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It is critical for a business to have a plan in place when a compressor fails. Companies need to know the procedure for replacing the failed compressor and what effects it can have on their operation.
When a compressor fails, it may be time to replace it quickly with the old one being fixed or recycled. When you are trying to find out which option is right for you, consider all your options, such as where you will store the old one and whether or not your property has any environmental concerns, as well as whether or not your HVAC system will have any problems after the new compressor is put in place.
Compressor failures are often unexpected, so ensure that you have thought through your replacement plan before the failure happens.
There are different types of compressor failures. They can be caused by water damage, dirt, debris, corrosion, over-temperature, overcharge, and insufficient refrigerant.
Compressor failure is a serious matter that can lead to fire or even death when a leak occurs. If a potential compressor failure is detected early enough, it can help save the lives of people in the building.
A compressor failure can significantly damage the equipment, and it can be both expensive and time-consuming to replace a failed compressor. The following discussions will consider the causes, preventive measures, and how to react if an hvac compressor fails.
A compressor is an air conditioning or refrigeration machine that compresses ambient air to a higher pressure or temperature before it is released into pipes or ducts. It also cools down refrigerant liquid as it moves through the machine. This type of unit has been used since at least 1842.
"Inspections, Installations, Repairs & Maintenance"
What follows is the practical information CANRO shares with Metro Vancouver homeowners about HVAC systems during in-home consultations. CANRO Heating & Cooling provides complete HVAC services across Metro Vancouver — heating, cooling, ventilation and hot water — for residential homes, condos with strata systems, townhouses and small commercial buildings.
Vancouver's moderately hard tap water (around 60-100 ppm hardness in most of Metro Vancouver) affects tankless water heaters, combi boilers, and hot-water tanks — annual descaling is essential. CANRO has worked with HVAC system systems across Metro Vancouver since 1999, including installations and service calls in Como Lake, Lonsdale, Edgemont and Lougheed.
Sizing. Right-sized HVAC equipment delivers comfort, efficiency, and long lifespan. Over-sized equipment short-cycles; under-sized equipment runs constantly and fails early.
Lifespan. Most modern HVAC equipment lasts 12-20 years in Vancouver's mild climate. Annual maintenance is the single biggest factor in extending lifespan and preventing emergency failures.
Warning signs. Common HVAC warning signs: rising energy bills, uneven heating/cooling, unusual noises, persistent error codes, frequent on-off cycling, or visible condensation on registers.
Yes. CANRO holds a TSBC Class-A gas-fitting licence, our technicians are Red Seal certified for HVAC, and we carry full liability insurance plus WorkSafeBC coverage.
Annual servicing is recommended for every gas-fired appliance (furnace, boiler, hot-water tank, fireplace) and every cooling system (A/C, heat pump). Annual maintenance is also required to keep most manufacturer warranties valid.
Typical service life with annual maintenance: gas furnace 15-20 years, gas boiler 15-20 years (cast-iron 25-30), heat pump 15-20 years, central A/C 12-15 years, hot-water tank 8-12 years, tankless water heater 18-22 years, gas fireplace 20-30 years.
CANRO provides installation, repair, annual servicing and parts replacement for boilers, gas furnaces, heat pumps, hot-water tanks, tankless water heaters, gas fireplaces, central air conditioning, ductless mini-splits and gas-fitting services across Metro Vancouver.
General rule: if the equipment is more than 75% of its expected life AND the repair cost is more than 50% of replacement, replacement is usually the better investment because new high-efficiency equipment pays back the difference in energy savings over 5-10 years.
Yes. CANRO works with stratas across Metro Vancouver on common-area HVAC (boilers, makeup-air units, A/C towers) and in-suite systems. We provide signed work orders and detailed invoicing suitable for strata reporting and reserve-fund planning.
To book HVAC system service or get a free written quote for installation, call CANRO at (604) 359-1081 or email info@canroheat.ca. We service all of Metro Vancouver including Como Lake, Lonsdale, Edgemont and Lougheed.
This guide was written by the CANRO Heating & Cooling team based on 25+ years of HVAC system installation, repair and annual service work across Metro Vancouver. Last reviewed May 2026.
“Canro does an amazing job! Super professional and skilled with everything—boilers, furnaces, and AC. Always a pleasure working with them!”

“Five stars for Canro. We needed a replacement of a 30-year-old boiler. A new high-efficiency unit was installed—clean, professional work.”

“I can’t speak highly enough about George, who was recommended for a boiler service call for my parents’ home. George is excellent.”

25+ years keeping Metro Vancouver homes comfortable. Honest advice, upfront pricing, work that lasts.