An Experienced Air Conditioning Repair Company in Ottawa

Common Issues with Air Conditioners in Ottawa

Here are some of the most frequent issues homeowners face with AC systems. While you might be able to handle some troubleshooting tasks on your own, it’s crucial to contact us if your air conditioner is leaking refrigerant or making unusual noises.

Air Conditioner Won’t Turn On: There can be several reasons why your air conditioning system isn’t working. Common causes include a tripped circuit breaker, incorrect thermostat settings, a switched-off unit, or a full condensate drain pan.

Air Isn’t Cold: Check that your thermostat settings are correct and that it has power. Replace the air filter if you haven’t done so in the past few months, as a clean filter can improve efficiency and indoor air quality. Ensure the outdoor unit isn’t obstructed by debris and check for refrigerant leaks. If you find a leak, contact us for AC maintenance. Note that units purchased before 2011 may use R-22 refrigerant, which is no longer produced due to its environmental impact, making repairs costly. In such cases, we often recommend considering air conditioning installation.

Uneven Cooling: Uneven cooling might not require an AC repair but could need other solutions. Temperature fluctuations or imbalanced humidity are often due to leaky ducts, inadequate insulation, or blocked registers. If these aren’t the issues, adding blackout curtains on south-facing windows or installing a zoning system can help. A mini-split heat pump with variable refrigerant flow can also address cooling problems in uncomfortable areas.

Water Dripping from Air Conditioning Unit: Check the condensate line for clogs. This is the PVC pipe coming out of the air conditioner. Leaking refrigerant can also cause ice to build up on the coils and drip water. If your AC is encased in ice, this is an emergency and requires professional AC service.

Air Conditioner is Making Strange Noises: Screeching, clanging, banging, or clicking sounds indicate potentially serious problems. If you hear unusual noises, turn off your unit and call Oria Heating and Cooling for professional AC repair in Ottawa.

Overloaded Circuit Breaker: Your cooling system won’t start if the breaker is overloaded. Check your home’s main electrical panel (usually a silver box in the basement, garage, or closet) for the breaker labeled “AC” and ensure it’s in the “on” position. If it trips again, contact us immediately as it could signal a serious electrical issue.

Incorrect Thermostat Settings: If your thermostat isn’t signaling your equipment to start, it won’t turn on. Ensure it’s set to “cool” and not “heat.” If you’re using a traditional thermostat, replace the batteries if the readout is blank or garbled. Make sure the display shows the correct settings. If you can’t adjust it, reset it by lowering the temperature and pressing the “hold” button. Set the thermostat 5 degrees cooler than the room temperature; your AC won’t run if the thermostat matches the room temperature.

Shut-Off Switch: Your system usually has a shut-off switch near its outside unit, typically in a metal box attached to your residence. If your equipment has recently been maintained, the switch may have been accidentally turned off.

Overflowing Condensate Drain Pan: Condensate drain pans collect excess liquid your unit removes from the air. This pan can be located below or inside your furnace or air handler. When there’s a clog, water can accumulate and trigger a safety switch to turn off your unit. If your pan has a PVC pipe or drain, you can remove the water with a pan-cleaning tab from a hardware store. If your pan uses a pump, check the float switch. If it’s up and there’s water in the pan, you might need to replace the pump.

If these troubleshooting tips don’t resolve your issue, our professional AC technician team is ready to assist you.