Husky Heating and Air Conditioning

09/04/2026

Good news - Husky’s Lennox + Costco promotion is even better than the advertised offer.

On qualifying Lennox equipment purchases and installations through Husky, customers can receive 15% off - and Costco Executive Members can get an extra 2%, for up to 17% in total savings.

Husky has been a certified Costco and Lennox dealer for many years, with 3 locations serving the GTA, so you’re dealing with a team that knows these systems inside and out.

If you’ve been thinking about replacing an aging furnace, air conditioner, or upgrading to a more efficient Lennox system, September is a smart time to do it. Better now than during the first cold snap, when furnaces across the city start acting dramatic.

Ask Husky which Lennox systems qualify and how the Costco Executive Member savings apply.

Husky Heating & Air Conditioning
Serving the GTA since 1974

09/04/2026

Costco members - September is a very good month to start thinking about the furnace you’ll need in January.

Husky is an authorized Costco Lennox HVAC dealer in the GTA, which means you can purchase qualifying Lennox home comfort equipment through Costco, have it professionally installed by Husky, and receive a Costco Shop Card through the program.

That can include Lennox furnaces, air conditioners and heat pumps - from practical Merit Series equipment to higher-end Elite and Signature systems.

And September is ideal timing. You can replace an aging system before the first real cold snap, when everyone suddenly remembers they own a furnace and appointment calendars fill up fast.

If your furnace is 15+ years old, getting noisy, needing increasingly expensive repairs or heating your home unevenly, this is a good time to price the replacement before it becomes an emergency.

Ask Husky about the September Costco Lennox promotion and which Shop Card offer applies to your system.

Husky Heating & Air Conditioning
Serving the GTA since 1974.

09/02/2026

Can cleaner indoor air help your brain work better?

A recent randomized study published in Scientific Reports looked at whether HEPA air filtration could affect cognitive performance. After one month, adults over 40 who used HEPA filtration completed one cognitive test about 12% faster than those using sham filtration.

That doesn’t mean an air cleaner turns your living room into a genius lab. But it does reinforce something we often overlook - the air circulating through our homes matters.

Fine particles from dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke and outdoor pollution can stay suspended in indoor air and recirculate through the house. A properly designed whole-home air filtration system works with your furnace and ductwork to help remove those particles from the air throughout the home - not just in one room.

Depending on your HVAC system and the level of filtration you want, options can include:

High-efficiency media filters - often the simplest and most affordable upgrade
Aprilaire 5000 - a high-efficiency whole-home air cleaner
Honeywell F300 - an electronic whole-home air cleaner
Lennox PureAir S - a premium whole-home air purification system

Installed pricing can range from roughly $600 for simpler filtration upgrades to $2,500+ for premium systems, depending on the equipment, ductwork and installation requirements.

The right solution isn’t necessarily the most expensive one. Sometimes a better media filter is enough. In other homes, a dedicated whole-home air cleaner makes much more sense.

At Husky Heating & Air Conditioning, we can look at your existing system and recommend an indoor air quality solution that actually fits your home and budget.

Cleaner air, less dust, fewer airborne irritants - and perhaps a slightly quicker brain too.

Husky Heating & Air Conditioning
416-665-9656
www.huskyair.com
Serving the Greater Toronto Area since 1974.

08/28/2026

🍂 Summer’s winding down - is your home ready for heating season?

As August comes to an end, it’s a good time to start thinking about how you’ll heat your home this fall and winter.

A cold-climate heat pump can keep your home cool during the last hot days of summer - then switch to efficient heating when temperatures drop.

And right now, qualifying Ontario homeowners may be eligible for up to $7,500 in rebates through the Home Renovation Savings Program.

✅ Heating + cooling in one system
✅ Designed for Ontario’s cold climate
✅ Can reduce reliance on your furnace or other heating system
✅ Rebates of up to $7,500

Thinking about upgrading before the cold weather arrives? Husky Heating & Air Conditioning can help you choose the right system and navigate the rebate process.

📞 Contact Husky today to get ready for fall.

🐾 Husky Heating & Air Conditioning - comfort in every season.

08/24/2026

Still running out of hot water when everyone’s home?

Late summer is a good time to look at the systems you’ll depend on all winter - including your water heater.

