What To Do When Your Apartment HVAC System Keeps Failing

When your apartment’s HVAC system keeps breaking down despite multiple repair requests, it’s more than an inconvenience. It can affect comfort and indoor air quality, and it’s worth treating as an urgent maintenance issue—especially in Saskatchewan winters. This problem becomes particularly urgent in Saskatchewan’s harsh climate, where functional heating and cooling systems are essential for safe living conditions. In other words, this isn’t just annoying—it’s a recurring HVAC Saskatoon reliability problem that needs a real fix, not another quick close-out.

If your filter turns dark unusually quickly after replacement, or you notice more dust and stale air, it may indicate a building-wide ventilation or filtration problem that requires proper investigation. These issues often indicate deeper systemic problems with your building’s ventilation system that go beyond simple maintenance fixes.

Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant

In Saskatchewan, landlords are responsible for keeping a rental unit in a good state of repair and fit for living, including services and facilities provided under the tenancy agreement. If work orders keep getting closed but the problem returns, treat it as an unresolved repair issue and keep your documentation tight.

Start by documenting everything. Record dates of each malfunction, describe specific problems like inconsistent temperatures or poor airflow, and note health impacts you’re experiencing. Take photos of dirty filters and keep copies of all work orders submitted. This documentation becomes crucial evidence if you need to escalate the situation.

Always request repairs in writing, specifying the problem and requesting a reasonable timeline for permanent fixes. Email creates an automatic paper trail, but written letters work too. The key is having proof that you’ve properly notified your landlord about ongoing issues.

What to Ask for in Writing (So It Doesn’t Get “Closed” Again)

Ask for (1) a diagnosed root cause, (2) what part was repaired or replaced, (3) what was tested after the repair, and (4) what the next step is if the issue returns. If your filter turns dark quickly, request that the building’s ventilation and filtration setup be checked—not just the filter swapped.

Taking Action When Repairs Aren’t Made

If your landlord continues ignoring the problem, you can apply to Saskatchewan’s Office of Residential Tenancies for an order compelling proper repairs. The ORT can help resolve rental disputes and can handle monetary claims up to $30,000, depending on the situation. and can compensate you for losses like increased utility bills from inefficient systems or temporary accommodation costs if your unit becomes uninhabitable.

Don’t attempt to withhold rent without ORT approval first—this could lead to eviction proceedings against you. Instead, use the ORT’s dispute resolution process and follow its steps to request repairs and escalate unresolved issues. You can file applications online or in person.

If you suspect a serious safety issue (for example, a fuel-burning appliance concern, strong exhaust smells, or visible mould), contact the appropriate local authority or health service line and document what you observed. Persistent HVAC failures can create dangerous conditions including mould growth, humidity imbalances, or carbon monoxide risks from faulty furnaces.
If you ever smell gas or feel unsafe, leave the unit and contact emergency services. For everything else, avoid opening panels or attempting repairs yourself—document the issue and push for a qualified inspection. These health hazards give additional weight to your case and may prompt faster action from authorities.

Trust the Experts at FurnaceGuys

If you’re the unit owner, landlord, or property manager and need HVAC services in Saskatoon to properly diagnose repeated failures, we can help with a thorough assessment.

If your apartment HVAC system keeps failing, it’s time to call in the professionals. At FurnaceGuys in Saskatoon, we understand the urgency of maintaining a reliable HVAC system, especially in Saskatchewan’s challenging climate. Our skilled technicians are dedicated to providing top-notch HVAC maintenance and repair in Saskatoon to ensure your comfort and safety.

Don’t let ongoing HVAC issues compromise your wellbeing. Reach out to FurnaceGuys for prompt and efficient service tailored to your needs.