How to Prepare Your Home for the Cooling Season: Save Energy & Boost AC Performance
Ontario homeowners—summer is creeping up, and with it, rising temps and energy bills. The good news? A little prep now can go a long way in keeping your cooling costs low and your home comfortable. Let’s break down how to prepare your home for the cooling season while saving energy and extending the life of your HVAC system.
Why Scheduling an AC Tune-Up is Non-Negotiable
Before the heat rolls in, booking your annual AC tune-up is essential. Not only does it ensure your system is running efficiently, but it keeps you compliant with manufacturer warranties.
Benefits of an AC tune-up:
Boost system efficiency by up to 30%
Catch minor issues before they become costly repairs
Maintain eligibility for rebate programs
Extend equipment lifespan
💡 Pro tip: Empower Home Comfort offers unlimited no-charge service calls and certified techs with every membership plan.
🧊 Home Prep Tips to Maximize Cooling Efficiency
Here’s how to prep your home and save money on your energy bills this summer:
1. Clean or replace your air filter
A clogged filter restricts airflow and forces your system to work harder, spiking energy usage.
2. Seal up any air leaks
Check around windows, doors, and attic spaces. Weatherstripping and caulking are low-cost, high-impact solutions.
3. Clear debris from outdoor units
Make sure your condenser has at least two feet of breathing room. Leaves, sticks, and dirt can choke your system.
4. Install a smart thermostat
Save up to 10% annually with programmable temperature settings based on your daily routine.
5. Close blinds during peak sun hours
Save up to 10% annually with programmable temperature settings based on your daily routine.
🚨 Don’t Forget: Tune-Ups Keep Your Warranty Valid
Here’s the real deal: if you don’t get your AC professionally serviced every year, you could be waving goodbye to your manufacturer’s warranty — and that’s a costly mistake.
Most major HVAC manufacturers, like Lennox, Goodman, or Carrier, explicitly state in the fine print that your system must receive annual maintenance by a certified technician. No exceptions. If something breaks down and you haven’t kept records of yearly service, your warranty claim could be denied. That means you’re footing the bill for parts, labour, and diagnostics — out of pocket.
And we’re not talking pocket change. A compressor replacement alone can run you upwards of $2,000–$3,000. That’s money that could’ve been covered… for free… if you had booked a simple tune-up.
Ready to upgrade your home comfort and save big? For a limited time, get 3 months FREE when you sign up for any of our Maintenance or Protection Plans!
Whether you’re looking to protect your furnace, A/C, or water heater, Empower Home Comfort has you covered—with no-charge service calls, 24/7 support, and energy-efficient upgrades that qualify for Ontario rebates.
