What You Should Know About Rental Furnaces/AC

If you live in Ontario, chances are you've seen ads or had door-to-door salespeople offering rental furnaces or air conditioners. On the surface, these offers seem convenient and affordable — but are they really worth it? Before signing anything, it’s important to understand the ins and outs of HVAC rentals in the province.

1. What Is a Furnace or A/C Rental?
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) rentals are contracts where a company installs and owns the equipment in your home while you pay a monthly fee to use it. The rental provider typically covers maintenance, repairs, and even replacements.

2. The Pros of Renting
- Low upfront costs: Buying a new furnace or air conditioner can be expensive. Rentals usually require little or no money down.

- Included maintenance: Most rental agreements include service and repair, which can save you the hassle and cost of upkeep.

- Fast installation: Rental companies often offer quick installation, sometimes within 24–48 hours.

3. The Cons (Read This Carefully)
- Long-term costs: Monthly payments add up. Over time, you'll likely pay significantly more than if you bought the unit outright.

- Contract traps: Some contracts last 10 to 15 years and can be difficult and expensive to get out of.

- Resale complications: Selling your home? You may be required to pay out the rental or convince the buyer to assume the contract — which can be a dealbreaker.

- Door-to-door tactics: Ontario has had issues with aggressive sales tactics, prompting laws that ban door-to-door HVAC sales.

4. Know Your Rights
- Ontario has consumer protection laws to guard against shady practices:

- As of 2018, unsolicited door-to-door sales of HVAC equipment are banned.

- You have a 10-day cooling-off period after signing most contracts.

- Rental agreements must disclose total cost and clear cancellation policies.

Always read the fine print. If you’re unsure, have someone review the contract — or consider talking to a licensed HVAC professional or your local utility company for an unbiased opinion.

5. Alternatives to Renting
- Financing plans: Many reputable HVAC companies offer financing options with clear terms and interest rates.

- Rebates and incentives: Ontario residents may qualify for rebates through programs like Enbridge or Save on Energy when upgrading to high-efficiency equipment.

- Buying used or refurbished units: If money is tight, this could be a short-term solution.

Bottom Line
HVAC rentals in Ontario might seem like a good idea if you’re in a pinch, but they often come with long-term financial consequences. Make sure you understand the terms, your rights, and the true cost over time. When in doubt, shop around and get a few quotes before making your decision.