Frequently Asked Questions about Air Conditioners

If your AC will not turn on, there are a few things you can check first:

• Look for blown fuses or a tripped circuit breaker
• Make sure your thermostat is set to cooling and the temperature is set correctly
• Check whether the air filter is dirty and replace it if needed
• Make sure supply registers and vents are open and not blocked
• Clear away weeds, grass, branches, vines, or other obstructions around the outdoor condenser

If there is still no cooling after these checks, it is best to call a licensed technician. A professional inspection or tune-up can help identify the issue and support regular maintenance.

Uneven cooling from one room to another or between floors is common, especially in multi-storey homes. Airflow restrictions, dirty filters, duct issues, and insulation gaps can all contribute to inconsistent temperatures.

Here are a few things to look at:

• Blocked vents or registers: Furniture, rugs, or other items can reduce airflow and make some rooms feel warmer than others
• Dirty air filter: A clogged filter restricts airflow and can reduce cooling performance throughout the home
• Dusty return vents: Keeping return vents clean can support airflow and improve circulation
• Ductwork issues: Leaks or blockages in the duct system can send too much air to some rooms and too little to others
• Insufficient attic insulation: Poor insulation can lead to larger temperature differences between upper and lower floors

Tip from our techs: Avoid fully closing vents on the first floor, as this can create pressure buildup in the system and affect performance. If you have uneven cooling, switching your thermostat fan from Auto to On can help circulate air more consistently between floors.

There are a few main types of air conditioners used in homes and light commercial settings:

• Packaged air conditioners: These systems house the evaporator, condenser, and compressor together in one cabinet. They are often used where indoor space is limited and are more common in small commercial buildings. Some packaged systems can also include heating.
• Split systems: This is the most common type of home cooling system in Canada. A split system includes an outdoor condenser and an indoor evaporator coil connected to the furnace and ductwork.
• Ductless or mini-split air conditioners: These systems are a good option for homes without ductwork or for spaces where adding ducts is not practical. They use an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor units mounted on the wall, floor, or ceiling.

Choosing the right size AC is critical to home comfort. A system that is too small may struggle to cool your home on hot days. A system that is too large may cycle on and off too often, waste energy, and fail to dehumidify properly.

Proper sizing involves more than square footage. A Reliance Home Comfort Advisor will also consider factors such as:

• Your family’s needs
• Your region and climate
• The orientation of your home
• The size and age of your windows
• Your home’s ductwork and ventilation system
• The quality and amount of insulation
• The age of your home

If you are thinking about a new AC, you can book a free, no-obligation, in-home consultation with a Home Comfort Advisor.

There are several simple ways to help reduce cooling costs while keeping your home comfortable:

• Use a programmable or smart thermostat: This can help you avoid cooling an empty house and manage temperatures more efficiently
• Use ceiling fans: Moving air can make you feel cooler and help support comfort
• Switch to energy-saving light bulbs: Efficient bulbs can produce less heat than incandescent bulbs
• Close curtains and blinds on sunny days: This can help reduce solar heat gain
• Avoid using the oven on very hot days: Microwaves or outdoor cooking can help keep indoor temperatures lower
• Check your furnace filter: A dirty filter can restrict airflow and make your AC work harder
• Look into rebates or promotions: Depending on your province and utility, rebates may be available for energy-efficient equipment or controls
• Choose an ENERGY STAR® certified system: Higher-efficiency models can use less energy than lower-efficiency alternatives

If you are exploring upgrades, you can schedule a free, no-obligation, in-home consultation with a Home Comfort Advisor.

Close the curtains and blinds.
The sun’s rays, strongest during the summer months, can heat up any room quickly. So draw curtains and blinds when you can, and especially on hot sunny days. Feeling ambitious? Plant a natural shade like a tree or tall shrub in front of windows that receive a lot of sun.

Avoid oven-cooking on hot days.
Instead of a heat-generating oven, consider cooking in a microwave or on outdoor grill.

Check your furnace for a dirty filter.
A dirty filter can restrict airflow, making your AC work harder than it needs to.  Change the filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions, or more frequently if you have pets or suffer from allergies.

Rebates are great — no debates about it
Depending on what province you live in, you could receive attractive rebates when you upgrade your AC or purchase products that help you become more energy efficient, such as programmable thermostats. Visit your local utility website for more information on available rebates and offers.

