Calgary Air Conditioning Contractor

Ask the average Calgary homeowner whether if they use a contractor to carry out regular maintenance on their central air conditioning (A/C) system and the answer will likely be "no". For many people, especially those in climates like Calgary’s where A/C isn’t used as heavily, maintenance of their cooling systems may seem unnecessary.

But regular servicing of your home’s cooling system can bring many benefits, including lower operating costs and less need for emergency repairs.

Common A/C Problems

To understand how valuable maintenance can be, consider some common A/C problems, as outlined by a document from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Inadequate maintenance is a contributing factor to many of these problems.

  • Refrigerant. If there is not enough refrigerant, you might have a leak. Adding more refrigerant will not solve the problem. The system needs to be examined and the leak fixed.
  • Dirt and Dust. Without regular maintenance, coils and filters can get dirty. Accumulations of dust and dirt can impede performance and can cause compressors or fans to fail.
  • Electronics. Controls for the compressor and fan can wear out, especially if the air conditioning unit cycles on and off frequently. Corrosion of wires and terminals can also be problem.

The Benefits of Regular A/C Maintenance

According to the DOE, the filters, coils and fins of your air conditioning system require regular maintenance to ensure maximum efficiency and performance. Regular maintenance includes attention to the following aspects of your system.

  • Dirty Filters. You should replace or clean the filters in your A/C system every month or two during seasons of heavy use. A routine service call will include a check of the filters to ensure they are clear. Dirty filters can block air flow and reduce the system’s efficiency. Also, the dirt may be carried to the evaporator coil and reduce its ability to absorb heat.
  • Coils. Even with clean filters, the evaporator coil (which cools the air) can still get dirty. As mentioned in the previous point, a dirty coil can impede heat absorption. Condenser coils can also get dirty. In both cases, a technician can identify the problem and take corrective action. This action will include cleaning and may include recommendations about how to reduce the amount of debris around your A/C unit – dryer vents, lawn mowers and foliage can all drop dirt on the coils.
  • Coil Fins. The fins on the coils can be bent easily. Your technician will have the tools to return the fins to their original shape.
  • Refrigerant. Your technician will check refrigerant levels to ensure they are correct. Note that refrigerant levels should match the exact specifications of the manufacturer for the unit to work its best – too much or too little can affect performance.
  • Electrics. An annual inspection will identify any potential problems with the electrics in your system (like corrosion) and help you avoid an expensive emergency in the future.

Overall, your Calgary air conditioning contractor should perform routine maintenance of your heating and cooling system. Its a worthwhile investment. It can improve the efficiency of your system, which saves you money. It can also identify small problems so they can be fixed before they get out of hand.


Clearview Plumbing and Heating, 440 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2J 5N8 Canada

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