Can I keep using my oil tank after switching?

If the furnace is removed, there's no reason to keep the tank. Many municipalities and insurers want unused tanks removed or properly decommissioned.

Is a heat pump enough on its own in Victoria?

For most homes, a properly sized cold-climate heat pump handles the whole winter. A backup covers rare deep cold snaps.

Oil Furnace Replacement · Victoria, BC

Oil Furnace Replacement in Victoria, BC

If your home still heats with an oil furnace, you're probably weighing what to replace it with and what to do about the oil tank. Here's how a typical switch works.

HVAC repairs, renovations and new projects
Every municipality in Greater Victoria
Get a quote before any work starts

Why people switch

Oil systems need regular burner servicing and fuel deliveries, and an ageing tank can leak. Insurers and buyers often ask about oil tanks. Many owners replace the furnace before it fails rather than during a winter breakdown.

Heat pump options

The most common replacement in Greater Victoria is a ducted heat pump that uses the existing ductwork, sometimes with an electric or gas backup for the coldest days. Homes with poor ducts may suit ductless mini-splits instead. See heat pumps.

Gas furnace options

If natural gas is available on your street, a high-efficiency gas furnace is another option, or a hybrid system that pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace. Gas work needs a certified gasfitter and a gas permit.

The oil tank

Tanks may be in the basement, beside the house or buried in the yard. Removal and any testing of the soil are usually done by a specialist contractor. Check your municipality's requirements and keep the paperwork; buyers and insurers will want it.

Ducts and electrical

Old ductwork may need cleaning, sealing or resizing for a heat pump. A heat pump may also need a new circuit or a panel upgrade. Get both checked at the quote stage.

Plan ahead

Ask for a quote that covers the new system, removal of the old furnace and how the tank will be handled. Send a request and an HVAC technician will get in touch.

Timing

Switching in spring or summer means no time without heat.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep using my oil tank after switching?: If the furnace is removed, there's no reason to keep the tank. Many municipalities and insurers want unused tanks removed or properly decommissioned.
Is a heat pump enough on its own in Victoria?: For most homes, a properly sized cold-climate heat pump handles the whole winter. A backup covers rare deep cold snaps.

Other HVAC services

Heat PumpsDucted and ductless heat pumps that heat in winter and cool in summer.Ductless Mini-SplitsWall-mounted heat pump heads for homes without ducts, room by room.Furnace RepairGas, electric and oil furnaces that won't start, blow cold or cycle.Air Conditioning & CoolingCooling for hot upper floors and bedrooms, and repairs when it stops.HVAC MaintenanceSeasonal tune-ups for heat pumps, furnaces, boilers and mini-splits.Boilers & Radiant HeatHot water boilers, radiators and in-floor heat, repaired or replaced.Ductwork & VentilationDuct repairs and sealing, HRVs, fans and better filtration.

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