A Rinnai tankless water heater heats water only when you need it, rather than keeping a full tank hot around the clock. That means:

Continuous hot water when properly sized for your home
More usable space without a bulky storage tank
High-efficiency options
No waiting for a tank to refill between showers

If your current water heater is getting older, don’t wait until it fails on the coldest day of the year.

Husky Heating & Air Conditioning can help you determine whether tankless makes sense for your home and recommend the right system for your household.

Contact Husky today for a quote.

Husky Heating & Air Conditioning - home comfort done right.

08/17/2026

🔥 Ontario homeowners - you may qualify for a FREE cold-climate heat pump!

Ontario’s Save on Energy Energy Affordability Program is now offering 100% free cold-climate air source heat pumps to eligible households that currently heat their homes with electricity or oil.

And when they say free, they mean it - the assessment, equipment and installation are all covered.

A cold-climate heat pump can:
✅ Heat your home efficiently through Ontario winters
✅ Keep your home cool in summer
✅ Help dehumidify and filter indoor air
✅ Potentially reduce the heating portion of your energy costs by up to 50%

Eligible homeowners may also qualify for other free upgrades, including insulation, draft proofing and smart thermostats.

👉 Check your eligibility through Save on Energy’s Energy Affordability Program.

Have questions about heat pumps or whether one makes sense for your home? Husky Heating & Air Conditioning is happy to help.

📞 Contact Husky Heating today
🐾 Comfort you can count on, year-round.

https://youtu.be/45YMPWpJcog?si=JYw5AGhT9Uzuq1u0

This energy-saving program installs FREE heat pumps for Ontarians. ...

08/14/2026

🔥 Ontario Heat Pump Rebates Are Here - Get Up to $7,500 Back!

Thinking about replacing your AC or upgrading your home comfort system? Ontario homeowners can now receive significant rebates on qualifying cold-climate heat pumps through the Home Renovation Savings Program.

💰 Current rebates:

Up to $7,500 for homes heated with electricity, oil, propane or wood
Up to $2,000 for homes heated with Enbridge natural gas

Even better - no home energy audit is required.

A cold-climate heat pump gives you efficient heating AND air conditioning in one system, designed to handle Ontario winters.

⚠️ Important: You must receive program pre-approval before installation to qualify.

Husky Heating & Air Conditioning can help you choose qualifying equipment, determine your potential rebate and take care of the rebate application process.

📞 Call Husky at 905-761-9485 or contact us for a free quote.

🐾 Husky Heating & Air Conditioning - keeping GTA homes comfortable since 1974.

07/30/2026

https://www.huskyair.com/blog/buyers-guide-choosing-right-air-conditioner/

Are you shopping for a new air conditioner in the Toronto area? Don’t worry if you’re unsure where to start; there are so many options that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

In 2025, over two-thirds of Canadian households used air conditioning or similar cooling equipment to offset the summer heat, and Ontario households led the country at 83%.

A cool home isn’t a luxury here anymore. It’s simply how we get through a hot, humid Ontario summer. Since 1974, we’ve helped GTA homeowners choose and install the right cooling solution for their space and budget.

This guide walks you through the best air conditioners for a Canadian summer: our top picks for 2026, how central and ductless systems stack up, which brands we trust, and how to size the right unit for your home.

Best Air Conditioners in 2026
Top Air Conditioner Brands
Is Ductless or Central Air Conditioner Better For Your Home?
What About A Heat Pump?
Is Energy Efficiency Important To You?
Do You Want Multiple Cooling Zones?
What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need For My Home?
Why You Should Buy A Maintenance Plan
Best Air Conditioners in 2026
Every brand says its air conditioner is “the best”.

To cut through that noise, it helps to compare the top models side by side with what actually matters: efficiency, warranty, and price. Below are four models we sell and install across Toronto and the GTA, each the strongest pick in its category.

One number that comes up a lot when you shop is the “SEER2”, which rates how efficiently an air conditioner cools over a full season.

It’s the current version of the older SEER rating, and with both, a higher number generally means lower electricity use for the same cooling and thus, lower running costs.

