Robert in Toronto

If I could give more than 5 Stars out of 5, I would. I originally called Airco out of the blue because I thought they were a Carrier dealer and my current Carrier was 20 years old and my Bosch on demand hot water system was leaking. After a lengthy discussion with Dan he told me they were no longer a Carrier dealer because the company did not stand behind their product. I could tell right away that Dan was passionate about keeping his customers happy. From the moment I met Dan I knew I had found an “old school” kind of guy. No high pressure sales tactics. Just an honest evaluation of options that were available to me. During the COVID19 crisis, I have made a conscious effort to support small family run businesses that have lots of integrity. I knew I had found that with Airco Heating & Cooling Ltd. Dan recommended a 60,000 BTU Daikin 2 stage furnace with a variable speed ECM motor with an efficiency of about 96%. He could have easily recommended a more expensive model with 98% efficiency but did not because he took the time to properly evaluate my home based on its unique characteristics. I own an almost 40 year old split level. He said the gain of 2% efficiency was not worth the additional cost. In addition, the higher efficiency furnace (98%) is more complex and subject to more possible problems. He also recommended venting the new furnace and on-demand hot water system by utilizing the existing B Vent chimney. They ran two exhaust pipes up the existing chimney which meant no new holes in my roof! They were able to utilize an existing fresh air intake and only had to drill a small hole in the side of my house to accommodate a fresh air intake for the new furnace. This was done to ensure I would receive the Fortis rebate. Airco also quoted a Navien on demand hot water heater which has proved to be an excellent choice. Both the installers William (Lead) and Jonathan (Apprentice) were incredible. William is extremely competent in his trade and does meticulous work. He takes great pride in doing it right. He said to me “... there is the easy way or there is the best way”. Airco chooses to do it the best way. The company doesn’t rush their installations and is there to answer all your questions. They were both very patient and eager to please the customer. William’s apprentice told me that he learned more from William than 3 previous lead hands. I have a business degree specializing in Marketing and these guys tick all the boxes. They have a high degree of integrity and do quality work. After the installation was complete they ran several tests on the furnace which it passed with flying colours. As well, William took the time to explain how the thermostat worked and actually programmed it for us. I did get another quote for the job and the other contractor recommended the same size 60,000 BTU, 2 stage, variable speed motor furnace (different brand) and exactly the same model on-demand Navien hot water system. So I knew then that Dan was giving me “...the straight goods”. However, the other contractor recommended venting both the furnace and on demand system in a way that could have negatively affected my neighbour with exhaust fumes. After getting two quotes, they were almost identical in price. I went with Airco for the following reasons: 1. Family run business with old fashioned values of putting the customer first 2. Very high Google review ratings 3. Excellent standing with Better Business Bureau 4. Recipient of many local business rewards 5. Smaller company means better quality control with fewer crews to manage 6. Installer (William) is a long term employee with excellent reviews. People specifically named him in their reviews which is rare 7. Pricing was competitive but it wasn’t my number one criteria 8. Better venting option vs other contractor I highly recommend this company for their business ethics and the fact they also carry great products. Daikin is the largest HVAC company in the world and has the best warranty in the industry and Navien is a leader in their field. Combine a great installation company with great products and you have a winner on your hands. I am going to leave a codicil in my Will that stipulates only Airco can service both our furnace and on demand system. All kidding aside, you can’t go wrong with Airco Heating and Cooling.