From seasonal startup checklists to refrigerant regulation changes, these are the air conditioning questions we hear most from homeowners across Newmarket, Aurora, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and Markham. Here are straightforward answers from a TSSA certified technician.
1. What Should I Do Before Turning on My A/C After Winter?
Before starting your air conditioner for the season, run through this checklist:
- Replace or clean the air filter
- Clear leaves, dirt, and debris around the outdoor condenser
- Check that supply and return vents are open and unobstructed
- Inspect the condensate drain for blockage
- Set the thermostat to "Cool" and test operation
- Listen for unusual noises or vibration
- Verify the outdoor disconnect is turned on
A spring maintenance visit helps catch problems early, including:
- Low refrigerant
- Weak capacitors
- Dirty coils
- Electrical wear
- Drainage problems
2. Why Is My A/C Running but Not Cooling?
If your air conditioner is running but the air coming out isn't cold, several issues could be at play.
Dirty Air Filter
Restricted airflow can reduce cooling capacity and even cause the evaporator coil to freeze over.
Thermostat Problems
- Incorrect mode settings
- Dead batteries
- Calibration issues
Outdoor Unit Issues
Dirty condenser coils or blocked airflow around the outdoor unit reduce heat transfer and cooling performance.
Refrigerant Problems
Low refrigerant from leaks can cause:
- Warm air from vents
- Ice buildup on the indoor coil
- Long run times without reaching set temperature
Blower or Duct Issues
Weak airflow may indicate:
- Failing blower motor
- Blocked evaporator coil
- Duct restrictions or disconnections
Electrical or Mechanical Failures
Buzzing, grinding, or clicking noises may indicate:
- Capacitor failure
- Compressor issues
- Fan motor problems
3. How Long Should My A/C Unit Last?
Most central air conditioners last 15–20 years with proper maintenance. Systems in high-use environments or those that go without regular service often fail much earlier.
Factors that affect your system's lifespan include:
- Annual maintenance — the single biggest factor
- Installation quality — proper sizing and refrigerant charge
- Refrigerant charge accuracy
- Outdoor weather exposure
- Usage patterns
- Indoor airflow conditions — dirty filters and blocked vents add stress
4. When Should I Replace My AC Instead of Repairing It?
Replacement is usually worth considering when:
- The unit is over 10–15 years old
- Repairs are becoming frequent
- Energy bills keep increasing
- Cooling performance is inconsistent
- Major components fail (compressor, evaporator coil)
- The system uses older refrigerants like R-22
New high-efficiency systems can significantly reduce operating costs while improving comfort and humidity control.
Repairs often still make sense for:
- Newer systems under 8 years old
- Minor electrical issues
- Capacitors and contactors
- Thermostats
5. What Size AC Unit Do I Actually Need?
Correct sizing depends on much more than square footage. An oversized or undersized system creates real problems.
Professional load calculations consider:
- Home size and layout
- Insulation levels
- Window orientation and glazing
- Ceiling height
- Air leakage
- Duct design
- Occupancy
- Sun exposure
Problems With Oversized Systems
- Short cycle (turn on and off too frequently)
- Remove humidity poorly
- Wear out faster due to constant cycling
Problems With Undersized Systems
- Run continuously without reaching set temperature
- Struggle during heat waves
- Increase energy costs
6. What Are the 2025/2026 Refrigerant Regulations?
New HVAC regulations are transitioning the industry toward lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants. Here's what homeowners need to know.
Key Industry Changes
- Many new systems are moving away from R-410A
- New refrigerants like R-32 and R-454B are becoming standard
- Manufacturers are redesigning equipment to meet updated environmental standards
What This Means for Homeowners
- New equipment costs may increase initially
- New systems become more energy efficient
- Future refrigerant availability improves
- Older refrigerants may become more expensive over time
These newer refrigerants also require updated installation and safety procedures because some are classified as mildly flammable (A2L). Make sure your installer is trained and certified for the new equipment.
7. How Can I Lower My Energy Bills This Summer?
There are several practical steps you can take to reduce cooling costs without sacrificing comfort.
Upgrade Air Filters
Dirty filters restrict airflow and increase runtime. Replace them every 1–3 months during cooling season.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Programmable schedules reduce unnecessary cooling when you're away or asleep.
Maintain Your Equipment
Annual tune-ups improve:
- Overall efficiency
- Refrigerant performance
- Airflow
- Coil cleanliness
Improve Insulation
Air sealing and attic insulation reduce cooling demand significantly, especially in older homes.
Upgrade Older Equipment
Higher SEER-rated systems consume significantly less electricity. A jump from 10 SEER to 16+ SEER can cut cooling costs by 20–40%.
Use Ceiling Fans
Fans improve perceived comfort while allowing you to set the thermostat 2–3 degrees higher without noticing.
Keep Outdoor Units Clean
Blocked condensers reduce efficiency and increase operating pressure, forcing the system to work harder.
8. How Do I Improve Indoor Air Quality During Wildfire Season?
Wildfire smoke can significantly impact indoor air quality, even when fires are hundreds of kilometres away. Here's how to protect your home.
High-MERV or HEPA Filtration
Upgrading to a MERV 13+ filter or adding HEPA filtration improves smoke particle capture substantially.
Portable Air Purifiers
Standalone units with HEPA filters are especially helpful for bedrooms and main living spaces.
Keep Windows Closed
Prevent smoke infiltration during poor air quality events. Run your HVAC system in recirculation mode instead.
Upgrade Ventilation Systems
HRVs (Heat Recovery Ventilators) and ERVs (Energy Recovery Ventilators) with proper filtration help maintain cleaner indoor air while still bringing in fresh air.
Seal Air Leaks
Reduce smoke infiltration around doors, windows, and other envelope penetrations.
HVAC Maintenance
Dirty coils and clogged filters reduce filtration effectiveness. Keep your system clean and well-maintained.