When your air conditioner falters, the last thing you want is to jump at the first “air-conditioning repair tech” that shows up. Repair is absolutely possible — but the trick is finding the right technician, knowing what warning signs to take seriously, and staying ahead of major breakdowns with preventive maintenance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to choose a reliable repair service, what kind of problems people often write in asking about, when it’s worth fixing vs replacing, and how regular AC checkups can save you grief (and money) down the road.
A malfunctioning air conditioning system can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare—especially during the hot Toronto summers. While minor AC issues can often be resolved quickly, neglecting necessary repairs can lead to costly breakdowns, property damage, and even health risks. Fortunately, with routine maintenance and prompt repairs from a licensed AC contractor, you can extend your unit’s lifespan, improve efficiency, and avoid expensive replacements.
Most Toronto homeowners who end up with compromised air conditioning /cooling systems didn’t set out to damage them. They simply weren’t aware that certain preventive maintenance steps need to be taken to ensure the system runs smoothly. Failing to take these steps can put undue stress and strain on the system and end up with you having to call AC Technician to come and set things right. So in the interest of saving you time, inconvenience and money here are 4 things to look for that could be causing your system to work harder than it has to.
We understand that most people today are working longer hours than ever before to earn their living and as such learning the vagaries of the air conditioning system just isn’t high on the priority list. However, if you fail to give your air conditioning system the periodic service/tune-ups it requires you’ll be spending your very hard-earned money on air conditioning repair, instead of on that Parisian holiday or the kid’s education. So take a few minutes and read what’s below and then print out this page and keep it handy. You’ll be glad you did. Here we go:
Changing or having your filter changed regularly is the simplest way to keep the repairman at bay. If you’ve ignored the filter for some time and it’s become clogged with dirt and grime you’ll experience reduced airflow throughout the system. Oh, and that system will also have to work harder to push air through that dirty filter. The harder it works the shorter it lasts and the more often you’ll need to call for repairs.
If your air conditioning system uses an outdoor heat pump a great way to cause it to work harder than it should is to place it directly in the sunlight, or to remove trees or bushes that were providing shade. When the heat pump is exposed to direct sunlight and higher temps it has a harder time dumping heat from indoors into the outdoor air. Providing shade will help limit how hard the heat pump has to work which will extend its useful life.
Blocked vents and registers make the system work harder to circulate air. As a result, the system will eventually break down and require air conditioning repair. You may have heard that by closing off vents you’ll save money. To which we say “rubbish”. By closing off vents you’ll increase pressure throughout the system and send it on its way to a breakdown. Keep furniture clear of vents and registers and do a periodic check to make sure they’re not blocked by clothes, toys, and the like.
The condenser unit should be shaded as we mentioned above but it also needs to be cleaned periodically. Not cleaning debris out of the condenser unit is a major cause of heat pump failure. To avoid the inevitable air conditioning repair inspect the condenser twice a year – once in the spring and once in the fall – to be sure it’s not choked up with lawn clippings, leaves, twigs, or anything else.
– Do you want your AC unit to run at maximum efficiency, keeping you cool while saving on energy costs?
– Do you want to reduce repair expenses and avoid major breakdowns?
– Do you want to extend the lifespan of your air conditioner?
– Do you value safety for your home, business, and loved ones?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, regular air conditioning maintenance is essential. Minor AC issues can escalate quickly, so it’s best to contact a professional AC technician at the first sign of trouble.
Over time, air conditioners develop minor issues—such as clogged filters or worn components—that force the system to work harder. This reduces overall efficiency, increasing energy consumption by up to 5% per year if left unaddressed. Regular AC maintenance can cut monthly energy bills by up to 25%, lowering costs while minimizing your carbon footprint.
Routine inspections help prevent small issues from turning into major problems. AC contractors perform a full system check, ensuring that air filters, compressors, and refrigerant levels are in optimal condition. Without these routine check-ups, minor faults can worsen—leading to unexpected and costly air conditioning repairs.
An air conditioner that is neglected will fail much sooner than a well-maintained unit. Small, unresolved problems compound over time, leading to total system failure. Instead of a quick AC repair, you may face a full air conditioning replacement, which can be significantly more expensive. A well-maintained system can last 15+ years, while a neglected unit may fail in half that time.
Ignoring air conditioning issues isn’t just costly—it can also be dangerous. An overheating AC unit poses a fire risk, and electrical malfunctions can lead to severe damage or even injury. Additionally, poor indoor air quality caused by a malfunctioning AC can trigger allergies, respiratory issues, and mold growth.
It’s highly recommended to hire a professional AC company to inspect and maintain your air conditioning units every spring and fall. A licensed technician will clean, inspect, and test your system, addressing any issues before they become costly repairs. Tasks such as cleaning the filters, inspecting wiring, and lubricating moving parts are best left to the experts. While some things you can check yourself, many tasks are best handled by a professional.
But why is maintenance so important? Why should you commit to service every six months? The answer lies in the fact that routine maintenance can prevent major breakdowns and extend the lifespan of your system.
First, you should understand that your AC contractor won’t be running out to buy a Bentley with the money they’ll make off your service agreement. Such agreements typically come down in the $100 – $250 per year range which, when you think of the potentially expensive air conditioning repair visits regular maintenance can head off, is pretty reasonable by any definition of the term.
