What Are The Costs Associated With Replacing An Old HVAC System In Toronto, OH?
January 1st, 2026
3 min read
By Alex Largent
Quick Answer:
Replacing an old HVAC system in Toronto typically costs $10,660–$24,225 installed, with most homeowners paying $15,000–$18,000. Prices vary based on ductwork condition, basement access, electrical capacity, hillside terrain near the river, and how older Toronto homes were originally built.
If your HVAC system in Toronto is 15–25 years old, replacement pricing is driven less by equipment brand and more by home age, layout, and mechanical constraints. Many Toronto homes were built before central air was common and later upgraded in stages, which directly affects airflow and installation complexity today.
Average Cost To Replace An Old HVAC System In Toronto
Across the Upper Ohio Valley, full HVAC replacement pricing in Toronto generally falls into three ranges:
- Lower range: ~$10,660–$13,500
- Mid range (most common): ~$15,000–$18,000
- Upper range: ~$20,000–$24,225
Most Toronto homes land in the mid range, particularly two-story and hillside homes built from the 1930s through the 1970s.
What Is Included In HVAC Replacement Pricing (And What Is Not)
Most professional HVAC replacement pricing in Toronto includes:
- New heating and cooling equipment
- Standard installation labor
- Removal and disposal of old equipment
- Required permits and inspections
- System startup, testing, and basic airflow verification
Typically not included unless clearly specified:
- Electrical panel upgrades
- Structural or framing repairs
- Asbestos or hazardous material remediation
- Non-HVAC renovations
Clear scope prevents confusion when comparing quotes.
Furnace Replacement Cost In Toronto
Replacing only a furnace in Toronto typically falls into these ranges:
- Good tier: $4,200 – $4,600
- Better tier: $5,400 – $6,050
- Best tier: $5,700 – $7,175
Furnace pricing is influenced by:
- Efficiency level
- Venting and combustion air requirements
- Basement clearance and access
- Existing gas and electrical conditions
Central Air Conditioner Replacement Cost In Toronto
Replacing only a central air conditioner typically costs:
- Good tier: $6,460 – $7,920
- Better tier: $7,920 – $11,835
- Best tier: $11,835+ depending on scope
AC pricing depends on:
- Refrigerant line condition
- Outdoor unit placement on sloped or river-adjacent lots
- Electrical requirements
- Whether existing ductwork can support cooling airflow
Why Most Full HVAC Replacements In Toronto Land In The Mid Range
When a furnace and AC are replaced together using Better-tier equipment, costs commonly stack like this:
- Furnace (Better): ~$5,400–$6,050
- AC (Better): ~$7,920–$9,705
- Combined base system: ~$13,300–$15,700
Add Toronto-specific needs such as airflow balancing, drainage planning for hillside lots, and minor electrical updates, and most full replacements land between $15,000 and $18,000.
Why HVAC Quotes Vary So Much In Toronto
Two Toronto homes of similar size can differ by $5,000–$8,000 because of:
- Ductwork designed for heating-only systems
- Narrow or low-clearance basements
- Older electrical service
- River valley and hillside lots affecting drainage and line routing
Square footage alone is not a reliable pricing indicator in Toronto.
Utility Reality In Toronto Homes
Toronto homes are primarily natural gas–served, and many were not designed for modern electric heating loads.
As a result:
- Heat pumps may require electrical upgrades
- Hybrid systems are sometimes selected for balance
- Electrical capacity can directly affect replacement cost
Local utility infrastructure plays a role in final pricing.
A Real Toronto Home Example
A common scenario is a 1940s–1950s two-story home near North 4th Street:
- Gas furnace installed decades before AC
- Central air added later without duct redesign
- Basement equipment placed near stone or block foundations
- Limited return air upstairs
These homes often need airflow corrections and careful system sizing. They typically fall in the mid-range replacement cost window.
When Replacing Your HVAC System Is Usually The Right Call
Replacement is often the better option when:
- The system is 15–20+ years old
- Repairs are becoming frequent or expensive
- Comfort varies significantly between floors
- Energy usage has steadily increased
- Parts are difficult to source
Common Cost Mistake Toronto Homeowners Make
The most expensive mistake is replacing equipment without correcting airflow, especially in older multi-story homes.
This often leads to:
- Hot upper floors
- Short cycling
- Higher operating costs
- Reduced system lifespan
Correcting airflow during replacement is usually far less costly than fixing it later.
Neighborhood-Specific Factors That Affect Price
- River-adjacent homes: drainage and outdoor unit placement planning
- Hillside properties: longer refrigerant runs
- Older basements: limited equipment options
- Two-story layouts: airflow imbalance
These conditions don’t prevent replacement — they shape the final cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About HVAC Replacement Cost
Why does my Toronto quote differ from Steubenville or Wintersville?
Home layout, terrain, and electrical infrastructure often explain the difference.
Is it cheaper to replace both systems at once?
In many cases, yes. Combined replacements reduce duplicated labor and design work.
Can existing ductwork be reused?
Only if it is properly sized and sealed for modern airflow requirements.
Do hillside homes affect HVAC replacement cost?
They often do, especially when drainage and outdoor placement must be planned carefully.
How To Think Clearly About HVAC Replacement Cost
The better question isn’t “What does a new HVAC system cost?”
It’s:
“What will it take to make my specific home comfortable and reliable long-term?”
In Toronto, that depends on home age, duct design, electrical limits, basement access, and terrain. Once those are understood, pricing becomes much clearer.
The Right Next Step
If your HVAC system is aging or struggling, the smartest move is understanding your home’s real replacement requirements.
Call Honest Fix today for a free exact quote.
Alex Largent is the Owner and Senior HVAC Efficiency Analyst at Honest Fix Heating, Cooling & Plumbing. With more than 20 years of field experience, NATE and EPA certifications, and a hands-on leadership style, Alex teaches his team to fix systems right the first time — with transparency, precision, and no upsells. He writes about HVAC diagnostics, home energy efficiency, and practical maintenance advice for homeowners across the Upper Ohio Valley. Read Alex Largent’s full bio to learn more about his expertise in the HVAC and Plumbing industry. Updated October 2025.