GL InspectionsHow old is too old for a furnace, A/C or water heater, and what about rental contracts?
As a rough guide, gas furnaces often last 15 to 25 years, central air conditioners 7 to 15 years and conventional tank water heaters 6 to 12 years. In Ontario a lot of this equipment is rented, and the rental usually passes to the buyer, so before you firm up, find out the age, whether it's owned or rented, the monthly cost and the buyout price.
Updated October 2026 · By Gerardo Lucero, Certified Professional Inspector (CPI)
Lifespan table: what's normal and when to budget
These are typical ranges from InterNACHI's life-expectancy guidelines. They're averages, not guarantees: a well-maintained furnace can beat them, and a neglected one can fall short.
| Equipment | Typical lifespan | What I look at |
|---|---|---|
| Gas furnace | 15 to 25 years | Data plate, venting, filter, normal operation, signs of rust or water |
| Central air conditioner | 7 to 15 years | Outdoor unit condition, level pad, refrigerant line insulation, condensate drain |
| Heat pump | 10 to 15 years | Outdoor unit, clearances, operation in the mode the weather allows |
| Tank water heater | 6 to 12 years | Rust at the base, venting, relief valve discharge pipe, leaks |
| Tankless water heater | About 10 years or more | Venting, connections, visible leaks |
I estimate the age from the manufacturer's label when it's readable, and I run the equipment with its normal controls. An air conditioner generally shouldn't be run in cold weather, which is one of the limits in my guide to winter inspections.
Why so much equipment is rented in the GTA
Renting water heaters has been common in Ontario for decades, and many homes also have rented or financed furnaces, air conditioners and water softeners. In a resale purchase, rented items are listed in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, and the buyer generally takes over the payments unless the agreement says otherwise. The Ontario government notes that existing contracts may transfer with the home, and that sellers may have to transfer the contract or pay cancellation fees.
Ontario rules worth knowing
- No door-to-door sales. Since March 1, 2018, businesses can't sign you up at your door for furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, water treatment devices or duct cleaning unless you contacted them first.
- 10-day cooling-off period from the day you receive a written copy of the contract.
- Void contracts. A contract that came from prohibited door-to-door marketing is void, and you can keep the equipment with no obligation.
- Liens (NOSIs). Under the Homeowner Protection Act, 2024, Notices of Security Interest can no longer be registered on title for consumer goods such as water heaters and furnaces, and older ones were deemed expired. Your lawyer handles anything that still appears on title.
What to ask before you firm up
- Is each item owned, rented or financed (lease-to-own)?
- Who is the provider, what is the monthly payment and how long is left on the term?
- What is the buyout price today, and how is it calculated?
- How old is the equipment, and are there service records?
- Are there removal or cancellation fees if you replace it?
- Does the contract renew automatically?
Get the answers in writing. If an inspection finds the equipment near the end of its life, that can be part of the discussion under your inspection condition.
Want to know the age and condition of the mechanicals before you buy? My pre-purchase inspection covers them. Book your inspection here.
Sources
More guides
- How long does a roof last in Ontario, and how do I know it needs replacing?
- What causes attic problems like ice dams, frost and mould?
- How do gutters, downspouts, grading and a sump pump keep water out of my basement?
- What should I check at my new-home PDI with the builder?
- What's different about inspecting a townhouse or semi-detached home?
Questions people ask
how long does a furnace last in canada
Often about 15 to 25 years, depending on maintenance and the original quality. Age alone doesn't mean it's failing, but it helps you budget.
is it normal to rent a water heater in ontario
Yes, it's very common. When you buy a home, the rental is usually listed in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale and the buyer takes over the payments.
do i have to take over the furnace rental when i buy a house
Usually the buyer assumes rental contracts unless the agreement says otherwise. Ask your agent and lawyer before you firm up.
can a company sell me a furnace at my door ontario
No. Since 2018, door-to-door sales of furnaces, A/C, water heaters and similar equipment are banned unless you contacted the company first.
can the inspector test the ac in winter
Usually not, because running an air conditioner in cold weather can damage it. The inspector looks at the unit and notes that it wasn't operated.
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