During the winter, your air conditioning units are likely to be neglected. The cold Toronto winter weather means you’ll be focusing on heating your home rather than cooling it down, but while you won’t be using your air conditioning during those months, it’s important not to forget about it completely. air conditioning units require service and maintenance even when it’s not in use, and failure to do so can cause problems later on when the temperatures rise and the time comes to switch them back on again. Now lets look at why the winter could have you paying out on air conditioning repair.
The filters on your air conditioning unit will continue to collect dust while they’re not being used, which blocks the airflow and forces the unit to work harder than it needs to, and can also cause problems for those with allergies. Replace them before switching your unit back on after the winter.
Air conditioning units use anywhere from five to fifteen pounds of refrigerant (Freon or R22). If a leak occurs, some of that refrigerant will escape and the unit won’t be able to function efficiently and will eventually break down. If such a leak occurs during the winter when the unit is out of use, it’s not likely to be noticed and can therefore cause more damage.
Evaporator coils are used in air conditioning units to cool the air and vent heat from the system, but when they’re sitting idle during the winter, they can collect dust and grime. This means that air is unable to flow over them as easily. Therefore, the entire unit has to use more energy to work, and without air conditioning repair, it could break.
If there is a build-up of ice, your unit may need to go through a defrost cycle to restore itself to proper working conditions. Melting ice can create problems if the water is not drained away from the unit. Moisture and condensation can cause mold and mildew to grow, as well as corrosion to the unit. To avoid this, it should be checked and cleared of any obstructions regularly.
If your air conditioning unit is outside, leaves, grass, and other debris may obstruct it. Be sure to trim any surrounding shrubbery to prevent this. Also, consider keeping it covered over winter if you won’t be using it to minimize any build-up and reduce the need for cleaning later on. If you do use a cover, make sure you remove it before switching the unit back on again.
Some individuals are comfortable handling minor AC maintenance tasks, while others prefer professional assistance. If you’re unsure about troubleshooting or maintenance, it’s best to contact a trusted air conditioning repair service to avoid further damage or costly repairs.
Before reaching out to an AC repair service, take note of your unit’s model number and manufacturer. This ensures you receive repairs with the correct parts rather than generic replacements that may not perform optimally.
Visit the manufacturer’s website to determine if your unit is still under warranty or has any recalls. Many manufacturers provide an online tool where you can enter the model and serial number to access important warranty details and service options. Some even list certified HVAC repair professionals you can trust.
Contact at least three different AC contractors for quotes. Ensure they provide upfront pricing and check whether any service fees are included in the final repair or installation cost.
Word-of-mouth recommendations are invaluable. Ask your family, friends, co-workers, or neighbors about their experiences with AC repair companies in Toronto. Key questions to consider:
You can also check Google Reviews, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to read feedback from other customers.
Before hiring an Air-conditioning repair company, confirm that they are licensed by TSSA, bonded, and insured. This protects you from potential liabilities and ensures you’re working with qualified professionals.
Doing some basic research on your AC unit’s problem can help you communicate better with a technician. Understanding common issues such as refrigerant leaks, clogged filters, or faulty thermostats will make it easier to compare service quotes.
A good AC repair company should offer emergency services, evening appointments, and holiday availability. Air conditioning problems don’t always happen during regular business hours, so ensure the company you choose can accommodate urgent repairs.
Here are some of the more common questions we have received from our customers, along with our answers. We hope that some of you will find the information in these answers useful.
We are more than happy to visit any property in the GTA so please do not worry if you live a little out of town, this is not a problem.
Yes. Whether you have a single unit in a residential property that needs attention or multiple units in an industrial setting, you can rely on us to take care of the work in question. We accept jobs of all sizes and always charge highly competitive rates for our air conditioning repair service.
The answer to this question depends on the age of the units in question and whether you intend to replace them in the near future. If you plan to carry on using them, it is worth having faulty units repaired as they will be much less efficient until you do so. However, if you are running mini splits that are more than 10-15 years old, replacement is an option that is worth considering. For a definitive answer concerning the air con units in your home, feel free to call our air conditioning repair team and ask.
This is a difficult question to answer without knowing exactly what is wrong with them or where you are located but we can promise you a speedy response if you should ask for our help. We are known in Toronto and the surrounding area as one of the fastest air conditioning repair teams, and one of the best too.
Absolutely. If it is not possible to repair your mini split units, we have a first-class installation team who will be able to fit new units for you at short notice. We know just how important it is to have fully working air conditioning during the warmer months of the year and we will make sure that you are not left without a decent cooling system for longer than is necessary.
If one of your air con units develops a fault, it will no longer be operating at maximum efficiency and will therefore use more electricity. For this reason, all repair tasks should be tackled sooner rather than later. However, it is probably fair to say that refrigerant leaks should be dealt with more quickly than any other type of fault, because the CFCs contained in the liquid coolant can be very dangerous.
Tropic Air is a leading Air-conditioning company serving the GTA since 1992. We specialize in air conditioning installation, repairs, and maintenance in areas like Richmond Hill, Thornhill, Vaughan, Maple, and Markham.
What Sets Us Apart?
✔ 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee
✔ Licensed & Insured Technicians
✔ Competitive Pricing & Transparent Quotes
✔ Emergency AC Repairs Available
✔ Free, No-Obligation Consultations (via phone, email, or in-person)
If you’re looking for reliable air conditioning services, trust Tropic Air for expert HVAC solutions at the best prices.
Call us today to schedule your AC service!