Choose ENERGY STAR® certified ACs
ENERGY STAR certified central air conditioners have higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) ratings and use less energy than conventional new models*. At Reliance Home Comfort, our experts can help you choose an ENERGY STAR certified AC that’s right for your needs. Schedule a no-obligation, in-home consultation with a Home Comfort Advisor today.

*www.nrcan.gc.ca

A new central air conditioner is a major investment, so it is important to choose a system that fits your home and comfort needs. A heating and cooling expert can help you compare options and recommend the best fit.

Key things to consider include:

• Energy efficiency: Higher SEER ratings can improve efficiency and help reduce operating costs
• Proper sizing: The right system size supports better comfort, humidity control, and performance
• Warranty coverage: Many manufacturers offer warranties of up to 10 years, with some models offering longer compressor coverage
• Sound levels: Quieter equipment can be especially important if outdoor units are close to living spaces or neighbours
• Available rebates: Local utility rebates may help offset the cost of high-efficiency equipment
• Your installation partner: Look for a licensed contractor with experience, local references, and year-round support

Tips from our techs: Higher EER and SEER ratings may help lower electrical use, and pairing your AC with a furnace that has a variable-speed blower motor can improve cooling efficiency.

For more guidance, visit our Ultimate Air Conditioning Guide.

Routine maintenance can help support cooling performance, reduce the risk of repair issues, and extend the life of your air conditioner. Here are a few simple maintenance steps:

• Check and change the furnace filter: Since your furnace blower helps circulate cooled air, a clogged filter can reduce airflow and AC performance
• Keep the condenser area clear: Remove leaves, weeds, branches, grass, and clutter from around the outdoor unit
• Clean the condenser fins carefully: With the power off, a garden hose and gentle spray can help clean the fins. Do not use a pressure washer
• Clean the condensate drain: Over time, algae, mould, or debris can clog the drain line and affect performance

If you would rather have a technician handle this, AC cleaning and inspection are included in the Cooling Tune-Up Service and in the Cooling Comfort Protection Plan.

If your air conditioner is blowing warm air, there are a few common things worth checking first. Make sure your thermostat is set to Cool and that the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature.

It is also a good idea to check whether the air filter is dirty, whether vents and registers are blocked, and whether there is debris around the outdoor condenser that could be affecting airflow. In some cases, warm air can also point to a frozen coil, low refrigerant, or another issue that needs professional attention.

If you have checked the basics and your system is still not cooling properly, it is best to book a visit with a licensed technician so the issue can be diagnosed safely and correctly.

During the cooling season, we recommend checking your air filter every month. If it looks dirty, replace it. At a minimum, many homeowners will need to change the filter every three months, though homes with pets, dust, allergies, or heavy system use may need more frequent changes.

A clean filter helps support airflow, system efficiency, and overall cooling performance. It can also help reduce dirt buildup inside the system over time.

The lifespan of a central air conditioner can vary depending on how well it has been maintained, how often it is used, and the overall condition of the home and ductwork. In many cases, homeowners start weighing replacement more seriously once a system is more than 10 years old, especially if it is needing more frequent repairs or not keeping the home as comfortable as it once did.

If your current system is aging, our team can help you compare the cost of repairs with the long term value of a newer, more efficient replacement.

Even if your air conditioner is still running, a tune-up can be a smart idea if you are noticing weaker airflow, uneven cooling, higher energy bills, unusual sounds, or water collecting near the unit. Annual maintenance is also recommended by many manufacturers and industry experts to help keep your system running efficiently. If you are renting your equipment, annual maintenance is included! If you want to set it and forget it, consider a Reliance Cooling Maintenance Plan.

A professional tune-up typically includes inspecting major components, checking airflow, cleaning key parts, and looking for signs of wear before they turn into bigger repair issues.

SEER is a measure of cooling efficiency, and in general, a higher rating means the system can use less energy to deliver the same amount of cooling. The right SEER rating for your home depends on your budget, how often you use air conditioning, and how long you plan to stay in the home.

As a starting point, it is worth comparing higher-efficiency and ENERGY STAR certified options, since these models meet stricter efficiency criteria than many standard systems. Our advisors can help you look at efficiency alongside system size, comfort, and overall value so you choose the right fit for your home.

If your air conditioner is leaking water, the first step is to turn the system off if there is active leaking or water collecting around the unit. One common cause is a clogged condensate drain, which can affect performance and lead to water damage if left unaddressed.

Because leaking water can sometimes point to a blocked drain, frozen coil, or another service issue, it is best to have the system checked by a licensed technician. Addressing it early can help prevent bigger problems and get your cooling back on track.