Cooling
Air conditioner repair in Ottawa
When the AC stops keeping up in the middle of a humid Ottawa heat wave, you want the problem found and fixed properly. We test, explain what's wrong and give you the cost before we start.
- HRAI member
- TSSA affiliated
- Licensed technicians
- Free estimates
01Is it time?
Call for an AC repair if…
- 01 The system runs but the air from the vents isn't cool.
- 02 There's ice on the copper lines or the indoor coil.
- 03 The outdoor unit won't start, or it hums without the fan spinning.
- 04 Water is leaking around the furnace or indoor coil.
- 05 The breaker trips when the air conditioner starts.
- 06 It runs constantly on mild days, or turns on and off every few minutes.
02The install
What happens on an AC repair call
Most cooling problems come down to airflow, electrical parts or refrigerant. We test each one.
Electrical tests
We test the capacitor, contactor, fan motor and compressor. Failed capacitors and contactors are among the most common reasons an outdoor unit won't start.
Airflow check
A plugged filter, dirty indoor coil or weak blower can freeze the coil and cut cooling. We check airflow before looking at refrigerant.
Refrigerant and leak check
If the system is low on refrigerant, it has a leak. We measure the charge and look for the leak instead of topping it up and walking away.
Drain and coil
We clear the condensate drain and check the pan so water goes where it should, not onto the basement floor.
Upfront cost
We explain the fault and the cost of fixing it before doing the work. You decide whether to go ahead.
Performance test
After the repair we measure the temperature drop across the coil and confirm the system is cooling and cycling normally.
04Options
Repair it or replace it?
Most AC calls end with a repair. When the unit is older or the fault is major, these are the choices we'll lay out.
Straight repair
Best for: Units under about 10 years old
Capacitors, contactors, fan motors, drain problems and thermostat faults are routine fixes on a system with plenty of life left.
Leak repair and recharge
Best for: Newer units with a findable leak
If the leak is accessible and the system uses a current refrigerant, repairing the leak and recharging is often worthwhile.
Replace with AC or heat pump
Best for: Old R-22 units, failed compressors, leaking coils
R-22 is no longer made or imported in Canada, and a failed compressor on an older unit often costs close to a new system. At that point, a new AC or a heat pump is usually the better spend.
05How it works
From first call to first cold night
- 1
Call us
Tell us what the system is doing, its age and whether there's ice, water or noise. It helps us bring the right parts.
- 2
Diagnosis
A licensed technician tests the system and explains what's wrong.
- 3
Your decision
We give you the cost of the repair and, for older units, an honest comparison with replacing it.
- 4
Repair and test
We make the repair and confirm the system is cooling properly before we leave.
What does AC repair cost?
It depends on the fault. A capacitor or contactor is a modest repair. Refrigerant leaks, fan motors and indoor coils cost more, and a compressor is the most expensive repair on an air conditioner.
We tell you the cost before we start, and if the repair doesn't make sense on an older unit, we'll say so.
Rebates & financing
Repairs don't qualify for rebates. If you decide to replace an older system, a heat pump in place of a new AC may qualify for current programs, and we'll check during the estimate.
Current programsWhy is my air conditioner blowing warm air?
Common causes are a failed capacitor or contactor in the outdoor unit, a dirty outdoor coil, low refrigerant from a leak, or a thermostat problem. Check that the thermostat is set to cool and the filter is clean, then call us.
Why is there ice on my AC lines?
Ice usually means poor airflow across the indoor coil, from a dirty filter, blocked returns or a weak blower, or low refrigerant. Turn the AC off and set the fan to "on" to let it thaw, then have it checked. Running it iced can damage the compressor.
Can you just top up my refrigerant?
Refrigerant doesn't get used up. If the system is low, there's a leak. Adding refrigerant without finding the leak only buys time and puts more refrigerant into the air.
My AC uses R-22. Can it still be repaired?
Sometimes, if the repair doesn't involve refrigerant. But R-22 is no longer made or imported in Canada, so recharges are costly and getting harder. For an R-22 system with a leak, replacement is usually the sensible choice.
Why is water leaking near my furnace in summer?
The indoor coil produces water as it removes humidity. If the condensate drain is clogged or the pump has failed, water backs up and overflows. It's usually a simple fix, but deal with it quickly to avoid water damage.
How can I prevent AC breakdowns?
Change the filter regularly, keep plants and debris a good distance from the outdoor unit, and book a spring tune-up so coils are clean and electrical parts are tested before the first hot week.
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