AC repair Calgary

There are a few common reasons your AC could be running but not cooling, including:

• • Thermostat Set Incorrectly: If your thermostat is not set to cool, your AC can’t do its job. Make sure it’s set to cool. You should also ensure it’s on and isn’t set to heat or constant fan. Then see if the unit starts cooling.

• Dirty Air Filter: Your AC’s air filter can collect dirt, dust, and other contaminants, which can block airflow and reduce the unit’s cooling capabilities. If your thermostat is set properly, try cleaning your air filter and see if the AC starts working.

• Blocked or Dirty Condenser: The condenser coils are thin metal strips that are spaced tightly together. It’s supposed to draw air into your unit and remove heat from your home. Try cleaning the coils with a vacuum brush attachment and gently rinsing them with a hose before calling Mr. Mike’s Plumbing.

• • Dirty Evaporator: If your AC’s evaporator coil gets dirty, it won’t be able to absorb heat from inside your space. It can also freeze as a result of moisture buildup. A professional can clean or repair your evaporator coil because it’s located inside the AC unit, making it difficult to access.

• Faulty compressor: The compressor pumps refrigerant throughout the AC unit to cool your space. It converts low-pressure refrigerant to high-pressure, high-temperature gas, which goes through the compressor and turns it into a cool liquid. Then the refrigerant enters the evaporator coils and comes out of the unit as cool gas. A faulty compressor stops this process from happening.

• Insufficient Refrigerant: Refrigerant is the fluid inside your AC unit that gives it power to work, much like how a car needs gas. When your AC is low on it, the unit loses its ability to cool properly. It’s circulated in a continuous cycle throughout the unit and usually only makes its way out when there’s a leak. Speak with one of our technicians if you notice loud noises or fluid leaking out of your AC unit.

While some problems can be solved with a quick cleaning, others cannot be. Call Mr. Mike’s Plumbing to stay cool all summer long!

It costs anywhere from $100 to over $600 to fix an air conditioner. The price varies depending on several factors, including:

• Repair Type 
• Unit Type and Size 
• Unit Age and Condition
• Unit Brand
• Unit Accessibility 
• Labour
• Seasonality

Ask a professional contractor from Mr. Mike’s Plumbing in Calgary for a free estimate today.

There’s not a one size fits all answer to this question. However, most common AC problems can be fixed within 2-3 hours. The duration can be affected by the following:

• Time of Year
• Problem Severity
• Type of Air Conditioner
• Whether Parts Needed are in Stock
• Warranty Coverage

Ask your technician from Mr. Mike’s Plumbing for more information to determine how long the job will take

Your AC unit’s condenser coil is essential to making it work. Follow these steps to unclog it promptly and efficiently.

1. Begin by turning off the AC unit at both the thermostat and the breaker.
2. You should locate the exit point of your condenser drain pipe to see if it’s easy to maneuver a wet vac around. Continue with the following steps if the exit point is outside. If it’s inside or too difficult to access, skip to step five.
3. Connect your wet-dry vac to the end of the drain pipe exit pipe. The vacuum hose should create airtight suction around the pipe. If it doesn’t, try placing your hands around the connection point to seal it off or purchase a wet-vac attachment to hook it up to the drain pipe properly.
4. Ensure your bucket is in a good place to catch any debris that’s getting sucked out. Then you can turn your wet vac on and let it run for a few minutes. Reposition the vacuum as required and watch for gunk and grime going into your bucket.
5. If your drain pipe needs more clearing or you weren’t able to access the drain pipe exit pipe, find the drain line access point. It’s close to your indoor air handler. Remove the cap or plug and then attach the wet-vac to the drain line. The airtight connection should suck debris out into your bucket.
6. If the line is not cleared or you want to be thorough, try using a corrosive liquid (e.g. bleach, vinegar, or peroxide) to break down any blockage. However, you should know if your drain exit point is outside, because these liquids can damage plants or hurt animals that come into contact with them. Pour the liquid down the drain line through the access point to let it sit for half an hour before flushing the line out with water or a wet-vac.

The process is straightforward. If you have questions, call the team at Mr. Mike’s Plumbing to help!

Getting a new compressor for your AC unit and recharging it are very different. It’s important to know when to recharge and when to replace it. 

Recharging your AC compressor is a great idea if it has minimal signs of wear and tear. Consider a recharge when you notice the following:

• Lack of Cooling: The most obvious indicator that your compressor needs recharging is when your AC unit isn’t doing its job. A lack of refrigerant can cause the AC unit to barely blow any air or not send out any at all.

• AC Running and Not Cooling: If your air conditioner is running, but not cooling your space properly, it could be a sign your compressor needs recharging. That’s because it’s not absorbing enough heat to produce cold air.
• Unusual Noises: Your AC’s compressor spins and sends refrigerant out of the unit to cool your space. If you hear hissing or bubbling, it could indicate leaking refrigerant, the liquid essential to keep your conditioner running.

If recharging isn’t viable, a brand new compressor is your choice. Signs you need a new compressor include: 

• Old Age: Consider an upgrade if your AC’s compressor is older than 10 to 15 years old. Unusual noises, short cycling, and reduced cooling capacity are signs your AC may be outdated.

• Frequent Failures: If your AC’s compressor has trouble keeping up when it has to operate under intense conditions, it might fail. If this happens often, continually repairing usually isn’t worth it.

• High Energy Bills: An AC unit’s compressor has to work harder when it becomes less efficient. It can cause your energy bills to skyrocket. Replacement is easier on your wallet and the environment. 
• Repair Costs: Compare the repair price to the replacement costs to determine your best option. Scheduling an inspection with a professional from Mr. Mike’s Plumbing will give you a better idea of pricing. 

Always try recharging your AC’s compressor before replacing it entirely. If your unit is fairly new, it can save you money in the long run.

In short, the answer is never! Refrigerant continuously cycles through your air conditioner to cool your space. It only depletes over time if you have a leak. That’s also the only time you need to refill your unit.