Air Conditioning Repair
Most AC failures happen on the first hot weekend of summer — the unit hasn't run in 9 months, you crank the thermostat down, and nothing happens. Or it runs but isn't cooling. Or it's cooling, but the indoor coil is icing up. We get all of these calls every June across Halton Hills, and most are diagnosed and fixed the same day.
If you call us and the system can wait until tomorrow, we'll tell you. If your AC is iced up, we'll tell you to turn it off immediately to avoid compressor damage while we get there. The goal isn't to maximize the service call — it's to fix the thing properly.
When you need AC repair
Common AC issues we diagnose, in order of how often we see them in Halton Hills:
- AC not cooling at all. Most often a failed capacitor, a tripped breaker, refrigerant leak, or a frozen evaporator coil. Quick diagnostic call.
- AC running but blowing warm air. Refrigerant low (leak somewhere), iced-up coil, condenser blocked or dirty, compressor failure (rare).
- AC iced up — visible frost on indoor coil or refrigerant lines. Turn it OFF immediately and call us — running an iced AC damages the compressor, which is the most expensive component to replace.
- Strange noises — banging (loose fan blade or compressor mounts), squealing (motor bearings), clicking that doesn't lead to a cycle (relay/capacitor).
- Water leaking from the indoor unit. Clogged condensate drain line — usually fixable in 20 minutes if caught early.
- AC running constantly but not keeping the house cool. Could be undersized for the home (worth a sizing check), refrigerant low, or the temperature has just exceeded design conditions.
How an AC repair call goes with us
- 01
Diagnostic call
We arrive in the booked window and run a systematic diagnostic — checking the thermostat, indoor airflow, refrigerant pressures, capacitor and contactor health, condenser cleanliness. Usually 25–45 minutes.
- 02
Diagnosis & quote
We show you what's wrong and what it'll cost. Capacitor replacement, refrigerant top-up, contactor replacement, condensate line clearing — all common, all transparent pricing.
- 03
Repair
Most AC repairs are completed in the same visit. We carry common parts on the truck. For specialty parts or compressor work, we order and return — usually within 2–3 days.
- 04
Test & verify
Before leaving, we run the AC through a full cooling cycle and verify temperatures at the supply and return registers. If the issue's a refrigerant leak, we'll talk through whether to fix the leak or plan a replacement based on the system's age.
AC brands we service
Every major brand sold in Ontario, current and older models:
What AC repair costs in Halton Hills
Diagnostic visits run $120–$160 and are waived if you proceed with the repair. Common repairs:
- Capacitor replacement: $250–$400 (#1 most common AC repair)
- Refrigerant top-up (R-410A) plus leak diagnosis: $350–$650
- Contactor replacement: $300–$450
- Condensate drain line clearing: $180–$280
- Blower motor replacement: $500–$900
- Major refrigerant leak repair: $700–$1,800 depending on access
- Compressor replacement: $1,800–$3,500 — at this point, on a unit older than 10 years, replacement is almost always the better call
We quote firmly before any work starts.
AC Repair questions
My AC is iced up — what do I do?
Turn the AC OFF at the thermostat and the breaker. Running an iced AC will damage the compressor, which is the single most expensive part to replace. Wait for the ice to melt fully (3–6 hours, sometimes longer). Then either restart and call us if it ices up again, or just call us to come out. Common causes: dirty filter (#1), low refrigerant (leak), failed blower motor, closed return registers.
What's the most common AC failure?
Capacitors. They're a small electrical component that helps start the compressor and fan motors, and they fail with age, heat exposure, and electrical surges. Replacement is straightforward — $250–$400 — and most ACs need a new capacitor at some point during their 12–18 year lifespan, sometimes more than once.
Should I top up refrigerant or fix the leak?
Refrigerant doesn't 'get used up' — if you're low, there's a leak somewhere. We always pinpoint the leak before topping up. For small leaks on accessible components (Schrader valves, brazing joints), repair is usually $400–$800 plus refrigerant. For leaks at the evaporator coil or compressor on a unit older than 10 years, replacement of the system often makes more sense than a $1,500+ coil repair on aging equipment. We'll show you the math honestly.
Why is my AC working harder than last year?
Several common reasons: dirty condenser coil (the outdoor unit) restricting heat rejection, refrigerant slowly low from a small leak, indoor coil dust accumulation, or an aging compressor losing efficiency. A $180 AC tune-up before peak season catches most of these — see our AC maintenance page.
How quickly can you respond to an AC failure in a heatwave?
During business hours we aim for same-day or next-morning service for non-cooling AC calls in summer. We prioritize households with elderly residents, infants, or medical equipment. For genuine emergencies after hours, we maintain 24/7 dispatch.
Should I switch to a heat pump instead of repairing my AC?
If your AC is over 10 years old and needs a major repair (compressor, coil), it's worth pricing a heat pump replacement. A modern heat pump replaces the AC AND upgrades your heating system, qualifies for substantial Ontario rebates, and pays back its premium upfront in 5–8 years through energy savings. If your AC is younger or the repair is small, replacement doesn't usually make sense yet.
Ready to book ac repair?
Call us or submit a quick request. We'll get back to you within an hour during working hours.
Mon–Fri 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM · Saturday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · 24/7 emergency service available