Adding Central Air Conditioning to Your Furnace in Vancouver
Published: July 23, 2026 — BC Wide Home Services Ltd, doing business as BC Wide Heating & Air Conditioning — Greater Vancouver, BC
AC Compatibility with Your Furnace
Most forced-air furnaces can accommodate central AC. The evaporator coil installs in the supply plenum above the furnace. The outdoor condenser connects via refrigerant lines. The furnace blower distributes the cool air. Key compatibility requirements: the furnace blower must move sufficient CFM for the AC size, and the coil cabinet must fit your furnace width.
Installation Cost
Adding central AC to an existing furnace: $3,500-6,500 including: evaporator coil ($500-1,000), condenser unit ($1,500-3,000), line set ($200-400), electrical ($300-600), and labour ($1,000-1,500). The cost varies by SEER rating, brand, and home size.
Blower Considerations
A variable-speed ECM blower handles AC best — it can adjust speed for optimal dehumidification. Standard PSC blowers work but provide less humidity control. If your furnace has a single-speed blower, consider upgrading to a variable-speed furnace when the time comes — the AC will perform better and the furnace will be more efficient.