Recommendation Name Type Cost Efficiency (SEER2) Warranty
Best Overall Carrier Infinity (26VNA1) Central, variable-speed $$$ up to 21 10-yr parts or 5-yr parts with 3-yr labour (Consumer Choice, with registration)
Best Budget Lennox Merit (ML17KC2) Central, two-stage $ up to 18 10-yr parts (with registration; 5-yr base)
Best Energy-Efficient Lennox Signature (SL25KCV) Central, variable-capacity $$$ up to 26 10-yr parts and compressor
Best Ductless Carrier (40MPHB) Ductless mini-split, single-zone $$ Varies by pairing (ENERGY STAR) 10-yr parts (with registration)
Best Overall Air Conditioner: Carrier Infinity (26VNA1)
Performance™ 18 Heat Pump with InteliSense™ Technology
If you want the best all-around balance of comfort, efficiency, and quiet, the Carrier Infinity is our top pick.

Its variable-speed compressor runs anywhere from 25 to 100% capacity, so instead of blasting on and off, it makes small adjustments to hold a steady, even temperature.

That same variable-speed operation is excellent at removing moisture from the air, which is exactly what you want in a humid GTA summer. You get up to 21 SEER2, sound levels as low as 55 decibels, Carrier’s Greenspeed intelligence, the newer lower-emission R-454B refrigerant, and ENERGY STAR certification.

Add the Consumer Choice Warranty and Carrier’s SmartHome app control, and it’s a premium unit that earns its place.

Best Budget Air Conditioner: Lennox Merit (ML17KC2)
ML17XP1 HEAT PUMP
The Lennox Merit is the practical, wallet-friendly way into reliable central cooling.

It uses a two-stage compressor, so it can run at a lower setting most of the time and only ramp up on the hottest days, balancing comfort against your energy bill. You get up to 18 SEER2, ENERGY STAR certification, the 2025-compliant R-454B refrigerant, and a Quantum coil built to stand up to our weather.

That said, budget units run louder than premium ones. The Merit can be as low as 73 decibels, louder than the whisper-quiet range of the top tier. If value and dependable cooling matter more than the quietest possible operation, this is a smart buy.

Best Energy-Efficient Air Conditioner: Lennox Signature (SL25KCV)

When lowest running costs are the goal, the Lennox Signature is the efficiency leader on this list at up to 26 SEER2, one of the highest ratings you can buy.

Its variable-capacity compressor with Precise Comfort technology fine-tunes cooling in tiny increments, keeping temperatures rock-steady, sipping energy, and quietly managing humidity through the muggiest weeks of summer.

It runs as low as 58 decibels, carries ENERGY STAR certification and the R-454B refrigerant, and is backed by a 10-year limited warranty on the compressor and covered components.

If you plan to stay in your home for years, the higher upfront cost tends to pay you back in lower monthly bills.

Best Ductless Air Conditioner: Carrier (40MPHB)
No ductwork? No problem.

The Carrier 40MPHB is a single-zone ductless mini-split that cools a specific room or area without any ducts at all, which makes it ideal for additions, finished basements, condos, sunrooms, or that one space your central system never quite reaches.

It’s remarkably quiet (as low as 29 decibels), ENERGY STAR certified, and comes with a built-in humidity sensor and an occupancy sensor that aims airflow toward or away from where people actually are.

With Wi-Fi on applicable configurations, it’s covered by a 10-year parts warranty with registration. Its exact SEER2 depends on the outdoor unit it’s paired with, so this is one where a quick chat with us pins down the right match.

See more Carrier Ductless options if this is the route for your home.

Top Air Conditioner Brands
Carrier and Lennox are the two brands we install most often, and both make excellent air conditioners.

The differences show up at the edges: top-end efficiency, how quietly they run, and where each brand’s sweet spot sits on the price scale. Here’s a side-by-side look at the models we featured above.

Feature Carrier Lennox
Top Efficiency (SEER2) up to 21 (Infinity 26VNA1) up to 26 (Signature SL25KCV)
Budget Range Mid-range to premium Low-cost to premium
Ideal Homeowner Wants strong humidity control and smart-home features Wants class-leading efficiency, or a budget-friendly entry
Warranty 10-yr parts (Consumer Choice, with registration) 10-yr parts and compressor (Signature); 5 to 10-yr (Merit)
Sound (dB) as low as 55 as low as 58
Variable Speed? Yes (Infinity) Yes (Signature)
Pro tip: A variable-speed or variable-capacity compressor doesn’t just save energy; it runs longer at low speed, which removes far more humidity from the air than a basic single-stage unit. In an Ontario summer, where the humidity is just as much a problem as the heat, that’s the difference between “cold but clammy” and genuinely comfortable.

