As summer approaches Toronto, many condo residents switch on their air conditioning for the first time in months — only to discover that it’s not cooling properly.
Whether your condo uses a fan coil unit or a heat pump system, there are several possible reasons your A/C may be underperforming.
Understanding which type of HVAC system you have — and whether the issue is within your suite or building-wide — will help you get the right kind of help faster.
Most older Toronto condo buildings (built between the 1980s and early 2010s) use fan coil systems, often with a 2-pipe configuration, meaning the building alternates between heating and cooling seasonally.
These systems rely on a central boiler and chiller that deliver hot or cold water through risers to each suite.
Newer condominiums and retrofit projects are more likely to use heat pump systems, which are self-contained units that use refrigerant instead of water to transfer heat in or out of your suite.
Unlike fan coils, heat pumps can often provide both heating and cooling year-round, depending on the building’s loop design.
Fan coil units have been the Toronto condo standard for decades — but as many systems surpass 20 years of service, performance issues become common.
Over time, coils and filters collect dust, debris, and pet hair, restricting airflow. This can lead to:
Regular filter cleaning or replacement (≤ MERV 8) and coil maintenance are essential to keep your system efficient.
Rust and corrosion in the condensate drain pan can lead to water leaks — a serious issue in high-rise condos.
Leaks can damage flooring, drywall, and even units below, causing mold growth and property damage.
Repair typically involves cutting into the cabinet, replacing the drain pan, and re-insulating — a job for professionals.
Grinding, buzzing, or rattling noises often indicate failing fan motors or misaligned blades.
If left unaddressed, these can result in complete blower failure and no airflow at all.
In 2-pipe systems, changeover valves toggle between heating and cooling.
A stuck or failed valve can cause your system to blow warm air in cooling mode or ignore thermostat changes.
Mineral buildup and corrosion are typical culprits.
Heat pumps offer efficient year-round comfort — but in multi-suite buildings, they face unique challenges.
Small leaks in refrigerant lines reduce cooling performance and can cause:
Early pressure testing and leak detection can prevent major repairs.
If you see ice on your indoor unit or notice weak airflow, your evaporator coil may be frozen due to:
Turning off the system and calling a technician is the best way to avoid further damage.
Heat pumps rely on a reversing valve to switch between heating and cooling.
If it fails, the unit may blow room-temperature air or get stuck in one mode.
This is especially common in spring and fall when the system frequently changes modes.
Many residents install smart thermostats, but not all are compatible with building-integrated heat pumps.
An incompatible thermostat may cause:
Always check compatibility or consult an HVAC professional before installation.
Certain A/C issues can be handled directly by hiring a licensed condo HVAC technician:
✅ In-suite issues:
✅ Common repairs include:
💡 Annual maintenance is most affordable when coordinated through your property management’s building-wide program. Many Toronto condos schedule summer tune-ups, allowing multiple suites to be serviced in one visit at a lower cost.
Some problems are building-wide and must be addressed by management or the condo board:
If multiple residents report similar A/C issues, contact your property manager first to confirm whether it’s suite-specific or building-related.
1. Diagnostic / Assessment
💲 $180 + HST
🔹 Includes: Complete system inspection, temperature and pressure testing, and detailed performance report.
2. Annual A/C Maintenance
💲 $180 – $250 + HST
🔹 Includes: Coil cleaning, filter replacement, condensate drain inspection, and full operational testing.
3. Electrical / Control Repairs
💲 $350 – $1,200 + HST
🔹 Includes: Repair or replacement of motors, relays, sensors, contactors, or capacitors to restore airflow and cooling performance.
4. Refrigerant Repairs / Leak Testing
💲 $500 – $1,500 + HST
🔹 Includes: Leak detection, refrigerant top-up or recharge, pressure testing, and performance validation after service.
5. Thermostat Replacement
💲 $250 – $600 + HST
🔹 Includes: Supply and installation of smart or standard thermostats, calibration, and compatibility testing with condo HVAC systems.
6. Fan Coil or Heat Pump Replacement
💲 $3,500 – $8,000 + HST
🔹 Includes: Supply, removal of existing unit, installation of new system, building riser coordination (if required), and final performance testing.
Whether your condo uses a fan coil or a heat pump system, knowing how to identify the cause of your cooling problem helps you avoid unnecessary delays.
Some issues can be fixed immediately by an HVAC technician, while others — like water pressure or mode changeovers — require coordination with management.
If you’re unsure what system your condo has or why it’s not cooling properly, our team can help.
We’ll identify your system type, inspect your unit, and get your A/C running efficiently again — so you can stay cool and comfortable all summer long.
Prevent leaks, reduce energy costs, and protect your condo’s air quality with regular fan coil maintenance from Condo HVAC Pros.
📞 Call us: (647) 508-9082
🌐 Book Online: https://www.condohvacpros.ca/contact-us
📍 Serving: Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
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