When Winnipeg is battered by the sweltering summer sun, a working air conditioner is not optional. Your air conditioner makes your home warm and snug, particularly vintage record heat waves. If your air conditioner stops blowing cold air or just refuses to function, it will make life miserable, balloon your bills, and even ruin your HVAC system. While minor issues can be fixed with do-it-yourself, serious issues need the hand of an expert professional.
Browns Plumbing & Heating fixes AC issues the correct way, and your home will remain cool and energy-efficient even on the hottest summer day. Here is an article that we use to tell you about common AC issues and when to call a professional to have them fixed.
1. Thermostat set correctly but no cold air
If it's "cool" and the temperature is lower than room temperature but the output air is heat, then your AC unit has a problem.
Why:
-
Faulty wiring or thermostat sensors
-
Faulty blower motor
-
Ice on evaporator coils
-
Low refrigerant level
Call a professional if: You’ve already checked the settings, changed the batteries, and ensured the system is turned on but still don’t feel cool air. Refrigerant issues or wiring malfunctions can be hazardous and should be addressed by certified technicians.
2. Weak or Uneven Airflow
If some rooms are cooler than others or airflow feels weak overall, the cooling system may be struggling to circulate air effectively.
Common reasons include:
-
Clogged air filters
-
Dirty or dirty ductwork
-
Blower motor that does not work or is broken
-
Closed or blocked air ducts
Do first: Replace dirty or clogged air filters and check for easily visible vent blockages. Call a professional if: The problem persists after changing filters. It could be a sign of more complex issues in your ducts or equipment inside that are best addressed by experts.
3. Ice on Coils or Refrigerant Lines
When ice develops on or inside the indoor unit or on the refrigerant lines, your AC system is likely operating too hard and struggling to catch up.
Possible causes are:
-
Low on refrigerant
-
Dirty filters packed with dirt that reduce airflow
-
Blown fan or blower motor
-
Clogged return ducts
Tip: Turning your system off and letting the ice defrost is a temporary fix, but icing on a routine basis is indicative of something deeper going on.
Call a pro if: Ice reforms after it defrosts, or your AC is having trouble re-lit. Refrigerant and airflow issues are always best solved by a veteran HVAC tech.
4. Strange Sounds or Smells from the Unit
A functional AC should never be noisy or smelly. Clanking, shrieking, humming, or other strange odors usually mean ginormous issues on the inside.
What it could be:
-
Swinging or warped fan blades
-
Worn-out motors or bearings
-
Mold and mildew growth within the unit
-
Electrical burn or faulty wiring
If: They suddenly pop up or won't move. Electrical failures are especially risky if left unchecked.
5. AC Turning Off and On Too Often (Short Cycling)
Whenever your unit is switching on and off in an excessive manner, it is short cycling. It is a waste of energy, promotes premature wear and tear of equipment, and even causes the failure of the entire system.
-
Potential reasons:
-
Incorrectly installed thermostat
-
Refrigerant leak
-
System over-sized for your house
-
Damaged compressor
Call a technician if: Short cycling persists, particularly if your zone doesn't cool at all. It takes special equipment and technical know-how to determine whether the unit can be repaired or must be replaced.
6. Skyrocketing Energy Bills without Skyrocketing Usage
You see an odd bump in your electricity bill without an accompanying bump in your usage? Your air conditioner is probably to blame.
The likely suspects are:
-
Dirty or defective compressor
-
Low refrigerant level
-
Dirty or plugged airflow
-
Dirty condenser coils
Call a pro if: Your system is operating continuously or longer than normal to heat and cool. A professional check will identify if a simple tune-up will cure the problem or a full repair must be done.
7. Your AC Is Older than 12–15 Years
Like any home system, air conditioners themselves do come with an expiration date. If your system is already over 12 years old, constant repairs could be an indication that the time of total replacement has come.
Signs that replacement is just ahead for your unit:
-
Pattern of breakdown
-
Irrational cooling
-
Foreign parts and materials
-
Skyrocketing repair costs
Why replacement is worth it: They consume less energy, are newer units, and are tax credit- or rebate-eligible. Replacing your old AC will be money well spent on your utility bill in the long run.
When Do You Need to Repair vs. Replace?
Repair if:
-
The problem is minor, e.g., a clogged air filter or faulty part
-
The unit is younger than 10 years old
-
Repair is comparatively costly and infrequent
Replacement if:
-
The equipment is more than 12–15 years old
-
Ginormous and costly repairs
-
Your equipment is unable to cool sufficiently even after it has been repaired
Last Words
Air conditioner malfunction may be a minor annoyance or complete failure. It is well worth the cost to know when to call in the experts' assistance so that you will not be facing long-term issues, excessive energy consumption, and worst of all, equipment failure. Home repairs can help with minor repairs but bad refrigerant, motor, and electrical issues must be handled by the experts.
At Browns Plumbing & Heating, we offer great AC repair and replacement in Winnipeg. Don't let your AC let you down—let a professional take a look and get your house warm again today if it's not functioning the way that it should be.
