Tag: Air conditioner

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How to Spot a Failing A/C Before It Quits on You

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Why You Need to Spot A/C Problems Early

When your A/C is on the brink, it doesn’t usually quit all at once. It starts with subtle warning signs that most homeowners miss. Recognizing these early can help you avoid costly repairs, heatwave breakdowns, or even full system replacement.

7 Warning Signs of a Failing Air Conditioner

Knowing what to look for can save you money and major headaches. Here are the most common signs your A/C is in trouble:

1. ❄️Uneven Cooling or Warm Air

If some rooms are hot while others are cool—or if warm air is blowing—your system might have airflow issues, dirty coils, or low refrigerant

2. 🌀A/C Runs Constantly

When your air conditioner doesn’t cycle off, it could be overworked, undersized, or dealing with a thermostat or refrigerant problem. This drives up your energy bills and wears out components faster.

3. 🎧 Weird Noises (Buzzing, Clicking, Grinding)

Strange sounds usually mean failing motors, loose parts, or electrical issues. A healthy A/C should be quiet—any new noise is worth checking out.

4. 💧 Water Leaks or Excess Moisture

Water around your indoor unit or vents means a clogged drain line or frozen evaporator coil. Left untreated, this can cause mold, drywall damage, or full system shutdown.

5. 📈 Rising Energy Bills

If your electricity costs are climbing and your usage hasn’t changed, a failing system may be working harder than it should. Dirty coils, worn motors, or low refrigerant all make your A/C inefficient.

6. 🌬️ Weak or Inconsistent Airflow

Poor airflow is often a blower motor issue, duct leak, or clogged filter. If your vents feel weak, it’s time to check the system.

VIVE™ 700 Series 5+1+1 Programmable Thermostat

7. 🚨 Frequent Thermostat Adjustments

If you constantly fiddle with the thermostat to stay comfortable, it might not be a you problem—it might be your A/C losing capacity.

 How to Fix It: A/C Tune-Up Services

A proper A/C tune-up includes:

  • Clean coils = stronger cooling

  • Check refrigerant = keeps air cold

  • Tighten connections = prevent shutdowns

  • Clear drain = stop water damage

  • Inspect blower = boost airflow

  • Test thermostat = precise temp control

  • Replace filter = clean, easy airflow

  • Inspect wear = avoid big repairs

BOOK NOW

Upgrade your home’s comfort and efficiency in one shot:

  • Brand new high-efficiency A/C
  • Tankless water heater = endless hot water, lower bills
  • Bonus: Free carbon water filter to improve your home’s water quality

This is a limited-time package, designed for homeowners who want comfort + value—and never want to think about their HVAC again.

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How Tariffs Are Driving Up HVAC Costs in Canada (And What You Can Do About It)

Tariffs Are Driving Up HVAC Costs in Canada

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HVAC Equipment Prices Are Rising in 2025 — Here’s Why

Canada’s HVAC industry is facing major pricing pressure in 2025, with homeowners across the country experiencing the impact firsthand. Due to a combination of federal tariffs, regulatory shifts, and updated refrigerant standards, heat pumps, air conditioners, and high-efficiency systems are now significantly more expensive than they were just one year ago.

Understanding what’s behind these increases — and how you can avoid overpaying — is key if you’re planning any HVAC upgrades this year.

What Are These New Tariffs?

In response to shifting environmental policies and global trade dynamics, Canada has implemented new federal energy and import tariffs that directly affect HVAC equipment. These tariffs apply to a wide range of components and systems, including:

  • Heat pumps
  • Central air conditioners
  • Refrigerant-based systems
  • High-efficiency units

Manufacturers, including Carrier and other major brands, are now applying tariff surcharges to new equipment sold in Canada. These surcharges are passed down through suppliers and contractors, ultimately reaching the homeowner in the form of 8–20% price increases.

New Refrigerant and Efficiency Regulations Are Driving Costs Higher

In addition to tariffs, 2025 brings new regulations aimed at reducing the environmental impact of HVAC systems. These include:

  • Refrigerant phase-downs: Older refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP) are being replaced with lower-impact alternatives. New systems must meet these stricter standards, increasing production and compliance costs.

  • Higher energy efficiency minimums: New SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) requirements mean manufacturers are redesigning systems with more advanced components — at a higher cost.

These regulatory changes, while environmentally beneficial, are putting further upward pressure on prices industry-wide.

Carrier Adds Tariff Surcharge in 2025

Carrier, one of the largest HVAC brands in North America, has officially added a tariff surcharge on most of its residential equipment sold in Canada. This includes:

  • Ductless and ducted heat pumps

  • Central air conditioners

  • Multi-zone systems

For many contractors, including Empower, this has meant a sudden rise in wholesale equipment pricing, with retail prices increasing accordingly.

