Summer in Canada can be beautiful and enjoyable, but along with the warm weather comes the need for air conditioning. However, it is important to take care of your air conditioning unit to ensure it can handle the strain of constant use during the summer months. Below are some tips on how to minimize strain on our AC units this summer.
Regular Maintenance
One of the most important things you can do to help your AC unit is to perform regular maintenance. This includes things like cleaning or replacing the air filters, checking the refrigerant levels, and lubricating the moving parts. It is recommended to have a professional service your unit at least once a year to ensure everything is in working order.
By performing regular maintenance, you can prevent small issues from turning into bigger problems. Doing basic tasks such as cleaning your AC’s air filters can boost its effectiveness, which can result in savings on your power bill.
What a Yearly Tune-Up Actually Covers
Cleaning or swapping the filter every one to three months is the single easiest habit, but a professional visit goes further. Our technicians rinse the outdoor condenser coil, inspect the indoor evaporator coil, clear the condensate drain, and measure the refrigerant charge so the system is not quietly running low. They also check the run capacitor and electrical connections, since a weak capacitor is a common cause of a unit that struggles or short-cycles once the weather turns hot. Booking a spring maintenance plan keeps these checks on a predictable schedule instead of waiting for a breakdown.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Another way to minimize strain on your AC unit is to use a programmable thermostat. This allows you to set the temperature in your home to automatically adjust based on your schedule. For example, you can set the temperature to be warmer during the day when no one is home and cooler in the evening when everyone is home.
By using a programmable thermostat, you can prevent your AC from working harder than it needs to. This can also save you money on your energy bill by reducing the amount of time your air conditioning unit is running.
When you set back the temperature, keep the swing modest — a few degrees rather than a large gap. Asking the system to recover ten degrees the moment everyone gets home forces a long, hard run at the hottest part of the day. A gentle setback and an auto fan setting also give the coil time to remove humidity, which is often what makes a room feel sticky even when the thermostat reads a comfortable number.
Close Blinds and Curtains
In addition to using a programmable thermostat, you can minimize the strain on your AC by closing blinds and curtains during the day. This can help keep your home cooler by preventing the sun from heating up the inside of your home.
By keeping your home cooler, your unit won’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. This can also help save you money on your energy bill by reducing the amount of time your AC is running.
Install Ceiling Fans
Another way to help your AC this summer is to install ceiling fans. Ceiling fans can help circulate the air in your home, which can make it feel cooler without having to lower the temperature on your unit.
By using ceiling fans in conjunction with your AC, you can help reduce the strain on your unit and save money on your energy bill. Just be sure to turn off the ceiling fans when no one is in the room to conserve energy.
Keep Your Home Sealed
Lastly, keep your home sealed to prevent cool air from escaping and warm air from entering. This can be done by sealing cracks and gaps around doors and windows and adding insulation to your home.
By keeping your home sealed, your AC unit won’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature. This can also save you money on your energy bill by reducing the amount of time it is running.
Give the Outdoor Condenser Room to Breathe
The outdoor unit can only cool your home if it can shed heat, and that depends on unrestricted airflow through its coil. Over a season, grass clippings, leaves, cottonwood fluff, and dryer lint collect in the fins and choke that airflow. Trim back shrubs, pull weeds, and keep patio furniture and stored items well clear of all four sides so the fan can pull air freely.
A little shade helps too. A condenser placed in direct afternoon sun works harder than one that gets natural shade from a tree or the house, as long as nothing drops leaves into the cabinet or blocks the fan. Avoid boxing the unit in with a tight enclosure, though — restricting airflow to hide it does more harm than the heat it was meant to escape.
Watch for Short-Cycling and Leaky Ducts
If the system switches on and off every few minutes without satisfying the thermostat, that short-cycling wears out components quickly and should be diagnosed rather than ignored. Leaky or poorly sealed ductwork is another hidden drain: cooled air escaping into an attic or crawl space means the system runs longer to reach the same comfort. Sealing accessible duct joints and insulating runs in unconditioned space keeps the cool air where you actually want it.
Conclusion
There are several things you can do to help minimize the strain on your air conditioning unit this summer. Regular maintenance, using a programmable thermostat, closing blinds and curtains, installing ceiling fans, and keeping your home sealed can all help reduce the strain on your unit and save you money on your energy bill. By taking these steps, you can ensure your AC is working efficiently and effectively to keep you cool and comfortable during the summer months.
Want to keep your home cool and comfortable this summer without breaking the bank? Call Fortis Heating & Air Conditioning now to schedule a professional inspection, maintenance, repair, and other air conditioning services in Oshawa. Our expert team is dedicated to providing top-notch services to families in Oshawa and beyond. Contact us today!
Cool, steady summers: Fortis Heating & Air Conditioning keeps cooling systems running smoothly for homes in Whitby, Pickering, Oshawa and Ajax, plus surrounding Brooklin and Clarington.
Summer Cooling & Efficiency Resources
For more on keeping your air conditioner efficient through the warm months, these independent guides pair nicely with a hands-on maintenance visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What HVAC services does Fortis Heating offer in Oshawa?
Fortis Heating & Air Conditioning is a full-service HVAC company offering air conditioning installation and repair, furnace service, heat pumps, custom ductwork, gas fireplaces, gas line installation, and hot water and tankless water heater solutions. Homeowners throughout Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, and Bowmanville can reach us for a free consultation whenever a question comes up.
How do I know if my HVAC system needs professional service?
If your cooling or heating runs constantly, cycles on and off too often, makes unusual sounds, gives off odd smells, or leaves some rooms uncomfortable, those are signals it’s time for a professional visit. Rising energy costs and equipment older than 10 to 15 years are worth checking too. A quick on-site inspection is the surest way to know, and we’re glad to arrange one.
Are there energy rebates for HVAC upgrades in Ontario?
Occasionally. Energy-efficiency rebates in Ontario are offered through a mix of federal, provincial, and utility programs that change regularly, with some pausing or closing without much notice. High-efficiency cooling and heating equipment is frequently eligible, but confirm the current terms first. When we visit, we’re happy to help you sort out which incentives, if any, apply to your project.
How often should I change my AC filter in summer?
During heavy summer use, check the filter monthly and replace it every one to three months, sooner if you have pets or run the system continuously. A clogged filter starves the coil of airflow, which lowers efficiency and can cause the coil to freeze over on a humid day.
Why is my AC running constantly but the house still feels warm?
Constant running with poor cooling usually points to restricted airflow, a low refrigerant charge, a dirty condenser coil, or a system undersized for the load. Start by checking the filter and clearing the outdoor unit; if it continues, have a technician measure the charge and airflow before the compressor is stressed further.
Do ceiling fans actually let me raise the thermostat?
Yes. Moving air makes skin feel a few degrees cooler through evaporation, so you can nudge the thermostat up and still stay comfortable in an occupied room. Fans cool people, not spaces, so switch them off when you leave a room to avoid wasting energy.