Carrier
Recognized as one of the founding names of modern air conditioning, Carrier pairs excellent humidity control with a strong smart-home ecosystem. Its Infinity line brings variable-speed comfort, Greenspeed intelligence, and app-based control, which makes it a great fit if you want a quiet, precise, connected system. Browse our full range of Carrier air conditioners to see the options we install.

Lennox
Lennox is the efficiency leader of the two, with its Signature series reaching up to 26 SEER2, one of the highest ratings available anywhere. It also spans the widest price range, from the value-focused Merit tier up to the premium Signature line, so there’s a Lennox for most budgets. Take a look at our Lennox air conditioners to compare tiers.

Is Ductless or Central Air Conditioner Better For Your Home?
Ductless and central air conditioners both work by alternately evaporating and compressing a refrigerant to produce cool air.

However, central air usually consists of a large outdoor compressor unit and indoor air handler(s), circulating cooled air through the same ducts your furnace uses.

Ductless air conditioners consist of a smaller compressor unit (usually mounted on an exterior wall) and one or more wall-mounted air handlers in the area(s) to be cooled. They do not require ductwork.

Choosing which type of air conditioner is best is a very personal decision, based on your home and your cooling preferences. Central air conditioning and ductless units each have areas where they shine and others where they’re not so strong.

Cooling
Even if you have a large home, central air conditioning can provide cooling throughout.

While many ductless air conditioners (single-zone units) are designed to cool only 1 room, multi-zone units can cool multiple rooms with different temperatures for each zone.

Retrofitting
Central air is fine for retrofitting if you already have ductwork in place for a forced-air furnace, or if you have enough space in your attic or basement to install new ducts.

However, ductless systems are simple to retrofit just about anywhere and are also an excellent way to install air conditioning in new additions to your house.

Pro tip: Are you about to install central AC? Have your old ductwork cleaned and repaired first; you’ll increase efficiency and decrease airborne contaminants like dust and mould in your home.

Noise
A central air conditioner’s outdoor compressor unit can be on the noisy side. Ductless air conditioners are much quieter.

Appearance
Central air conditioning is less visible in your living area.

The indoor air handler is down in the basement with your furnace, and the compressor is outdoors (where you can hide it with a fence or plantings, while still allowing room for airflow and access for HVAC techs).

Ductless AC is more obvious, although some designers integrate it cleverly into the room décor.

If you decide a central air conditioner is best for you, you’ll want to make sure you know how to landscape around your new AC unit.

Cost
The cost to buy central air conditioning is usually lower. Ductless AC is more expensive to purchase, but you save on both the fast, simple installation and the ongoing energy costs to operate this system.

What About A Heat Pump?
A heat pump is a great option when you’d like a ductless system that combines both heating and cooling.

However, heat pumps start losing heating efficiency when the outdoor temperature is below 4° Celsius. In our chilly Canadian climate, they are best used as an energy-saving supplement to another home-heating method, such as a gas furnace.

For Canadian-approved units, check out our best cold climate heat pumps guide.

Is Energy Efficiency Important To You?
A central air conditioner system is less energy-efficient than a ductless air conditioner.

The good news is that air conditioning technology has advanced enormously over the past decade, creating central AC that is much more energy-efficient than it was 10 or 20 years ago. Look for an Energy Star certified central system.

Ductless air conditioners are the clear winner in terms of energy efficiency for 3 reasons:

Efficient use of electricity
Efficient circulation of cooled air
No leakage, as there would be with ductwork (ductwork can leak up to 30% of your cooled air)
Do You Want Multiple Cooling Zones?
“Zoning” your AC lets you set different temperatures and independent cooling schedules for different areas of your house.

To zone a central air conditioner system, you will have to modify your existing ductwork. This involves installing dampers to create different temperature zones.

Ductless is usually more convenient if you’d like to zone your cooling. All you’ll need to do is connect several indoor air handlers to your outdoor compressor unit.

What Size Air Conditioner Do I Need For My Home?
Correct sizing is one of the most vital steps in choosing the right central air conditioner for your home.

