As summer heat waves continue blasting across Ontario, Tarion, the not-for-profit consumer protection organization that administers the province’s new home warranty program, has published tips for staying safe and cool at home.

For air conditioners,  it’s important to keep up with necessary maintenance. For instance, dirty air filters can spread dust and allergens, and blocked drain lines can lead to mold growth.

For newly built homes, air conditioning units are covered for a year under the builder warranty if they’re purchased and installed by the builder. This warranty, backed by Tarion, covers situations such as an air conditioner not being installed yet or not providing any cooling to the home at all. If there are problems with the unit itself, this may be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty depending upon the issue.

“We encourage homeowners to be proactive with maintenance and – if there are issues covered by the builder’s warranty – we can help make sure the builder addresses them, or intervene directly if needed,” said Peter Balasubramanian, Tarion’s CEO. “If an air conditioning system fails completely during the summer months, it may qualify as an emergency which triggers an expedited claims process.”

Tips to keep your AC in tip top shape during cooling season

Like other parts of a home, air conditioners require regular maintenance to work well. Here are a few recommendations:

• • Clean the outdoor condenser unit. Regular maintenance includes cleaning the condenser coils and fan blades, and removing any leaves or debris trapped inside the unit. Also clear away any branches, weeds, or other items around the unit that can block airflow and affect performance.
  • Change the air filter. Change the air filter regularly. This improves indoor air quality and helps an air conditioning system work efficiently. A clean filter reduces strain on the unit, which can lower electricity bills and extend the unit’s lifespan. Replace the air filter every three months, or 90 days, or more often if there are pets or allergies.
  • Schedule a tune up. A qualified HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technician can perform all the maintenance tasks required to keep an air conditioner running smoothly and catch issues early. Experts recommend scheduling a service appointment once a year, ideally before the air conditioner is turned on for the first time.

Other tips to help a home stay cool

• Check the seals around windows and doors. If too much outside air gets in, it will be harder and more expensive to keep a home cool. Keep an eye out for cracks, gaps, or missing caulking.
• Keep the home at a consistent temperature if possible. Whether using a traditional or a smart thermostat, make sure it’s working properly and avoid big temperature swings, which use more energy and make an AC work harder.
• Invest in a hygrometer. This tool measures the humidity levels inside a home and helps keep on top of humidity to avoid the discomfort and risks of high humidity.
• Use a HRV/ERV to control heat and humidity. A Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) or Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) are part of the heating and ventilation systems of some homes. They provide fresh air by exchanging indoor air with outdoor air, helping to regulate temperature. ERVs can also remove humidity from the air.