A properly functioning air conditioner is essential to your comfort during summer in most Canadian cities, and that’s why it’s so important to maintain your cooling system properly. This air conditioner repair guide will help you troubleshoot common issues.
Much of that involves regular maintenance, annual inspections and tune-ups, and getting repairs from a professional when you need them. But if you’re not familiar with your cooling system or air conditioner repairs, then you probably have a lot of questions about maintenance, common issues, and air conditioner troubleshooting.
That’s why we at FurnacePrices.ca have put together this handy guide about air conditioner problems, maintenance, and repairs, and today you’ll learn everything you need to know about air conditioner upkeep.
*Please note, the following is for informational purposes only. Any servicing you attempt is at your own risk.
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Common Air Conditioner Problems
1. Dirty filter
Air conditioner filters should be changed every one to three months. Dirty filters can decrease air quality, lower efficiency and cooling capabilities, and cause the unit to break down sooner than it should.
2. Lack of maintenance
A cooling system is a big investment, and the best way to ensure you get the most life from the unit is to have it inspected and tuned up annually by a certified HVAC technician.
3. The unit doesn’t cool
Many things can impact your air conditioner’s ability to cool properly, including a dirty filter, improper thermostat setting, unit size, and more.
4. Improperly sized unit
An important task when buying a new air conditioner is making sure it’s the right size for your home. An AC that’s too small will run all the time and not be able to cool your home, but a unit that’s too large will cycle too often and increase indoor humidity levels.
5. Refrigerant leak
The air conditioner couldn’t cool without refrigerant, but this can leak if small holes or cracks form in the coil. When there’s a leak, the system won’t have enough refrigerant so that you may notice fluctuating temperatures, a hissing noise coming from the unit, and ice on the coil or refrigerant line.
6. Electrical problems
Air conditioners have important electrical components like capacitors and contactors, and if these are defective or wear out, then it can cause a system failure.
7. Improper installation
Having your unit professionally installed by a certified HVAC technician is crucial. Professional installation will ensure the unit is the right size, is pressure tested, is installed properly, and that it functions optimally for many years.
8. Thermostat problems
A defective thermostat can cause problems with the heating and cooling cycles. Similarly, the wrong thermostat settings can mean your home is never the right temperature, so it’s good to check your thermostat settings, make sure it’s calibrated properly, and ensure outside heat or cold sources are not influencing it.
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How to Perform Air Conditioner Troubleshooting
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I repair or replace my air conditioner?
The average air conditioner lifespan is 12 to 15 years. If your air conditioner is older than 10 years and needs major repairs (there’s a problem with the coils or condenser, for instance), then you might be better off investing in a new unit. Plus your new unit will be covered under warranty, may qualify for rebates, and may be more energy-efficient too!
My air conditioner won’t run at all. What’s the problem?
Most likely the problem is electrical and the unit isn’t getting power. A fuse may have blown or the circuit breaker tripped, and you can fix it by resetting the breaker or replacing/resetting the fuse.
How do I unclog the drain line?
Locate the access point and vacuum out the clog. You can then flush the line with warm water and soap or warm water and vinegar, and leave it for 30 minutes.
Why is my air conditioner leaking?
The most likely culprit is a clog in the drain line that eliminates condensation from the system. When the line gets clogged with dirt, dust, and debris, it can cause water to back up the drain line and leak from the unit. Another problem that can cause leaking is a refrigerant leak because the coil will ice up, and when the unit shuts off, and the ice melts, water will drip down the unit.
How do I clean the coils and fins?
Turn off power to the unit. With a garden hose (not a power washer), rinse the outdoor coil and coil fins to remove dirt, dust, leaves, grass, and other debris. Turn the unit back on. Repeat annually.
How can I thaw a frozen coil?
The coil can freeze when it’s dirty or there’s a refrigerant leak. You can thaw it by cranking up the thermostat and setting it to Fan Only for a couple of hours, until the coil thaws. If this is a recurring issue, it could be because your A/C unit is overpowered for the coil it’s matched with.This is why it’s important to deal with a trusted and experienced professional when buying a new A/C to ensure all components are sized correctly.
How do I diagnose problems with my air conditioner?
Start with the simplest possible problem: the thermostat. Make sure it’s set to cool and at the right temperature for your comfort.You can also clean the interior to remove dust or dirt that may have built up.Next, check that the unit is getting power by making sure a fuse hasn’t blown or the circuit breaker tripped.If you haven’t changed the air filter in a while, do that now.Then, check to make sure the registers are open, that nothing is blocking the vents, and that there aren’t any visible leaks in the ductwork.Finally, go outside and check that no debris has fallen on the outdoor unit and that no weeds, trees, or other material are blocking air flow.
How do I diagnose a problem with my air conditioner?
First, check that the unit is getting power and that the breaker didn’t trip or a fuse didn’t blow. Next, check your thermostat to make sure it’s set to Heat and at a comfortable temperature. See that the access panel is attached correctly, otherwise, the safety switch might be engaged and preventing the furnace from operating. If you have a pilot light, make sure it’s burning.
Why isn’t my air conditioner cooling properly?
Many things can cause this problem, and some of the most common include dirty air filters, obstructions in the vents, closed registers, a faulty thermostat or bad thermostat setting, and a dirty coil. If the problem has always been there, then it could be that the unit is too small for your home.
Why isn’t my air conditioner cooling properly?
Many things can cause this problem, and some of the most common include dirty air filters, obstructions in the vents, closed registers, a faulty thermostat or bad thermostat setting, and a dirty coil. If the problem has always been there, then it could be that the unit is too small for your home.
What’s involved with an annual tune up?