 

Why Acting Now Saves You Money

Prices are expected to increase again in Q3 2025, driven by:

  • Further supplier cost adjustments

  • Higher freight and shipping rates

  • Ongoing shortages in high-efficiency components

Contractors across Canada are racing to secure existing inventory before the next round of increases. However, availability is tightening fast, and once pre-tariff stock is gone, the higher pricing will apply to all new installs.

How Empower Is Protecting Customers from Price Hikes

At Empower, we anticipated these industry-wide changes and secured equipment ahead of the tariff rollout. That means we can still offer pre-tariff pricing on select high-efficiency heat pump systems — but only while supplies last.

We’re extending this exclusive pricing to our loyal customers before the next round of hikes hits this summer.

✅ Heat pump systems from $3,999 or $38/month
✅ Up to $2,000 in rebates available
✅ FREE professional installation
✅ 10-Year Protection Plan included

BOOK NOW

Ready to upgrade your home comfort and save big? For a limited time, get 3 months FREE when you sign up for any of our Maintenance or Protection Plans.

Whether you need coverage for your furnace, A/C, or water heater, Empower Home Comfort has you protected. Enjoy no-charge service calls, 24/7 emergency support, and energy-efficient upgrades that qualify for Ontario rebates.

Don’t wait for a costly breakdown—schedule your call now with the form below, or speak with a Comfort Advisor today.

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How to Prepare Your Home for the Cooling Season: Save Energy & Boost AC Performance

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How to Prepare Your Home for the Cooling Season: Save Energy & Boost AC Performance

Ontario homeowners—summer is creeping up, and with it, rising temps and energy bills. The good news? A little prep now can go a long way in keeping your cooling costs low and your home comfortable. Let’s break down how to prepare your home for the cooling season while saving energy and extending the life of your HVAC system.

Why Scheduling an AC Tune-Up is Non-Negotiable

  • Before the heat rolls in, booking your annual AC tune-up is essential. Not only does it ensure your system is running efficiently, but it keeps you compliant with manufacturer warranties.

    Benefits of an AC tune-up:

    • Boost system efficiency by up to 30%

    • Catch minor issues before they become costly repairs

    • Maintain eligibility for rebate programs

    • Extend equipment lifespan

    💡 Pro tip: Empower Home Comfort offers unlimited no-charge service calls and certified techs with every membership plan.

🧊 Home Prep Tips to Maximize Cooling Efficiency

Here’s how to prep your home and save money on your energy bills this summer:

1. Clean or replace your air filter

A clogged filter restricts airflow and forces your system to work harder, spiking energy usage.

 

2. Seal up any air leaks

Check around windows, doors, and attic spaces. Weatherstripping and caulking are low-cost, high-impact solutions.

3. Clear debris from outdoor units

Make sure your condenser has at least two feet of breathing room. Leaves, sticks, and dirt can choke your system.

4. Install a smart thermostat

Save up to 10% annually with programmable temperature settings based on your daily routine.

5. Close blinds during peak sun hours

Save up to 10% annually with programmable temperature settings based on your daily routine.

🚨 Don’t Forget: Tune-Ups Keep Your Warranty Valid

Here’s the real deal: if you don’t get your AC professionally serviced every year, you could be waving goodbye to your manufacturer’s warranty — and that’s a costly mistake.

Most major HVAC manufacturers, like Lennox, Goodman, or Carrier, explicitly state in the fine print that your system must receive annual maintenance by a certified technician. No exceptions. If something breaks down and you haven’t kept records of yearly service, your warranty claim could be denied. That means you’re footing the bill for parts, labour, and diagnostics — out of pocket.

And we’re not talking pocket change. A compressor replacement alone can run you upwards of $2,000–$3,000. That’s money that could’ve been covered… for free… if you had booked a simple tune-up.

Ready to upgrade your home comfort and save big? For a limited time, get 3 months FREE when you sign up for any of our Maintenance or Protection Plans!

Whether you’re looking to protect your furnace, A/C, or water heater, Empower Home Comfort has you covered—with no-charge service calls, 24/7 support, and energy-efficient upgrades that qualify for Ontario rebates.

Claim Now

Claim your 3 FREE months now—schedule a quick call with our team and lock in your summer savings today!

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By submitting this form and signing up for texts, you agree to receive informational messages (appointment reminders, account notifications, etc.) from Empower Home Comfort Inc. at the number provided. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency varies. Unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP, and no further messages will be sent. Reply HELP for assistance or email us at sales@empowerhomecomfort.ca. Learn more on our Privacy Policy page.
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