AC Repair in Ottawa
Same-day diagnosis and repair on every make and model, 24/7 for emergencies
- 5.0 · 578 Google reviews
- TSSA & HRAI approved
- 24/7 emergency service
- Family-owned since 2014
Same-day diagnosis and repair on every make and model, 24/7 for emergencies
- Free quotes on any equipment purchase
- Financing from $49/month (OAC)
- All makes and models serviced
Fast AC repair across Ottawa
When your air conditioner quits on a humid July afternoon, you want a straight diagnosis and a fair price, quickly. For AC repair in Ottawa, Oria’s licensed technicians carry gauges and electrical testers to every call and can often fix the problem on the first visit.
We repair every make and model, including Lennox, Goodman, Carrier, Trane, York, Rheem and older units whose brands no longer exist. Same-day service is often available, and our 24/7 emergency line covers nights and weekends.
Oria was voted third place for Best Air Conditioning Repair in the 2022 Ottawa Choice Awards. As Kenneth D. wrote in his Google review: “I’ve called them once for my AC and once for my furnace and both times had excellent service. They are quick to respond and very knowledgeable, offering creative and reasonable solutions.”
Five checks before you book a repair
A surprising number of no-cooling calls come down to something simple. These checks are safe for any homeowner and take about ten minutes:
- 1
Thermostat.
Make sure it is set to Cool, the set point is a few degrees below room temperature, and the batteries are not dead.
- 2
Breakers.
The AC usually has a double breaker in the main panel and a fused disconnect beside the outdoor unit. Reset a tripped breaker once. If it trips again, leave it off and call us.
- 3
Furnace switch and door.
The furnace blower moves the cooled air. If the service switch is off or the blower door is loose, the AC will not run properly.
- 4
Air filter.
A clogged filter starves the indoor coil of air and can make it freeze. Replace it if it looks grey.
- 5
Condensate pump.
If water is pooling near the furnace or the pump's reservoir is full, a safety switch may be stopping the AC.
If the copper lines or the indoor coil are covered in ice, switch the AC off at the thermostat and leave the fan on to thaw it. Running a frozen system can damage the compressor. Our article on what to do if your AC is not working covers these steps in more detail.
Symptoms, likely causes and typical AC repair costs
Every repair starts with testing, not guessing. The table shows what we most often find in Ottawa homes and the typical cost range for each fix.
| What you notice | Most likely causes | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor unit hums but the fan does not spin | Failed run capacitor, seized condenser fan motor | $150–$600 |
| Nothing happens when the thermostat calls for cooling | Burnt contactor, blown fuse at the disconnect, thermostat or low-voltage wiring fault | $150–$600 |
| Fans run but the air is warm | Refrigerant leak, failed capacitor, compressor not starting, very dirty condenser coil | $150–$1,200 |
| Ice on the copper lines or indoor coil | Restricted airflow (filter or blower problem), low refrigerant charge | $150–$1,200 |
| Water on the floor around the furnace | Clogged condensate drain, failed condensate pump, cracked drain pan | $150–$600 |
| Short cycling (on and off every few minutes) | Weak capacitor, low charge, thermostat location, oversized system | $150–$900 |
| Grinding, squealing or rattling outdoors | Worn condenser fan motor, loose fan blade or panel | $150–$900 |
| Breaker trips as soon as the AC starts | Shorted compressor or wiring fault | $150–$1,200; compressor replacement $1,800–$3,500 |
These are typical Ottawa ranges, not quotes. The final price depends on your equipment, the part and the refrigerant involved, and you approve the price before we start work. For more detail, see our guide to AC repair costs in Ottawa.
Problems we see more often in Ottawa
Ottawa's climate is hard on outdoor equipment in ways that a warmer city's is not. A few patterns show up every summer:
Cottonwood fluff.
In June, cottonwood seeds mat over condenser coils like felt. The unit loses capacity, runs hotter and can trip on high pressure on the first 30 °C day.
Storm damage.
Summer thunderstorms and power flickers are hard on capacitors and control boards, which is why so many no-cooling calls follow a storm.
Winter wear.
Snow sliding off roofs, ice and freeze-thaw cycles bend fins, shift pads and stress the copper lines where they leave the house.
Rodents.
Mice nest in outdoor units over winter and chew through low-voltage wiring, so the AC simply does not respond in spring.
Most of these are caught early during a spring AC tune-up, before the first heat wave turns a small fix into an emergency call.
Repairing older air conditioners that use R-22
Air conditioners installed before about 2010 usually run on R-22 refrigerant, often sold as Freon. R-22 has been phased out in Canada because it damages the ozone layer, and only limited recycled supply is left. That makes every recharge expensive, and a leaking R-22 system will keep needing more.
You cannot simply top up an R-22 system with the R-410A used in later equipment; the two are not compatible. Substitute refrigerants exist, but they can reduce capacity and are a poor long-term fix on a unit already 15 or more years old.