To determine the right size, a general rule of thumb is that you will need 20 British Thermal Units (BTU) of cooling per square foot. You’ll also need to consider:

Layout of your existing ductwork.
Amount and quality of home insulation.
Climate conditions. In the Greater Toronto Area, summers tend to be very hot and unpleasantly humid, so you’ll want AC that can properly dehumidify your home. The “micro-climate” of your house also makes a difference; a home with many west- or south-facing windows will get hotter than one with just a few windows, facing north or east.
Landscaping. If you have many mature trees surrounding your home, they will shelter the building from strong sun or wind. This also affects your cooling needs.

Not sure what the best air conditioner is in Canada? We've done our research and asked our knowledgeable experts which AC units are best.

07/21/2026

Check out our rebates and specials page often!

Husky can determine which government and other rebates you qualify for before we install any new HVAC equipment. Save on installation and your energy bills.

07/07/2026

https://www.huskyair.com/blog/right-size-air-conditioner/

If you are shopping for a new air conditioner in Toronto or the GTA, the first question you need to answer is: what size do I actually need?

Most homeowners assume bigger is better. It is not.

An oversized air conditioner will cool your home too quickly, shut off before removing humidity, and leave your house feeling cold and clammy. It also raises your electricity bill and shortens your system’s lifespan.

The goal is a properly sized system that runs in steady cycles, keeps your home consistently comfortable, and controls humidity all summer long.

Use the sizing calculator below to estimate your ideal AC size. Then, when you’re ready, get a free in-home quote to match that size to the right system and price.

Already know your square footage? Get a fast quote on a properly sized AC.

2026 Air Conditioner Sizing Calculator by Square Footage
Air conditioner capacity is measured in tons and BTU (British Thermal Units). One ton equals 12,000 BTU per hour of cooling output, so a 3-ton system produces 36,000 BTU per hour.

The industry standard guideline for southern Ontario homes is roughly 20 BTU per square foot, assuming decent insulation and standard 8-foot ceilings. The table below uses that formula to match home square footage to approximate tonnage and BTU capacity.

Home Size (sq. ft.) AC Size (Tons) Cooling Capacity (BTU)
600 to 1,000 1.5 18,000
1,000 to 1,300 2.0 24,000
1,300 to 1,600 2.5 30,000
1,600 to 2,100 3.0 36,000
2,100 to 2,400 3.5 42,000
2,400 to 3,000 4.0 48,000
3,000 to 3,600 5.0 60,000
The chart above gives you a strong starting point. For example, most homes around:

1,500 sq. ft. requires a 2.5-ton AC
2,000 sq. ft. requires a 3-ton AC
2,500+ sq. ft. requires 4- to 5-ton AC
However, most homeowners go wrong because they stop at the chart and guess.

In reality, two homes with the same square footage can need completely different AC sizes depending on insulation, windows, layout, and more.

Want to see real systems that match your home size? Browse our high-efficiency Carrier and Lennox air conditioners, or skip ahead and get a free in-home sizing estimate with exact pricing.

Factors That Affect AC Sizing in Ontario Homes

A square footage chart gets you in the right ballpark, but every Ontario home is different. Here are the variables that can increase or decrease your cooling requirement from the chart estimate.

Ceiling Height
The table above assumes standard 8-foot ceilings. If your home has 9-foot, 10-foot, or cathedral ceilings, there is significantly more air volume to cool, and you may need to move up a half-ton or more.

Number & Type of Windows
Large, south-facing or west-facing windows let in substantial solar heat during summer afternoons.

Older single-pane windows are far less efficient at blocking that heat than modern double- or triple-pane windows. More windows, or older windows, mean a heavier cooling load.

Quality of Insulation
A well-insulated home with sealed air gaps holds cool air much more effectively than a drafty older home. Homes built before the 1980s or with uninsulated attics often need more cooling capacity than our table suggests.

Number of Storeys
Heat rises. A two-storey home concentrates heat on the upper floor, affecting both the total cooling load and the distribution of air through the ductwork.

Bungalows and split-level homes have different cooling profiles than multi-storey homes, even at the same square footage.

Ductwork Condition
Leaky ductwork can reduce heating and cooling efficiency by up to 20%, regardless of how well-sized the HVAC system itself is. If your ducts are original to an older home, their condition will factor into the sizing calculation.

