranty valid, catches refrigerant leaks early, cleans condenser coils (which can cut efficiency by 20% when dirty), and ensures the system is ready for heat-dome events. Our $199/year maintenance plan covers AC + furnace and includes priority booking and 10% off any repairs.

Cooling & AC Services

Get Your Free Quote

Air conditioning services for every home

AC Repair

AC Installation

AC Maintenance

Ductless Mini-Split

Central Air Systems

Refrigerant Recharge

Typical AC & cooling costs in Vancouver

The BC Home Service cooling promise

Licensed & Insured

24/7 Emergency Service

Upfront Pricing

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Cooling questions, answered

AC out in a heat wave? Don't wait.