Our advice is straightforward. If an R-22 system has a minor electrical fault, such as a capacitor or contactor, repair it and enjoy the extra seasons. If it has a refrigerant leak or a failing compressor, put the money toward a new system instead. We will show you both numbers so you can decide, and our AC installation team can usually replace it the same week.
Repair or replace? The rules we use
We would rather fix your air conditioner than sell you a new one, and we will say so when a repair is the smart choice. These are the guidelines we walk homeowners through. For a longer discussion, read should I repair or replace my AC.
Age
Under 10 years, repair almost always wins. Past 15 years, start pricing a replacement, especially before the next heat wave.
The 50% rule
If a single repair costs more than half the price of a new system, replacement usually makes more financial sense.
Age times cost
Multiply the unit's age in years by the repair quote in dollars. If the result tops 5,000, lean toward replacing; if it is well under, repair.
Refrigerant leaks
A small leak on a newer unit is worth finding and fixing. A leak on an old R-22 system usually is not.
Compressor failure
A compressor at $1,800–$3,500 is worth replacing on a young unit still under parts warranty, rarely on a tired one.
Comfort and bills
If the house never feels dry, upstairs rooms stay hot or summer hydro bills keep rising, a newer two-stage or variable-speed unit may fix all three.
How an Oria AC repair visit works
- 1
Call or book online
Tell us what the system is doing. We will often ask a few questions over the phone that point to the problem before we arrive.
- 2
Diagnosis
The technician checks electrical components, measures refrigerant pressures and temperatures and inspects the indoor coil and drain.
- 3
Clear price first
You get an explanation of what failed and the price to fix it before any work starts, along with your options if the unit is near the end of its life.
- 4
Repair
Common parts such as capacitors, contactors and condensate pumps can often be replaced on the same visit.
- 5
Test and follow up
We run the system through a full cooling cycle and confirm it is working. Imad E. noted that Mansoor followed up afterward to make sure everything was still running well.
24/7 emergency AC repair in Ottawa
- Same-day repair service often available
- All makes and models repaired
- Licensed refrigeration and gas technicians · TSSA and HRAI approved
- Call (613) 866-1869
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers from licensed Ottawa technicians. Still have a question? Call us any time.
How much does AC repair cost in Ottawa?
Most air conditioner repairs in Ottawa cost $150–$1,200. Capacitors, contactors, condensate pumps and drain clearing sit at the lower end, while refrigerant leak repairs and fan motors sit higher. A compressor replacement typically costs $1,800–$3,500. Oria explains the problem and gives you the price before any work begins.
Why is my AC running but not cooling the house?
The most common causes are a dirty air filter, a clogged outdoor coil, a failed capacitor that stops the compressor from starting, or low refrigerant from a leak. Check the filter and make sure the outdoor fan is spinning. If the air is still warm after that, switch the system off and book a repair to avoid compressor damage.
Can you just recharge my air conditioner?
Adding refrigerant without fixing the leak is only a temporary fix, because air conditioners do not use up refrigerant; if it is low, it is leaking. In Ontario, refrigerant must be handled by certified technicians. Oria finds and repairs the leak first where it makes sense, then charges the system to the manufacturer’s specification.
Is it safe to run my AC if it has ice on it?
No. Ice on the copper lines or the indoor coil means something is wrong, usually restricted airflow or low refrigerant. Running it frozen can send liquid refrigerant back to the compressor and damage it. Switch the thermostat to Off, set the fan to On so the coil thaws, check the filter, and then call for service.
Do you repair all brands of air conditioners?
Yes. Oria repairs all makes and models, including Lennox, Goodman, Carrier, Trane, York, Rheem and many older brands. We are a Lennox authorized dealer for new installations, but our technicians are trained on the components every central air conditioner shares, from compressors and capacitors to coils and controls.
Do you offer emergency AC repair at night or on weekends?
Yes. Oria Heating and Cooling offers 24/7 emergency service for air conditioners, furnaces, water heaters, humidifiers and HRVs across Ottawa. During regular hours, same-day repair is often available. Call (613) 866-1869 and describe what the system is doing so we can prioritize your call.
Is it worth repairing a 12-year-old air conditioner?
Often, yes. A 12-year-old unit with a failed capacitor, contactor or fan motor is usually worth repairing. If the problem is a compressor or a major refrigerant leak, compare the repair price with a new system, especially if the unit uses R-22. Oria will show you both costs so you can make the call.
Book Service or Get a Free Quote
Tell us what is going on and we will call you back with honest advice and a written estimate. Financing from $49/month on approved credit.
- Licensed gas & refrigeration technicians
- 5.0 stars from 578 Google reviews
- 24/7 emergency service
5.0 Stars from Ottawa Homeowners
Every review below is from a real Oria customer on Google.
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Serving Ottawa, Gatineau and the Surrounding Area
Based at 925 Longfields Dr in Nepean, our technicians cover the whole capital region.