Frequently Asked Questions

Knowles Gas & Air-Conditioning has been serving Greater Victoria for over 40 years across three generations. Our family-run business started with a simple promise: treat every home like our own. That has not changed.

We serve the entire Greater Victoria region, including Victoria, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, Saanich, View Royal, Colwood, Langford, Metchosin, Sooke, Sidney, North Saanich, Central Saanich, Brentwood Bay, and Cordova Bay. We also cover neighbourhoods like James Bay, Fairfield, Fernwood, Hillside, Quadra, Gordon Head, and Cadboro Bay.

Absolutely. Every technician at Knowles is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Our gas fitters hold Class B gas tickets, and our plumbers are Red Seal certified. You can have complete confidence in the quality and safety of our work.

Yes. We provide 24/7 emergency service for gas leaks, no-heat situations, burst pipes, and other urgent issues. Call our emergency line at 250-361-4488 any time of day or night, including weekends and holidays. A real person will answer your call.

If you smell gas, leave the house immediately. Do not turn on or off any lights, appliances, or electronics. Once you are safely outside, call FortisBC at 1-800-663-9911 and then call us at 250-361-4488. Do not re-enter the home until a qualified technician has confirmed it is safe.

We install and service a wide range of gas fireplace brands, including Montigo, Regency, Napoleon, Valor, and Enviro. We can help you choose the right model for your space, style, and budget. Every installation includes a full safety inspection and all required permits.

A typical gas fireplace installation takes one to two days, depending on whether gas lines or venting need to be run to the location. We handle all permits and inspections so you do not have to worry about any of the details.

Most furnaces last 15 to 20 years. Signs it may be time for a replacement include frequent repairs, rising energy bills, uneven heating throughout your home, unusual noises, and the unit struggling to maintain temperature. If your furnace is over 15 years old and needs a repair costing more than $500, a replacement is often the smarter investment.

A furnace burns natural gas to produce heat, while a heat pump transfers heat from the outside air into your home using electricity. Heat pumps can also cool your home in summer, acting as an air conditioner. In the mild Victoria climate, heat pumps are very efficient and can significantly reduce your energy bills. Many homeowners use a heat pump as their primary system with a gas furnace as backup for the coldest days.

A standard furnace replacement typically takes one day. A heat pump installation usually takes one to two days, depending on whether ductwork modifications or electrical upgrades are needed. We will give you a clear timeline before the work begins.

We carry and service top brands including American Standard, Tempstar, Goodman, Daikin, Mitsubishi, Navien, and Rinnai. We are happy to recommend the best equipment for your home and budget based on our decades of experience.

Tank water heaters are less expensive upfront and work well for most homes. Tankless (on-demand) water heaters cost more initially but provide unlimited hot water, take up less space, and typically last longer. They are ideal for larger families or homes with high hot water demand. We can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your household needs and budget.

We offer a full range of plumbing services, including water heater installation and repair, pipe repair and replacement, trenchless pipe repair, drain cleaning, fixture installation, and emergency plumbing. Our licensed plumbers handle both residential and light commercial work.

Yes. We provide free, no-obligation estimates for all installations and major repairs. We believe in upfront, transparent pricing so you know exactly what to expect before any work begins. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges.

FortisBC offers rebates on qualifying high-efficiency gas fireplaces (up to $300), furnaces, and water heaters. Rebate amounts and eligibility change periodically, so contact us for the latest information. We handle all the rebate paperwork on your behalf to make the process simple.

Yes. Federal and provincial programs, including the Canada Greener Homes Grant and BC energy-efficiency incentives, can provide thousands of dollars toward qualifying upgrades like heat pumps and high-efficiency furnaces. We stay up to date on all available programs and can help you determine what you qualify for.

Yes. We offer flexible financing options so you can get the equipment you need without a large upfront cost. Convenient monthly payment plans are available to help spread the cost over time. Ask us for details when you request your free estimate.