Keep your cool this summer with tips every Ontario homeowner should know
When the Ontario summer heat rolls in, there’s nothing worse than flipping on your air conditioner and realizing… something’s not right. Maybe the air feels warm, maybe it’s not kicking in at all, or maybe it’s making a sound that’s just plain concerning.
The good news? A lot of these problems are preventable. At Climate Works, we’ve been helping homeowners across Ottawa and the surrounding region stay cool for years—and we’ve seen it all. So let’s break down what really goes wrong with AC units during the summer, and more importantly, how to stop it from happening in the first place.
Start with Your Air Filter—Seriously
It’s not the most glamorous part of your system, but your air filter is your first line of defense. A clogged or dirty filter makes your AC work harder than it needs to, which can lead to higher energy bills, poor airflow, and even system failure. In Ontario, where pollen and construction dust are regular summer guests, you should be checking that filter at least once a month.
If you have pets or you’ve had your windows open a lot this season, check even sooner.
Creating the perfect indoor climate is more than just a job to us—it’s our passion!
Thermostat Glitches Can Be Sneaky
Sometimes, your AC isn’t the problem—your thermostat is. Whether it’s out of calibration or just installed in a spot that gets too much sunlight, it could be giving your AC bad information. That means your system could short cycle, run at the wrong time, or not kick in at all. If things seem off, start here before assuming the whole system is down.
(And yes, double-check that it’s set to “cool.” You’d be surprised how often we see that.)
Refrigerant Leaks Aren’t Just a Technicality
If your system isn’t cooling properly, low refrigerant could be to blame. But refrigerant doesn’t just “run out”—if it’s low, there’s probably a leak. And that’s something you don’t want to ignore.
Not only does a leak affect your comfort and energy efficiency, it can damage the environment. In Ontario, technicians are required to handle refrigerants safely and responsibly. So if you’re noticing poor cooling or ice buildup on the outdoor unit, it’s time to call a licensed pro.
Don’t Forget About the Outdoor Unit
Ontario summers can be lush—and that means your outdoor AC unit might be surrounded by grass, weeds, or even mulch from your garden. When airflow gets blocked, performance drops fast. Make sure there’s at least two feet of clearance around the unit and hose it down gently if you see debris or dust buildup.
Also: avoid storing anything against the unit. We’ve seen everything from lawn chairs to hockey nets leaning up against condensers.
Electrical & Drainage Problems Are Real
Humidity is no joke in Ontario, and if your condensate drain gets clogged, you could be looking at water damage—fast. Likewise, frequent power fluctuations or tripped breakers can cause electrical components to corrode or short out.
If your unit shuts off randomly or you see water pooling around it, shut it down and give us a call. These issues are easy to fix early, but costly if left too long.
Maintenance Isn’t Just for Winter
Most people wait until something breaks before they call a technician—but by then, it’s often more expensive. Signing up for a simple AC maintenance plan (we offer one, by the way) means a certified tech can catch these issues early—before you lose a weekend sweating in your living room.
From checking refrigerant levels to cleaning coils and testing thermostats, a tune-up can extend the life of your system and keep your energy bills in check all summer long.
The Bottom Line
Do you need help getting your system back in shape? Contact Climate Works today and let’s keep your home cool, efficient, and comfortable—no matter what summer throws your way.
Trust us—backed by nearly 500 five-star Google reviews, we’ve earned our reputation through prompt, professional service and genuine care.
Contact Us
Ottawa (Headquarters)
2639 Pollock Rd.
Richmond, ON, K0A 2Z0
info@climateworks.ca | 613-838-9989
Toronto & GTA
1883 Mattawa Ave.
Mississauga, ON, L4X 1K8
gtaestimating@climateworks.ca | 437-317-0699
