When the mercury spikes above 30 °C, Ottawa’s HVAC contractors see phones light up — and so do repair bills. Emergency parts, overtime labour and stretched supply chains can make a minor mid-season fix feel like highway robbery.
At AirZone HVAC Services, we believe no homeowner should feel forced into a quick, overpriced repair (or an equally rushed replacement). Below we explain why prices surge, how to protect your wallet, and when it actually makes sense to upgrade instead of repair.
Why Heat Waves Drive Up Repair Prices
- Emergency demand: Hundreds of AC systems fail the same afternoon, leaving techs fully booked for days.
- Part shortages: Motors, capacitors and contactors sell out quickly, pushing up wholesale prices.
- After-hours labour premiums: Many breakdowns happen outside 9-to-5; overtime adds 25 – 50 % to the invoice.
- Rushed decisions: In sweltering bedrooms, a fast “yes” can trump a measured quote comparison.
Our approach? Make sure our clients are educated. No one wants to be sweating in their own home, but making a rushed decision is never the best approach to home repairs
DIY Checks Before You Call Us
- Replace or clean the filter. A clogged filter can mimic expensive compressor issues.
- Inspect the outdoor coil. Clear debris and hose off pollen; airflow matters.
- Check the breaker & thermostat batteries. Simple resets often save a service call.
- Verify vents are open. Closed registers spike static pressure and freeze coils.
If those quick fixes fail, book standard service first. Our dispatcher will triage symptoms to avoid an unnecessary emergency call-out.
When a Repair Makes Sense
| Scenario | Typical Cost (Ottawa) | Our Take |
|---|---|---|
| Unit < 10 yrs, <$700 repair | ✔ Repair | Plenty of life left; invest in maintenance afterward. |
| Under warranty (parts covered) | ✔ Repair | You’ll only pay diagnostic & labour. |
| Seasonal tune-up revealed minor issue | ✔ Repair | Tackle it proactively while costs are low. |
When Replacement Saves Money
- The system is 11 – 15 years old and repair exceeds $1 000.
- Multiple components (compressor + coil) are failing in the same season.
- Your summer hydro bills are ballooning because the SEER rating is < 13.
- You’re eyeing today’s Ottawa rebates on cold-climate heat pumps (up to $10,000 as of June 2025).
Even during a heat wave, we’ll pause the clock, provide firm replacement quotes, and let you borrow portable cooling so you can decide without sweating — literally.
Real Life Example
Recently we had a homeowner reach out to us to discuss an unfortunate situation. Their air conditioner was no longer working during last weeks onset of heat. They were calling for a second opinion following a costly service call with another contractor and an air conditioner that once again, is not working.
This homeowner had just spent $600 on a “repair” that included new refrigerant. They had been sweating with no cooling and when the other contractor told them they had a leak in their cooling system. This contractor proceeded to “top up” the AC with refrigerant to get them up and running.
This air conditioner was 14 years old and in ill repair. Not only did the contractor not complete a proper leak search, they also never discussed the option of replacing the old air conditioner. Now this homeowner is faced with a decision; start the process all over again to find the leak and refill the system again OR replace a unit that they just invested over $500 in.
We understand the urgency of a situation when the weather is incredibly hot, but it is crucial to ensure you are making the best long term decision.
How We Keep Heat-Wave Quotes Fair
- Transparent Pricing — you’ll see the cost before we touch a tool.
- On-hand OEM parts stocked in our warehouse to avoid surge pricing.
- Cooling continuity plan — free loaner window units if a replacement takes days.
- Financing from 0 % for 12 months so you never choose between comfort and cash flow.
Pro Tips to Prevent Emergency Breakdowns
- Book spring and fall maintenance; it catches 80 % of mid-season failures.
- Keep a two-foot clearance around the outdoor unit for airflow.
- Replace air filters every 90 days (every 30 during renos or peak pollen).
- Install a surge protector — Ottawa’s July thunderstorms are compressor killers.
Stay Cool the Smart Way
Heat-wave repairs don’t have to break the bank. Start with our DIY steps and lean on AirZone HVAC Services for honest guidance. Whether it’s a sensible $400 fix or a strategic high-efficiency upgrade, we’ll keep you comfortable — and keep more of your money in your pocket.
Ready for a second opinion or a no-pressure replacement quote?
Request Service | ☎ 613-592-5770
