When your “cooling system” isn’t so cool anymore…
It’s officially summer in BC’s Lower Mainland, and your home should be your chilled sanctuary. But what happens when your AC or heat pump is running full tilt… and your living room still feels like a sauna?
Before you assume your system is broken or doomed, know this: most of the time, the fix is simpler than you think.
At Veteran Heating & Cooling, we’ve seen it all—from dusty air filters in Delta to thermostat drama in Burnaby. So here it is—our no-fluff list of the top 5 reasons your cooling system is underperforming, plus what you can do to fix it.
1. Your Air Filter Needs a Break (or a Replacement)
This is the HVAC version of forgetting to take out the trash. Air filters are essential to keeping your system running efficiently, but they also collect dust, pet hair, pollen, and other debris. When they’re clogged, airflow suffers—and so does your cooling.
🔧 What Happens:
Poor airflow = less cool air reaches your rooms
Your system works harder, increasing wear and tear
Energy bills creep higher without better performance
✅ The Fix:
Change your air filter every 1 to 3 months, especially in high-usage seasons like summer. If you have pets or allergies, monthly changes are best. Still not sure which filter fits your system? We can help you pick the perfect one.
2. Your Thermostat Has Trust Issues
Your thermostat is the brain of your cooling system—but if it’s not calibrated or placed properly, it can send the wrong signals.
🔧 What Happens:
Reads the wrong temp (e.g., because it’s near a window or kitchen)
Turns your system off too early or runs it longer than needed
Confuses your system, making it less efficient
✅ The Fix:
Make sure your thermostat is:
Mounted away from heat sources and sunlight
Properly leveled and calibrated
Updated to a smart thermostat for learning-based comfort and savings
Smart thermostats also help you manage energy better, especially when paired with a heat pump, which already runs more efficiently than traditional AC.
3. Your Refrigerant Levels Are Low (and That’s Not Good)
Heat pumps and AC systems use refrigerant to absorb heat inside your home and release it outside. If refrigerant levels drop—due to a leak or wear—cooling performance drops too.
🔧 What Happens:
Warm air blows from vents instead of cool
The system struggles to reach set temps
Ice may build up on the coils
⚠️ Pro Tip:
Low refrigerant is not a DIY fix. Handling refrigerants requires licensed techs with proper tools and safety training (like us!).
✅ The Fix:
Call Veteran HVAC for a refrigerant check. We’ll:
Diagnose and find any leaks
Repair and recharge your system
Test to ensure peak efficiency
This is a very common issue in older systems or those that haven’t been serviced in a while.
4. The Outdoor Unit Is Choked by Nature
Your outdoor unit (aka condenser) needs room to breathe. If it’s surrounded by leaves, branches, or gunk, it can’t release heat effectively—and your indoor cooling suffers.
🔧 What Happens:
Overheating causes system shutdowns
Reduced efficiency and airflow
Spikes in energy use
✅ The Fix:
Turn off power to the unit
Gently hose down the fins (no pressure washers!)
Trim plants and clear space (at least 2 ft around the unit)
Still not feeling cool? We offer full outdoor unit cleanings and coil flushes across Langley, White Rock, and Maple Ridge.
5. Your System Is Just Old and Tired
We get it—your AC or heat pump has been a loyal sidekick for years. But if it’s 10–15 years old, even with regular maintenance, its cooling power just doesn’t match modern systems.
🔧 What Happens:
Cooling takes longer or never quite gets there
Unit runs constantly = higher bills
Frequent repairs add up
✅ The Fix:
Time for an upgrade? Here’s the good news:
Modern heat pumps are more energy efficient (200–300%)
They also provide heating in winter = year-round comfort
BC rebates can knock thousands off the price
At Veteran HVAC, we make switching painless—from selecting the best unit to handling all the rebate paperwork.
Bonus: Other Cooling Killers You Might Not Expect
Ductwork leaks: Cool air escapes before it gets to you
Poor insulation: Your system cools, but your house won’t hold it
Oversized or undersized systems: Bigger isn’t always better—correct sizing is key to performance
What’s the Coolest Way to Fix It All? Call Veteran HVAC 😎
Don’t sweat through another summer. Whether it’s a quick tune-up, filter swap, or a full system replacement with rebates, we’re here to make your home chill, comfy, and efficient—fast.
We serve all across the Lower Mainland, including:
Surrey, Coquitlam, and Pitt Meadows
North & West Vancouver
Hope, Chilliwack, and Mission
👉 Contact Veteran HVAC Today for your free AC or heat pump checkup & quote!
