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| Square Footage | Furnace BTU |
|---|---|
| 1,000-1,200 sq. ft. Home | 40,000 - 60,000 BTU |
| 1,200-1,500 sq. ft. Home | 60,000 BTU |
| 1,500-1,800 sq. ft. Home | 60,000 - 80,000 BTU |
| 1,800-2,500 sq. ft. Home | 80,000 - 100,000 BTU |
| 2,500-3,500 sq. ft. Home | 100,000 to 120,000 BTU |
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Our diagnosis is a starting point. A certified HVAC technician can confirm the issue and fix it right the first time.
Get Free Quotes| Symptom | Likely Cause | First Check | DIY or Pro? |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC blowing warm air | Low refrigerant, dirty coils, thermostat | Thermostat setting, filter | Pro for refrigerant |
| AC won’t turn on | Tripped breaker, bad capacitor, thermostat | Breaker panel, thermostat | ✓ DIY first |
| AC short-cycling | Oversized unit, dirty filter, refrigerant | Replace air filter | ✓ DIY first |
| Water leaking from AC | Clogged condensate drain, frozen coil | Clear drain line | ✓ DIY possible |
| Outdoor unit not running | Capacitor, contactor, refrigerant | Check breaker, listen for hum | ⚠ Usually pro |
| Loud banging/rattling | Loose parts, debris in fan, failing motor | Turn off, inspect visually | ⚠ Often pro |
| AC icing up | Low refrigerant, dirty filter, low airflow | Replace filter, turn off, let thaw | ✓ DIY first |
| High electricity bill | Low SEER2, dirty coils, refrigerant | Clean filters, check thermostat | ✓ DIY first |
The most common causes are: a dirty air filter restricting airflow, low refrigerant due to a leak, a frozen evaporator coil, a dirty condenser coil blocking heat rejection, or an oversized AC that short-cycles. Start by replacing your air filter, cleaning visible components, and checking that your thermostat is set correctly. If the problem persists, a technician should test refrigerant levels and check for coil damage.
This is called short-cycling and has several causes: the most common is an oversized AC that cools the space too quickly before removing humidity; dirty evaporator coils causing high-pressure shutoffs; low refrigerant; or a malfunctioning thermostat. Short-cycling wastes electricity, reduces dehumidification, and stresses the compressor. Check your air filter first, then call a technician if it continues.
Signs of low refrigerant include: the AC blows air but it’s not very cold, ice forms on the refrigerant lines or evaporator coil, there’s a hissing or bubbling sound near the lines, and your electricity bill has increased. Only a certified technician can check and add refrigerant — it’s regulated in Canada. Remember: a properly sealed AC should never need refrigerant top-ups. Low refrigerant always means there’s a leak.
Annual AC tune-ups, ideally in April or May before cooling season, are recommended by all major HVAC manufacturers and are required to maintain most equipment warranties. A professional tune-up includes coil cleaning, refrigerant check, electrical connection inspection, capacitor testing, and efficiency measurement — and typically costs $100–$200.
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