Guelph summers run hot and humid, and central AC systems that limp through spring often fail on the first real heat wave — exactly when demand for service spikes. Common failures we see: a weak or seized capacitor (the AC hums but the fan won't spin), low refrigerant from a slow leak, a frozen evaporator coil from restricted airflow or a dirty filter, and outdoor condenser coils caked with cottonwood fluff and lawn debris that choke heat rejection.
For full installs, sizing matters as much as brand — an oversized AC short-cycles and leaves the house clammy even though it's "cold," while a properly sized system runs longer cycles that actually dehumidify. We size to your home, not just the old unit's tonnage.
Most common causes: a dirty filter or blocked vents restricting airflow, low refrigerant from a leak, or an iced evaporator coil (often caused by one of the first two). Turning the system off to let ice fully melt before we arrive speeds up an accurate diagnosis.
Annually, ideally in spring before the first heat wave — checking refrigerant charge, cleaning coils, and testing electrical components catches small issues before they become no-cool emergencies.
Depends on the failure. A capacitor or contactor: repair, cheaply. A compressor or major refrigerant leak on an older R-22 system (which is being phased out): replacement is usually the smarter call. We'll give you honest numbers on both paths.
Yes — this is common in older Guelph homes originally built without central air. We assess existing ductwork capacity (sometimes it needs supplementing) and can also quote ductless mini-split options where ducting isn't practical.