Summer heatwaves in Ottawa are becoming more intense and lengthy. Your air conditioner works hard during these periods and could use a little support to perform optimally. Here are the best ways to prepare your air conditioner for a heat wave.
Tip #1: Check Air Filters
The most important tip for preparing your HVAC system for a heatwave is also the top thing you can do year-round to keep your system running efficiently. Regularly check and change your air filters, or clean them if applicable. During a heatwave, when your system runs nonstop, consider checking and changing them more often than recommended.
Clean HVAC air filters are essential for efficient cooling. Dirty filters force your system to work harder, which can lead to a breakdown at exactly the wrong time. Maintaining your HVAC filter can help your system power through a heatwave.
Tip #2: Maintain the Condenser Unit
Schedule an air conditioner inspection and tune-up before the brutal summer heat waves arrive. Professional HVAC maintenance is crucial for keeping your central AC or heat pump cooling efficiently.
During this AC tune-up, an HVAC technician will perform various activities such as cleaning the condenser coils and inspecting the fan, capacitor, refrigerant lines, blower, and more. They will also check the refrigerant level and recharge the unit as necessary.
Tip #3: Optimize Thermostat Settings
If you are wondering, “What should I set my thermostat to during a heat wave?” you are not alone. The key is to find a balance between comfort and efficiency. A good general guideline is to set your thermostat as high as you comfortably can. This typically means aiming for 26 degrees Celsius when you’re home and around 27 degrees Celsius when you’re away.
Use a programmable thermostat to automatically change the settings based on a schedule you set. Smart thermostats take this a step further by automatically adjusting the temperature based on outdoor temperatures, occupancy, time of day, and other factors. Programmable and smart thermostats can increase your comfort level and save you money at the same time.
Tip #4: Explore Other Ways to Help Your AC During an Excessive Heat Warning
Besides maintaining the unit and optimizing thermostat settings, there are other ways to reduce the strain on your air conditioner during a heat wave. Try these tips for better home comfort:
- Close curtains, shades, and blinds during the day to block out the sun.
- Seal any leaks and cracks around windows and doors to keep cool air in and hot air out.
- Utilize your ceiling fans.
Contact Your Local Home Comfort Experts
Even with the best preparation, sometimes your AC needs a little extra help. If your air conditioner just can’t keep up with the heat, is blowing warm air instead of cool, or has stopped working entirely, Contact Team Harding. And if you haven’t booked your seasonal tune-up yet, we’re here to help ensure your system is ready for whatever the summer brings.
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Team Harding has been Ottawa’s leading home comfort specialist since 1994. We are a family-owned and operated local business and all of our installers and technicians are fully licensed.
