Cool Summer Forecast in Ontario – Are Your HVAC Units Prepared?
We all recall the Ice Storm of December last year, and the following Polar Vortex that heralded one of the coldest winters in Ontario history. So while most of us look forward to a hot summer, too much of a good thing can be overwhelming.
Luckily, the coming summer is scheduled to be relatively mild and pleasant, with an average temperature of 24*-26*C. That means that you need to account for all your HVAC appliances to make sure they’re in working order.
We can’t predict what kind of weather we’re going to have with a summer polar vortex hanging over Ontario, as weather can wildly fluctuate between very hot and very cold temperatures. So Ontario Energy Group would like to offer the following tips for a moderate, if unpredictable summer.
Get All Your HVAC Units Up to Date
And that includes, if applicable, your central heating unit such as your gas furnace. While most homeowners don’t consider that they may need a heater in the dead of summer, a potential cold snap during this summer is more likely than ever. The combination of a cloudy day, low temperatures, and wind can turn even mid-July into sub 10*C temperatures, which can be uncomfortable for many.
As summer hasn’t quite dawned on us yet, you can take advantage of low customer workloads from your HVAC provider, and get service on all furnace, AC unit, and water heater now instead of waiting until the weather becomes too volatile and wait times shoot up.
Account for Reduced Humidity
This past March, there was more ice on our Great Lakes than ever recorded before. Meteorologists project that this means our summer will be exceptionally dry, in addition to being cool. While getting away from the
typical summer mugginess is very welcome, a dry summer can mean bad things for your home heating and cooling.
Excessively dry and warm weather can cause PVC pipes in your home to weaken, as well as cause more dust clogging in vent systems. In addition, dry air is exacerbated by running your AC or heater for too long, which can create extremely dry air that is bad for furniture and for your respiratory comfort.
Take some time this summer and clean out your vents, install a humidifier, and make sure not to overuse your HVAC appliance, as they can continue to dry out your home. Make sure your home has clear ventilation to the outdoors, and make sure to stay hydrated.
Get Your Fall Check Done Early
As the weather this summer is going to be quite comparable to the weather in the Fall (cool and dry), you should take advantage of the opportunity to get your HVAC checklist cleared for fall weather. Make sure that when you check your units, you take the following steps:
- Check your furnace flue for moisture buildup, corrosion, and rusting.
- Check for leaks in your heating and cooling vents with a combination of dish soap and water. Watch for bubble as you run your unit.
- Replace batteries in home thermostats.
- Have your furnace professionally cleaned, you may be needing it sooner than you think.
- Have your water heater checked for leakages or moisture buildup.
Unfortunately, a cool summer indicates by all counts that we’ll be looking forward to a cool Fall as well. It’s best to have all your units in shape as we head into a volatile season. Waiting too late to get your units serviced may leave you in hot water when wait times shoot up. So stay cool and stay up to date with keeping your home comforts as reliable as ever.