Is Your AC Ready for a Calgary Summer?

While Calgary isn’t known for sweltering heat waves, summer temperatures can rise quickly—and when they do, a reliable air conditioning system is essential. After sitting idle through the long Alberta winter, your AC may be far from ready to handle the sudden shift in demand.

At Pete The Plumber, we understand the toll Calgary’s extreme seasonal swings can take on HVAC systems. A pre-summer AC tune-up not only helps your system run efficiently but also prevents mid-season breakdowns and unexpected repair bills. If you want to stay comfortable—and save on energy costs—now is the time to get ahead of potential issues.

In this guide, we’ll cover the top 7 signs that your AC needs a tune-up before the Calgary summer gets into full swing—and what you can do to stay ahead of costly repairs.

In this guide, we’ll cover the top 7 signs that your AC needs a tune-up before the Calgary summer gets into full swing—and what you can do to stay ahead of costly repairs.

Uneven cooling is one of the most common complaints homeowners report when AC issues begin. If some rooms in your home feel cooler than others—or none feel particularly cool at all—your system may be struggling to push air through the ductwork. This could be due to clogged filters, dirty evaporator coils, or issues with your blower motor. Ignoring airflow issues not only affects comfort but can also overwork your system and drive up energy costs.

Scheduling a tune-up with Pete The Plumber allows us to diagnose and fix the root of the problem, restoring consistent airflow throughout your home.

Air conditioners should operate relatively quietly. If you start hearing clanking, rattling, buzzing, or hissing sounds, it’s a sign that something’s wrong. These noises could indicate anything from loose screws or debris in the fan blades to refrigerant leaks or failing motors.

Our licensed HVAC technicians can identify the source of the noise and make necessary adjustments or repairs during a tune-up, ensuring your AC doesn’t suffer a midsummer breakdown.

When you first start up your AC for the season, you may notice a musty or burning smell. These odours often indicate mold or mildew buildup in the system or issues with electrical components. Mold in your ductwork or evaporator coils can reduce indoor air quality and pose health risks, especially to individuals with allergies or asthma.

A routine maintenance visit includes cleaning key components and checking for mold, helping you breathe easier all summer long.

Noticed your power bill climbing even though you haven’t changed your usage habits? An inefficient AC system can quietly eat away at your wallet. Dirty coils, leaking ducts, and aging components force your system to work harder than necessary, consuming more energy.

A professional tune-up from Pete The Plumber can identify and correct these inefficiencies—improving performance while helping reduce your monthly energy expenses.

Short cycling—where your AC turns on and off in rapid succession—isn’t just irritating; it’s a red flag. It typically signals thermostat malfunctions, electrical issues, or even improper system sizing. Left unchecked, short cycling wears out components and increases the chance of system failure.

During a tune-up, we’ll inspect your thermostat and internal components to make sure your AC is operating on the correct cycle.

If your AC is blowing warm air, you may have a refrigerant leak, a dirty air filter, or a failing compressor. Sometimes, it’s as simple as an incorrect thermostat setting—but in other cases, it’s a warning of a larger issue.

Pete The Plumber’s technicians can quickly pinpoint the problem and get your system cooling again—just in time for Calgary’s hottest days.

Even if your AC seems to be running fine, annual service is essential for long-term reliability and energy efficiency. A unit that hasn’t been serviced in over a year is more likely to suffer a sudden failure—usually when you need it most.

Scheduling regular maintenance keeps your system clean, calibrated, and prepared to run efficiently throughout the season.

A summer AC tune-up offers multiple benefits that go beyond basic comfort:

• Improved cooling performance – Your system runs more efficiently, providing even cooling.
• Extended system lifespan – Routine care prevents excessive wear and tear.
• Lower monthly energy bills – Tune-ups improve efficiency, which saves money.
• Better indoor air quality – Clean coils and filters mean cleaner air for your family.
• Peace of mind during summer heatwaves – Avoid inconvenient breakdowns and emergency repairs.

Pete The Plumber delivers expert HVAC service across Calgary, ensuring you get the most out of your system.

Our technicians follow a comprehensive checklist during every tune-up to ensure your system is operating at peak performance:

• Thermostat check and calibration – Ensures accurate temperature control.
• Air filter inspection and replacement – Improves air quality and airflow.
• Cleaning of condenser and evaporator coils – Enhances efficiency and cooling power.
• Refrigerant level checks – Prevents low cooling capacity and compressor damage.
• Electrical system inspection – Verifies safe and stable operation.
• Fan and blower maintenance – Keeps airflow steady and reliable.
• Ductwork inspection (as needed) – Identifies leaks that reduce efficiency.

When your air conditioner starts blowing warm air during a Calgary heatwave, it can quickly turn into a frustrating and uncomfortable situation. Fortunately, there are a few common causes—and many can be resolved with timely intervention.

• Check Your Thermostat Settings: It sounds simple, but the first thing to check is your thermostat. Make sure it’s set to “cool” and not “fan.” If it’s in fan mode, your system may circulate indoor air without actually cooling it.
• Replace or Clean the Air Filter: A dirty air filter can restrict air flow and cause your evaporator coil to freeze, which then prevents proper cooling. Swapping it out can often restore functionality.
• Inspect the Outdoor Unit: Debris like leaves, dirt, or even snow remnants from spring can block airflow around your condenser unit. This limits heat transfer and can cause your AC to blow warm air.
• Watch for Ice on the Coils: Frozen evaporator coils indicate airflow or refrigerant problems. If you notice ice buildup, turn off the system and call a technician.
• Refrigerant Leaks or Compressor Issues: If none of the above solves the issue, the problem may be more serious—like a refrigerant leak or a failing compressor. These require professional repairs and should be handled promptly.

Pete The Plumber provides fast, reliable diagnostics for Calgary homeowners experiencing these issues. We’ll restore your cooling quickly and efficiently so you can enjoy a comfortable summer.

As Calgary’s trusted heating & cooling HVAC service provider, Pete The Plumber is here to help you beat the summer heat with confidence. Whether your AC is making strange noises, failing to cool properly, or just hasn’t been serviced in a while, our HVAC technicians will ensure it’s running at peak efficiency.

Avoid surprise breakdowns and high energy bills – schedule your AC tune-up today and stay cool all summer long. Call Pete The Plumber or book online to get your system checked before the summer rush!

If you’re in or around the Calgary metro area, our licensed HVAC and plumbing professionals can help you resolve all common AC problems. Call Pete the Plumber at (403) 257-1766 to arrange a visit.