Most common AC repair. Unit won't start or short-cycles.
Typical cost: $150 – $600
AC blowing warm air, not cooling properly. Requires a certified technician to handle refrigerant.
Typical cost: $200 – $1,000
Restricted airflow or refrigerant issue causes ice buildup on the coil.
Typical cost: $200 – $1,200
Poplar fluff and dust are a major seasonal cause of condenser coil blockage, especially in May and June.
Typical cost for cleaning: $150 – $350
Weak airflow throughout the home.
Typical cost: $500 – $2,400
System not responding or not reaching the right temperature.
Typical cost: $80 – $660
Most expensive AC repair. If the compressor fails on an older unit, replacement of the entire air conditioning system may be more cost-effective than repair.
Can cause intermittent shutdowns or prevent the unit from starting.
Every repair starts with a system diagnostic: refrigerant pressure check, electrical connections inspection, coil and air filter inspection, and thermostat calibration check.
A diagnostic fee of $75 to $600 is charged to identify the issue, and TipTop provides a written quote before starting any work. While the diagnostic charge is separate, the travel and assessment fee can be applied toward the required repair work.
In Alberta, it is a legal requirement for anyone working on HVAC systems to be a registered apprentice or certified journeyperson. TipTop’s technicians meet that requirement.
Mini-splits are increasingly common in the city’s newer infill homes and condos, and very few HVAC companies have dedicated repair experience with them. TipTop services both.
For portable units, common issues include drainage blockages, filter clogs, fan motor failure, and compressor problems. For ductless mini-splits, TipTop handles refrigerant leaks, sensor faults, communication errors between the indoor and outdoor units, and drainage problems.
When summer temperatures climb past 35°C, a broken air conditioner stops being an inconvenience. For older adults, infants, and people managing respiratory conditions, it becomes a health risk.
TipTop dispatches same-day for emergency AC calls across Calgary. After-hours visits carry an additional call-out fee, and you’ll get a quote before any work begins, including on emergency calls.
At TipTop, we believe in complete transparency. We provide upfront, flat-rate pricing based on the specific job required rather than billing for time and materials. This means you’ll know the exact cost of your AC repair before work begins, with no hidden surprises, regardless of how long the job takes. Please note that emergency or weekend services may incur a standard flat-rate surcharge so you can plan accordingly.
Diagnostic fee
Capacitor replacement
Thermostat repair / replacement
Refrigerant top-up
Refrigerant leak repair
Requires certified technician
Frozen coil repair
Condenser / evaporator coil cleaning
Critical during poplar fluff season
Blower motor replacement
Compressor replacement
Often warrants replacement discussion
Electrical / wiring repair
Emergency / after-hours surcharge
Per call-out
Multiply your AC unit’s age in years by the repair cost in dollars. If the result exceeds $5,000, replacement is usually the better long-term investment.
For example: a 10-year-old unit needing a $600 repair equals $6,000, so replacement is worth a conversation. A 5-year-old unit needing the same $600 repair equals $3,000, so repair makes sense.
A second guideline: if the repair cost exceeds 50% of the price of a new system installed, replace it. If your unit still runs on R-22 refrigerant, repair costs will keep climbing as supply dries up. The cost of a new air conditioner installation typically ranges from $4,500 to $8,500, with most mid-range installs landing between $5,500 and $7,000.
Our technicians give you an honest recommendation based on your specific situation and never push replacement when repair is the right call.
10-year-old unit × $600 repair = $6,000
The cooling season runs roughly June through August. A breakdown in July can mean weeks without cooling if parts need to be ordered. Getting your tune-up done in spring matters here more than in cities with longer seasons.
May and June bring cottonwood fluff that packs into outdoor condenser coils fast. This is one of the most common causes of early-season AC failures and something a pre-season tune-up specifically addresses.
The city can swing from 30°C during the day to 12°C at night. The AC cycles on and off far more frequently than in cities with stable summer heat, which puts extra wear on components like capacitors and contactors over time.
Calgary sits at 1,045 metres above sea level, which affects refrigerant performance and cooling capacity calculations. Systems need to be properly sized for altitude, not just square footage.
High-altitude UV degrades rubber seals and wiring insulation on outdoor units faster than at lower elevations, which can lead to earlier component failures than you'd expect based on age alone.
Calgary's dry air means humidity-related problems are less common, but dust and debris accumulation on coils and filters is higher than in humid cities, making regular cleaning especially worthwhile.
Condenser coil cleaning
Evaporator coil inspection
Refrigerant level and pressure check
Electrical connections tightening
Capacitor and contactor test
Thermostat calibration
Air filter inspection and replacement
Lubrication of fan motor bearings
System efficiency test and airflow measurement
Safety controls test
If none of those fix it, call an HVAC technician at (403) 931-2900.
TipTop services all major brands of air conditioning systems.
Same day, every day
Summers don't wait. Neither do we.
No surprises
Upfront quote. Licensed techs handling major brands.
Fixed right, fixed clean.
We leave your home exactly as we found it.
Want to avoid the next breakdown? Ask us about TipTop’s annual AC maintenance plan.
