If your cooling setup isn’t blowing cold air–or worse, isn’t turning on at all–it’s time to bring in someone who knows exactly what to look for. Blown capacitors, burnt-out motors, or refrigerant leaks are common culprits, especially in older homes around the northwest and southeast ends of the city. You don’t need to guess. A quick diagnostic by a certified local technician often gets to the root of the issue within the hour.
Strange noises–grinding, buzzing, or intermittent clicking–shouldn’t be brushed off. These aren’t “normal aging sounds.” More often than not, they’re signs of fan imbalance, loose electrical connections, or internal debris. Left unchecked, that kind of wear can double your eventual bill. One homeowner in Haysboro told us their system completely seized after ignoring a rattle for two weeks. It cost them three times more than it should’ve.
Performance drop after a filter change? Could be a clogged coil, thermostat misread, or improper airflow due to duct damage–common in mid-century builds in areas like Lakeview or Varsity. There’s no one-size-fits-all fix here. What worked for your neighbour won’t always work for you, especially if your setup was installed over a decade ago by a different contractor.
Annual tune-ups help, but breakdowns still happen–usually during peak heat, when everyone’s rushing to book the same three-day window. That’s why booking with a responsive, locally based team that knows the quirks of the region’s setups (especially those older Lennox or Goodman units) matters more than flashy branding or vague service promises.
How to Identify Common Air Conditioning Issues in Calgary Homes
Check the airflow first. If you hold your hand near a vent and barely feel movement, something’s wrong. It could be a clogged filter or a problem deeper in the ductwork–possibly a motor starting to wear out.
Noises tell you a lot too. A low hum is normal. But if there’s rattling, grinding, or anything that sounds like metal scraping? That’s not background noise–you’ll want to shut it off and get it looked at.
Look for These Warning Signs
- Uneven cooling: One room feels like a freezer, the next like a sauna? This usually points to thermostat placement, zoning issues, or a failing compressor.
- Short cycling: If the system starts and stops every few minutes, that’s not just annoying–it’s often a sign the unit is overheating, low on refrigerant, or misreading temperature.
- Visible ice: Ice on the outside lines or indoor coil doesn’t mean it’s working well. It’s usually the opposite–could be restricted airflow or refrigerant leaks.
- Odours: A musty smell may mean mould in the ducts. A burning scent? That’s often wiring or an overworked blower motor overheating.
Monitor Performance During Weather Shifts
During sudden temperature swings (and we get those often), pay attention to how fast the system responds. If it lags behind or keeps running long after reaching the set temperature, sensors might be failing–or the unit just isn’t sized right for the house.
Lastly, trust your gut. If something feels off–like the noise, the smell, or just how it runs–it probably is. Don’t wait until it stops altogether.
Steps to Take Before Calling an Air Conditioning Technician
Check the thermostat first. Make sure it hasn’t been accidentally set to “heat” or switched off altogether. You’d be surprised how often that happens, especially if there are kids in the house or if you’ve just come back from vacation.
Inspect the power source. Look at the circuit breaker. Has it tripped? If so, reset it and see if the unit starts running again. If it trips again immediately, don’t push it–leave it alone and move on to the next step.
Clean or replace the filter. A clogged filter can restrict airflow so badly that it feels like the unit isn’t working at all. Pull it out and take a look. If it’s grey, dusty, or worse–black–change it. Most people don’t swap it nearly often enough, especially during summer months.
Examine the vents and returns. Are they blocked by furniture, curtains, or pet hair? Even partial blockage can mess with circulation. Walk around, take five minutes, and make sure nothing’s obstructing the flow.
Listen closely to the unit. Any rattling, buzzing, or grinding sounds? That could indicate loose components or something caught in the fan. On the other hand, complete silence when the system should be running? That might suggest a deeper electrical issue.
Feel around the outdoor unit. Debris like leaves, cotton fluff, or even a forgotten plastic bag can reduce performance. Clear the space around it–give it at least two feet of breathing room. Also, check the coil. If it’s matted with dirt or grass, it needs cleaning, but avoid hosing it down blindly. That can do more harm than good.
Why This Matters
Doing a few quick checks can save you time, money, and possibly avoid a completely unnecessary appointment. And if you do end up needing help, you’ll be able to describe the issue more clearly, which helps a technician zero in on the cause faster. Just don’t overdo it–there’s a line between being helpful and trying to fix something that really needs a pro.
Choosing the Right Air Conditioning Repair Service in Calgary
Start with online reviews, but don’t stop there. A five-star rating means nothing if it’s based on three comments from a decade ago. Look for consistent feedback over several years, especially mentions of punctuality, clear communication, and whether the techs left the space clean. If the same names come up often – in a good way – that’s usually a strong sign.
Next, check their licensing and insurance. You’d think this would be obvious, but a surprising number of outfits operate without proper coverage. Ask directly: “Are your technicians certified for residential and commercial systems? What kind of liability insurance do you carry?” If they hesitate or deflect, move on.
Ask About Brand Experience
Not all companies are familiar with every model. If your unit is a less common brand – something like Fujitsu or Gree – make sure they’ve worked on it before. Some techs will say yes just to get in the door. Better to hear, “Actually, we don’t deal with that model,” than to waste a visit fee on guesswork and vague troubleshooting.
Response Time and Availability
In July, when it hits 30°C for five days straight, everyone scrambles. Ask about wait times during peak season. A good company will be honest – maybe even warn you about potential delays. That honesty is usually more helpful than a hollow promise of “same-day service” that doesn’t happen. Also, after-hours availability matters more than you think. Systems don’t fail on a schedule.
Finally, trust your gut after the first call or email. Did they ask clear questions? Were they rushing to book, or did they listen? That first impression often reflects how the whole process will feel – responsive and competent, or scattered and frustrating.
Contact “Calgary Air Heating and Cooling Ltd” For More Information:
Address
95 Beaconsfield Rise NW, Calgary, AB T3K 1X3
Phone
+1 403 720-0003
Hours of operation
Open 24 hours 7 days a week