Ottawa has had an absolutely sweltering summer. One of the most common and frequent complaints we here is, why is my ac not cooling properly? There can be many reasons this is happening, some can be fixed easily and others may be caused by bigger issues within the home. This article “why is my ac not cooling Ottawa” is a resource for homeowners who are facing comfort problems in the summer.
Top Reasons Your Air Conditioner Isn’t Cooling
- Dirty or Clogged Air Filter
- Low Refrigerant (Possible Leak)
- Frozen or Blocked Evaporator Coil
- Thermostat Issue
- Undersized or Aging AC
- Outdoor Unit is Dirty/Blocked/Obstructed
- Mechanical Failure
- Poor Ductwork
Quick Fixes You Can Try Before Calling:Why Is My AC Not Cooling Ottawa
| ✅ Quick Check | 🔧 What to Do |
|---|---|
| Replace the Filter | A clogged furnace filter can restrict airflow and cause your AC to underperform. Replace it if it’s dirty. |
| Check Thermostat Mode | Ensure it’s set to “Cool” and the temperature is below the current room temp. |
| Change Furnace Filter | Yes—it’s worth mentioning again. Many cooling issues start here. |
| Inspect AC Breaker | Check your electrical panel to make sure the AC breaker hasn’t tripped. Reset it if needed. |
| Verify Furnace Kill Switch | Make sure the switch (usually on the side of the furnace) is in the “On” position. |
| Check Outdoor Disconnect | Confirm the outdoor AC disconnect box is fully plugged in and not loose. |
| Replace Thermostat Batteries | Weak or dead batteries can prevent the thermostat from working properly. |
| Clear Outdoor Unit Debris | Remove leaves, grass, or dirt blocking airflow from the outdoor coil. |
| Let Coils Thaw | Turn off the AC for a few hours if the coil is frozen. Run just the fan if possible. |
| Do a Hard Reset | Power off the AC system completely at the breaker, wait 2–5 minutes, then restart. |
⚠️ If these steps don’t solve the issue, it’s time to call a licensed technician—especially during a heat wave when cooling demand is critical.
When to Call a Professional HVAC Technician: Why Is My AC Not Cooling Ottawa
- If your unit will not turn on after completing the steps above
- If you smell burning of any kind
- If you are having water issues(flooding)
Please keep in mind, air conditioners are mechanical devices that are using electricity. It is always important to avoid touching any electrical components in an air conditioner. These units are sealed systems with refrigerant in them. HVAC professionals carry licenses such ODP or 313D that allows them to work with these refrigerants. Safety is very important when working with air conditioners and AirZone would be happy to help if you are not comfortable completing any of the above reccomendations.
How AirZone HVAC Services Diagnoses & Fixes Cooling Issues
When your AC isn’t cooling properly, you need more than guesswork—you need expert diagnostics and fast, reliable service.
At AirZone HVAC Services, we start every service call with a comprehensive system check. Our licensed Ottawa technicians inspect your air conditioner from top to bottom, including refrigerant levels, airflow restrictions, thermostat function, and electrical components. We don’t jump to conclusions—we find the real issue.
Once we diagnose the problem, we walk you through your options with no-pressure recommendations. Whether it’s a minor fix like a capacitor or a more involved issue like a refrigerant leak, you’ll get upfront pricing, real solutions, and the confidence that it’s done right the first time.
We carry common parts on our trucks so most cooling issues can be fixed on the same day, and we always stand behind our work. We’ve been keeping Ottawa homes cool for over 20 years—and when your AC fails, we’re the ones to call.
Should You Consider Upgrading Your AC or Heat Pump?
If your air conditioner is struggling to keep up—and it’s more than 10–12 years old—it might be time to start thinking about a replacement. Older units typically operate at 10–13 SEER, while today’s high-efficiency systems run at 16 SEER2 and above, offering 30–50% more efficiency.
In Ottawa’s climate, upgrading to a cold climate-rated heat pump could be a game-changer. These all-electric systems can cool your home in the summer and heat it in the winter, and in many cases qualify for thousands of dollars in rebates through programs like the Home Efficiency Rebate Plus.
Even if you’re not ready to replace your AC immediately, we’re happy to walk you through your options. We’ll compare your current system’s performance and operating cost against modern alternatives and help you decide if a proactive upgrade makes sense—or if a targeted repair will keep you going for another season.
No pressure. Just honest advice from Ottawa’s trusted comfort experts.
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