How to Maintain Your Central Air Conditioning System Before Ottawa’s Summer Heat

Ottawa summers bring intense heat and humidity, making your central air conditioning system one of the most important appliances in your home. To avoid mid-season breakdowns and rising energy bills, it's essential to complete a pre-summer maintenance checklist.

At Ercan’s Heating & Cooling, we’ve seen how a few simple steps can help Ottawa homeowners keep their systems running efficiently all summer long. Whether you’re tackling small maintenance tasks yourself or scheduling a professional tune-up, a little preparation goes a long way.

Importance of Pre-Summer AC Maintenance in Ottawa

Ottawa’s humid summer climate places extra demands on your cooling system. Without regular maintenance, even a small issue—like a dirty filter—can lead to airflow problems, increased energy use, or complete system failure.
That’s why we recommend checking your air filter monthly during peak seasons and scheduling annual maintenance before summer begins. This ensures your central air conditioning system operates efficiently when you need it most.

Impact on Efficiency & Comfort

Neglecting your AC system can lead to reduced efficiency, poor indoor air quality, and increased utility costs. A dirty or clogged filter forces your unit to work harder, wasting energy and wearing down components faster.
At Ercan’s, we remind customers that keeping up with regular maintenance can improve airflow, reduce the risk of breakdowns, and maintain consistent comfort in every room of your home.
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DIY Maintenance Steps for Ottawa Homeowners

You don’t have to be an HVAC expert to take care of your AC system. Here are a few easy tasks any Ottawa homeowner can do:
  • Replace or clean your air filters every 1–3 months.
     
  • Vacuum air vents and return registers to remove dust and debris.
     
  • Inspect your thermostat settings and consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for better temperature control and energy savings.
     
  • Clear away debris from around your outdoor condenser unit to ensure proper airflow.
     
These steps may seem small, but they play a big role in keeping your system efficient and reliable.

When to Schedule a Professional Tune-Up

Even with DIY upkeep, it’s important to schedule a professional inspection before the summer heat sets in. Call Ercan’s if you notice:
 
  • Weak or uneven airflow
     
  • Strange noises or odors
     
  • Unexplained spikes in your energy bill
     
During a professional tune-up, our certified technicians perform a full inspection based on Ercan’s AC service checklist, including:
 
  • Cleaning condenser and evaporator coils
     
  • Checking refrigerant levels
     
  • Testing safety and electrical components
     
  • Verifying thermostat calibration and system performance
     
These proactive steps can help identify and resolve issues before they become costly repairs.

Preparing for an HVAC Service Visit

To get the most out of your AC tune-up, a little prep work helps. Here’s how to get ready for your appointment with Ercan’s:
 
What our technicians will do:
  • Check and replace filters
     
  • Clean blower and coil components
     
  • Inspect and tighten electrical connections
     
  • Test system controls and performance
     
How you can prepare:
  • Clear access to indoor and outdoor units
     
  • Make note of any recent issues or concerns
     
  • Keep pets secure during the visit
     
This ensures a smooth, efficient visit and allows our technicians to focus on delivering top-quality service.

Get in Touch

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