CALL NOW

Refrigeration Heating Air Conditioning

6 Things to Check Before You Call for AC Reapir

By

☀️ Avoid unnecessary stress during the hot Okanagan summer

When your air conditioner quits on a hot day in the Okanagan, it’s easy to assume the worst — costly repairs and unbearable heat. But before you call for service, try these simple checks. Many common AC issues are quick fixes you can handle on your own.

✅ 1. FurnaceFilter

A clogged air filter can choke airflow and cause overheating or freezing. If it looks dusty or clogged, swap it for a new one. Regular filter changes also improve your air quality and energy efficiency.

✅ 2. Circuit Breaker

Your AC draws a lot of power and can easily trip its breaker. Head to your electrical panel and look for the AC breaker. If it's tripped, flip it fully off and then back on. A reset might be the fix.

✅ 3. Thermostat

A common issue is forgetting to set the temperature and mode of the thermostat appropriately. Make sure it's set to cool/AC and the temperature is appropriate to cool your space. A blank or non-responsive thermostat could just mean the batteries are dead. Remove the thermostat from its wall mount and check the back. Fresh batteries might be all it takes to get your AC going again.

✅ 4. Frozen Coil

Yes, it’s possible even during the hottest days. If your coil freezes, your system might shut off automatically. Turn your AC off and let the coil fully thaw and dry out before trying again.

✅ 5. Outdoor Unit Blocked

Your outdoor condenser needs clear space to breathe. If it’s covered in leaves, dirt, or blocked by shrubs or fencing, it can overheat or shut off. Clear at least two feet around it for proper airflow.

✅ 6. Clogged Condensation Drain

Your AC removes moisture from the air, which drains through a small pipe. If that line becomes clogged with algae or debris, it can trigger a safety switch and shut off your system. Check for visible buildup around the drain and gently clear it if needed.

Still Having Trouble? Call Parkbay.

If none of these steps get your system running again, don’t worry — we’re just a call away. The certified techs at Parkbay HVAC are ready to help you stay cool.

📞 Call 250-826-2727 or book online — fast, friendly, and reliable AC service in the Okanagan.

9 Things to Do Before You Turn on Your A/C This Season

By

 
 
As the Okanagan temperatures start to rise, it’s time to make sure your air conditioner is ready to keep you cool and comfortable — without driving up your energy bills.

Before you flip the switch on your A/C, take a few minutes to go through this 9-step checklist to get the most out of your cooling system this season. A little prep now can prevent breakdowns later and even save you money.

✅ 1. Change Your Air Filters

Your furnace and A/C share the same air filter, so it’s critical to start the season with a clean one. A dirty filter restricts airflow and can force your system to work harder than it should.

💡 Did you know? A clean filter can reduce energy use by 5–15%!

✅ 2. Clear Your Air Returns & Vents

Blocked vents can throw off your whole cooling system. Move any furniture, curtains, or rugs that are in the way and vacuum the vent covers to remove built-up dust.

✨TIP: Vents need at least 25 cm of clearance — the more, the better.

✅ 3. Inspect the Outdoor Unit

Your outdoor condenser unit needs breathing room to work efficiently. Remove any covers or insulation from winter, check for damage, and make sure there’s at least 2 feet of space around it, free from debris or vegetation.

✅ 4. Clean the Condenser Fan

Dirt and debris can settle on the condenser fan blades, reducing efficiency. If you’re not comfortable cleaning it yourself, we recommend calling Parkbay for a spring A/C tune-up — we’ll handle everything safely and correctly.

✅ 5. Check the Ductwork

Leaks in your ductwork could be letting your cooled air escape before it even reaches your rooms. This can drive up your cooling costs by 30% or more.

💡Fix-it tip: Use foil tape (not duct tape!) to seal minor leaks.

✅ 6. Prep for Condensation

Your A/C produces moisture, and it needs somewhere to go. Make sure your condensate line is draining properly — either into a tray or a drain — and clear any clogs.

Routine cleaning helps prevent mold and water damage down the line.

✅ 7. Examine the Refrigerant Lines

These lines should be well-insulated to keep your system running efficiently. Look for signs of damage, missing insulation, or leaks.

✨TIP: If you’re unsure what to look for, give us a call — we’re happy to help.

✅ 8. Check the Thermostat

Make sure your thermostat is working, set to cooling mode, and has fresh batteries (if needed).

Thinking about upgrading? A programmable thermostat can cut your energy costs by 10–30% just by keeping things consistent.

✅ 9. Power It Up — Safely

Before turning your system on:

  • Confirm the electrical circuits are on

  • Ensure power is restored to the A/C unit

  • Check that wiring is intact and safe

Once everything looks good, let it run for a bit and monitor the airflow and temperature.

👷‍♂️ Need Help or a Full System Check?

At Parkbay HVAC, we’re here to make sure your home stays cool and efficient all summer long. If you’d rather leave the tune-up to us, give us a call at 250-826-2727 or schedule a service online.

Stay cool, stay safe — and enjoy the sunshine!

– The Parkbay HVAC Team