Annual professional maintenance includes things like:Checking the refrigerant chargeCleaning the condensing unit and coilsLooking for leaksClearing the drain lineCleaning and tweaking the blower and motorCalibrating the thermostatChanging the air filterLubricating partsTesting electrical components and wiringIt’s usually best to have a professional do these steps as part of a pre-season tune up and inspection.
How do I change my air conditioner filter?
First off, locate the filter, which is usually in the air return vent or on the indoor unit. Remove the grille from the air return or access panel from the front of the unit. Slide out the old filter. Clean the old filter or replace it with a new one. Slide the new or cleaned filter back into place using the arrows for guidance. Replace the grille or access panel.
What regular maintenance should I be doing to keep my air conditioner in top shape?
One of the most important is changing the filter regularly, and having the unit serviced annually by a professional. It’s also important to clean the unit once a year, and that includes cleaning the coils, drain line, and coil fins, and removing debris from around the outdoor unit.
Air Conditioner Repair Pricing and Parts
When it comes time for service, it can help to know the most common air conditioner repairs and the average costs for an HVAC technician to diagnose and fix the problem. That way, you can budget appropriately depending on what air conditioner maintenance you need.
On average, simpler air conditioner repairs involving the drain line, fuses, control board, and contractors can range from $75 to $590. More expensive service for components like the condensate pump, refrigerant, fan motor, and drain pans can range from $240 to $750.
Some of the most expensive air conditioner repairs include replacing parts, such as the fan motor, condenser coil, and compressor. These can range anywhere from $400 to $2,900 or more. However, there are many factors that can impact repair costs, including the age of the unit, how much labour is required, the size and efficiency of the unit, whether regular maintenance has been performed, and the extent of the damage.
Here’s a breakdown of air conditioner repairs and services, from the cheapest to the most expensive:
$75 to $290
Flushing the condensate drain line: $75 to $250
This drain line is responsible for eliminating condensation from the system. The drain line can become clogged with dirt and other debris, and when this happens, water will back up the line, overflow, and leak from the unit.
Fuses, circuit breakers, or relay repairs: $75 to $290
A malfunction with the capacitor is one of the most common causes of blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers because the capacitor regulates the electrical current through the condenser.
$100 to $500
Replacing the contactor: $150 to $350
The contactor is a switch that gets low voltage from the thermostat and then closes the circuit to power the compressor and condenser fan. When it wears out, it needs to be replaced.
Replacing the condensate pump: $240 to $450
Some air conditioner systems use a condensate pump to eliminate condensation from the system, and if this pump malfunctions, it needs to be replaced.
Repairing a refrigerant leak: $200 to $500
Small leaks in the coil or hoses can be repaired relatively easily, but larger leaks may require a coil replacement, which can cost $1,500 or more.
$100 to $750
Maintenance for the control circuit board: $100 to $590
The control board is the electrical circuit board that supports and connects all the electrical systems in the unit, and if there’s a failure here, various components can stop working.
Service to the outdoor condensing unit fan motor: $200 to $650
This component blows air across the condenser for cooling, and sometimes it will continue running when it shouldn’t, not run when it should, or run at the wrong speed.
Replacing drain pans: $250 to $575
The drain pans are plastic or metal containers that catch the water that comes from the evaporator coil or drain line. From time to time, these can crack or become corroded and need to be replaced.
Refrigerant recharge: $250 to $750
Low refrigerant either means the refrigerant wasn’t appropriately charged at installation or that there’s a leak in the coil or hoses. When the refrigerant is low, the unit won’t function properly or won’t run at all, so the levels need to be topped off.
Repairing the condenser fan motor: $450 to $750
The condenser motor powers the blades that blow air over the condenser, and without this component, the system won’t be able to cool your home.
$400 to $2,300
Replacing the fan motor: $400 to $1,200
When the fan motor (mentioned above) breaks completely, it needs to be replaced, and this will cost more than basic service.
Replacing the evaporator unit coil: $400 to $2,900
An air conditioner cannot function without the coil, because it’s inside the coil that the refrigerant absorbs heat to produce cold air. Replacing the coil is one of the most expensive air conditioner repairs you may face because the part is pricey and the replacement requires a lot of labour.
Replacing the compressor: $1,350 to $2,300
The compressor is responsible for circulating refrigerant through the system, and replacing this component is typically the most expensive air conditioner maintenance you could require.
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Basic Air Conditioner Repair and Maintenance Tools
- Garden hose to clean the outdoor unit
- Vacuum for eliminating clogs from the drain line
- Soap/water or vinegar/water solution for cleaning the drain line
- Screwdriver to open the access panel
- New fuse if your fuse has blown
- New air filter when replacing the filter
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Air Conditioner Repair & Maintenance Safety Tips
- Always unplug the unit and shut off power to it before doing any maintenance or repair work
- Keep the area around the indoor and outdoor unit free of debris and flammable items
- Never use an extension cord to power your air conditioner
- Read the owner’s manual from the manufacturer and follow all instructions regarding safety, maintenance, and repairs
- Check the power cord regularly for wear and to make sure it’s not heating up
- If you suspect a refrigerant leak or major problem with the unit, shut off power and call a certified HVAC technician right away
- Always use replacement parts that are for your make and model
Getting Reliable Professional HVAC Help
Professional installation, regular maintenance, and prompt repairs are important when you buy an air conditioner.
It’s also important to contact a certified local contractor for help. You’ll want to find a licensed HVAC specialist who has experience and a good reputation, and you can use our independent contractor certification program to find somebody in your area.
When choosing an HVAC contractor, we recommend checking that the company has:
- All the proper licenses & certifications
- Additional manufacturer training
- Experienced staff
- A good track record
- Adequate insurance
- Offers fair & transparent quotes
