When it comes to heating and cooling in Ottawa, peace of mind matters just as much as performance. If another HVAC company tells you your furnace needs to be replaced or you’re facing the stress of a red-tagged furnace, you deserve more than one opinion before making such a big decision. That’s where we come in! 

Capital City Heating & Cooling has proudly become known as Ottawa’s Home of the Free HVAC Second Opinion. We’ve built this reputation on honesty, transparency, and a commitment to protecting homeowners from unnecessary costs. Alongside our professional maintenance plans and status as a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer, our second opinion promise is one of the main reasons Ottawa families trust us year after year. 

Let’s break down how this service works, especially when you’re faced with something as stressful as a red-tagged furnace.

What Is a Free HVAC Second Opinion?

As Ottawa’s home of the free HVAC second opinion, we believe peace of mind shouldn’t come at a cost. A free HVAC second opinion means exactly that: no charge, no strings attached, just more clarity. If you’ve been told your furnace or HVAC system needs major repairs or replacement, our team will take a fresh look at the issue and provide an unbiased assessment.

This service is especially valuable when dealing with a red-tagged furnace, which means the system has been shut down for safety reasons. While some red tags are legitimate, others can be overly cautious or misdiagnosed. Before you spend thousands on a new system, our certified technicians can confirm whether replacement is truly necessary or if safe, cost-effective repairs are still possible.

Learn more about why Capital City is Ottawa’s Home of the Free HVAC Second Opinion on our blog!

Understanding a Red Tagged Furnace

A red-tagged furnace is a heating system that has been labelled unsafe to operate by a licensed HVAC technician. In Ottawa, this typically happens when an inspection reveals issues like a cracked heat exchanger, improper venting, potential gas leaks, carbon monoxide risks, or major electrical faults. Once a furnace is red-tagged, it must remain shut off until repaired or replaced. 

In Ontario, there are two main types of red tags for furnaces:

  • Type A Red Tag: This type is the most urgent. Your gas supply will be shut off right away, and the furnace can’t be used again until it’s repaired and the system is inspected a second time.
  • Type B Red Tag: This type gives you a little more time, but still needs attention. You’ll usually have about 45 days to fix the issue. If it’s not resolved by then, the gas supply will be shut off.

For Ottawa homeowners, this can be overwhelming, especially in the middle of winter. The thought of a full furnace replacement is daunting, both financially and logistically. But not every red tag means your system is beyond repair. In many cases, the right repairs can bring your furnace back to safe operation and extend its lifespan.

That’s why our free HVAC second opinion is so valuable. We understand local housing styles, common furnace setups in Ottawa neighbourhoods, and the impact of the long heating season on equipment. That knowledge allows us to assess any furnace problem ourselves and give you a clear, honest explanation of your options at no charge.

Book your free HVAC second opinion now!

Maintenance Plans That Back Up Our Promise

Of course, the best way to avoid the stress of a red-tagged furnace or emergency replacement is through preventative care. That’s where our HVAC maintenance plans come in. By scheduling annual inspections and tune-ups, you minimize the chance of sudden breakdowns and catch small issues before they escalate.

Our maintenance plans include safety checks, performance testing, filter changes, and thorough inspections of key components such as heat exchangers and ignition systems. These visits not only extend the lifespan of your equipment but also reduce the likelihood of ever needing a second opinion in the first place.

Discover what’s included in a Capital City maintenance plan in Ottawa

Why Trust a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer

Being a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer is another layer of reassurance. It means we’ve met strict standards for training, customer service, and technical expertise. Our technicians hold full licensing and receive ongoing training on the newest Bryant systems and industry best practices.

So when we provide a free HVAC second opinion, you’re getting advice backed by both professional integrity and manufacturer-recognized expertise. That combination is rare, and it’s one of the reasons why Capital City Heating & Cooling stands out in Ottawa’s HVAC industry.

Building Trust, One Free Second Opinion at a Time

We don’t take lightly that homeowners turn to us during stressful moments, such as when a furnace is red-tagged in the middle of January. For us, being Ottawa’s Home of the Free HVAC Second Opinion isn’t just a slogan. It’s a promise to treat our customers with honesty, respect, and care.

By pairing this free service with reliable maintenance plans and our Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer status, we give Ottawa families every reason to trust us with their home comfort.

Take the Next Step With Capital City Heating & Cooling

If you’ve been told your HVAC system needs replacement, or if you’re concerned about a red-tagged furnace or misdiagnosed system, don’t make the decision alone. Call Capital City Heating & Cooling for a free HVAC second opinion and get the clarity you deserve.

And if you’re ready to prevent problems before they start, ask about our annual maintenance plans designed for Ottawa’s long winters.

Contact us today to book your free HVAC second opinion or join a maintenance plan. Not ready to book yet? Still have more questions? Not a problem. You can view our customers’ feedback on our customer testimonials and our Google Business Profile, or check out a list of our FAQs below. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes Capital City the Home of the Free HVAC Second Opinion?

We’re committed to giving Ottawa homeowners an honest, no-charge assessment when another HVAC company or technician recommends costly repairs or replacements.

Is a second opinion really free, and is there any obligation?

Capital City’s Home of the Free HVAC Second Opinion is completely free of charge and comes with no obligation. You’ll receive an honest and professional evaluation so you can make the decision that’s right for your home and budget.

What does it mean when my furnace is red-tagged?

A red-tagged furnace is considered unsafe to operate due to issues like cracks, gas leaks, or venting problems. It must remain off until repaired or replaced.

Why should I choose a Bryant Factory Authorized Dealer?

It guarantees your technician has advanced training, proper licensing, and a proven track record of customer satisfaction.

How often should I schedule maintenance for my HVAC system in Ottawa?

At least once a year, preferably in September, when it’s possible to service both your furnace and AC in ideal weather conditions.