Occupancy & Internal Heat Sources
A household of five generates more body heat than a household of two. Homes with large kitchens that see heavy cooking, multiple computers, or server equipment also produce internal heat that the AC must offset.

Sun Exposure & Landscaping
A home surrounded by mature shade trees stays noticeably cooler than a home on an open lot with full-sun exposure all day. The orientation of the home and how much direct sunlight hits the walls and roof both play a role.

The Importance of a Professional Manual J Load Calculation
A square footage chart is a helpful starting point, but it cannot account for the real conditions inside your home.

That is where a professional load calculation comes in.

In Canada, HVAC technicians use the CSA F280 standard (the Canadian equivalent of ACCA Manual J in the United States) to calculate your home’s exact cooling requirements. This process evaluates:

Room-by-room square footage and ceiling height
Insulation levels in walls and attic
Window size, type, and sun exposure
Air leakage and ductwork performance
Local climate conditions in the GTA
Internal heat from people and appliances
The result is a precise BTU requirement rather than an educated guess.

This matters because choosing the wrong AC size can cost you thousands in higher energy bills, reduced comfort, and premature system failure. For sizing, Natural Resources Canada states, “Do not rely on simple rules of thumb for sizing, but insist on a thorough analysis from the sales representative.”

At Husky Air, our NATE-certified, TSSA-licensed technicians perform a full in-home assessment before recommending any system. This ensures your AC is sized correctly the first time.

We measure the actual conditions, not just the floor plan, because the right answer for a 2,000-square-foot home in Vaughan with modern windows and spray-foam insulation is very different from the right answer for a 2,000-square-foot home in Scarborough with original 1970s windows and fibreglass batts.

Skip the guesswork. Get a free in-home AC sizing estimate and exact system recommendation today!

Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 2-ton air conditioner big enough for a 1,500 sq. ft. house?

In most cases, a 1,500-square-foot home falls in the 2.5-ton range (approximately 30,000 BTU). A 2-ton unit would likely be undersized unless the home has exceptional insulation, minimal window area, and significant shade coverage. However, a professional load calculation is the only way to confirm the exact requirement.

What happens if my air conditioner is too big for my house?

An oversized AC short-cycles; it turns on and off every few minutes rather than running in steady, efficient cycles. Short-cycling also wears out the compressor and other components faster, increasing AC repair costs and shortening the system’s lifespan.

What happens if my air conditioner is too small?

An undersized air conditioner runs constantly on hot days and may never reach your set temperature. This non-stop operation drives up your energy bill, puts excessive wear on the system, and leaves certain rooms (especially upper floors and sun-exposed areas) uncomfortably warm.

What does “Ton” mean in air conditioning?

In HVAC terminology, one “ton” of cooling capacity equals 12,000 BTU per hour. The term originates from the era of ice-based cooling, when one ton referred to the amount of heat absorbed by melting one ton (2,000 pounds) of ice over a 24-hour period. Today, it is purely a unit of measurement for cooling output.

Do two-storey homes need a larger air conditioner?

Not necessarily a larger unit, but they do need careful sizing and proper ductwork design. Heat rises, so the upper floor of a two-storey home typically experiences higher temperatures than the main level. A professional load calculation can ensure the right equipment is selected. For homes with persistent hot-and-cold floor issues, a ductless mini-split can also supplement a central AC system to target specific zones.

Skip the Guesswork: Get a Free In-Home AC Sizing Estimate
An air conditioner is a significant investment, and getting the size wrong costs you in comfort, energy bills, and equipment life for years to come.

Husky Heating and Air Conditioning has been sizing and installing air conditioners across the GTA since 1974. Our experienced technicians will perform a detailed in-home assessment, calculate your home’s exact cooling load, and recommend a system that fits your home and your budget.

The consultation is free, the quote comes with no obligation, and we will show you every available rebate and discount to bring the price down, plus maintenance plan options to protect your investment.

As a certified Costco HVAC installer, we also offer a 10% Costco Shop Card on qualifying installations.

Call us at 905-761-9485 or 416-665-3666, or request your free quote online.

Don't buy the wrong size AC! Use our 2026 square footage and BTU calculator to find the perfectly sized air conditioner for your Ontario home. Get a free quote.