When your furnace gets red-tagged or you’re quoted thousands for a major component part replacement, it’s easy to feel stuck. Do you approve the costly repair on the spot, or is there a smarter move? At Capital City Heating and Cooling, we specialize in offering honest, no-pressure second opinions for homeowners across Ottawa. Before you commit to a major HVAC expense, let us take a look AT NO CHARGE
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What Does a Red-Tagged Furnace Mean?
A red-tagged furnace is a heating system that has been labeled unsafe to operate by a licensed HVAC technician. This tag is often issued during a routine inspection or service call when the technician identifies a serious safety issue, typically involving gas leaks, carbon monoxide risks, or major electrical faults.
There are two types of red tags commonly used in Ontario:
- Type A Red Tag: This is the most serious. Your gas supply will be immediately shut off, and the furnace cannot be used again until the issue is corrected and re-inspected.
- Type B Red Tag: Less urgent, but still a concern. You’ll usually be given a set period (typically 45 days) to resolve the problem. If not fixed by the deadline, the gas supply will be shut off.
While red tags exist to protect your safety — and rightly so — they’re not always black and white. Sometimes, minor issues are escalated or misdiagnosed, leading to unnecessary panic and pressure to replace your entire system on the spot.
Cracked Heat Exchangers: A Common (and Often Misdiagnosed) Red Tag
One of the most frequent reasons for a red tag is a cracked heat exchanger. While this can indeed be a serious safety hazard, we have found some to be misdiagnosed.
Before you spend thousands on a new furnace, let our team provide a second opinion to verify the issue, explain your options, and give you peace of mind.
Quoted for a Fan Motor Replacement?
If your HVAC contractor is recommending a fan motor replacement, you could be facing a bill of $800–$1,500 or more. But before you green-light the job, ask yourself:
- Was the issue properly diagnosed?
- Are there other options (like repair vs. replace)?
- Is the pricing in line with industry standards?
We’ve seen it all — from misdiagnosed issues to unnecessary full-system replacements. At Capital City Heating and Cooling, we’re happy to verify what’s really going on and give you an honest breakdown.
Other Common (and Often Misdiagnosed) HVAC Issues in Ottawa
Refrigerant Leaks
In the warmer months, poor A/C performance is often caused by low refrigerant, but that doesn’t automatically mean you need a whole new system. We’ll check for leaks and determine whether a recharge or repair is the smarter fix.
Faulty Thermostats
Sometimes, your HVAC system isn’t the problem at all — it’s the thermostat. Whether it’s outdated, miscalibrated, or just broken, this small device can create big headaches and lead to unnecessary repairs. We’ll help you determine whether a simple thermostat upgrade is all you really need.
Why Homeowners in Ottawa Trust Capital City for HVAC Second Opinions
✅ No-pressure advice – We’re not here to upsell. We’ll tell you what you need, nothing more.
✅ Certified technicians – Experienced, licensed pros who know what to look for.
✅ Transparent pricing – We’ll explain all your options and the costs involved.
✅ Fast turnaround – We know your comfort matters. We respond quickly and professionally.
Whether it’s a red-tagged furnace, a questionable fan motor replacement, a refrigerant leak, or a faulty thermostat, we’re here to make sure Ottawa homeowners get treated fairly — every time.
Get Peace of Mind Before You Commit
Don’t let a single technician’s opinion cost you more than it should. Reach out to Capital City Heating and Cooling today for a free, no-obligation second opinion on your HVAC issue. You might be surprised by what we find — and how much you can save.
📞 Call us today (613) 274-0220
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