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Exploring the most common questions customers have about HVAC repairs and installations, our blog provides clear and helpful answers to make understanding your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems easier. Whether you’re dealing with a broken furnace, need advice on air conditioner maintenance, or want to know what to expect during an installation, we’ve got you covered with practical tips and insights.
The best furnace depends on your home size, budget, and comfort needs.
Consider having extra furnace filters, salt for icy walkways, and emergency supplies ready.
At Mr. Heat Furnace Orillia , we recommend homeowners take a few proactive steps to avoid mid-winter breakdowns.
It might sound strange, but turning your air conditioner on and off all day could be costing you more than just letting it run. At Mr. Heat Furnace Orillia , we’ve seen how smart use of your AC system can actually save you money , keep your home more comfortable, and help your HVAC system last longer. 🌀 Why “Always On” Isn’t Always Bad Many homeowners in Orillia turn their AC off completely when they leave the house or head to bed—thinking they’ll save energy. But that stop-and-go approach can actually make your system work harder. Here’s why running your AC more consistently can help: 1. Less Wear and Tear Starting and stopping the system over and over adds stress. A steady, consistent cycle reduces wear on parts and extends your system’s lifespan. 2. More Efficient Cooling It takes more energy to cool down a hot house than it does to maintain a steady temperature. Keeping your home just a few degrees cooler throughout the day is often cheaper in the long run. 3. Better Humidity Control ACs also remove moisture from the air. If your unit runs for only short bursts, it might not run long enough to reduce humidity—which can lead to discomfort and even mold. 4. Comfort Without the Spikes A steady indoor temperature avoids those “too hot, too cold” cycles. Your home stays consistently comfortable without big swings. Pro Tip: Use a Programmable Thermostat Set your thermostat to cool while you're home and adjust slightly when you're away—don’t turn it off completely. A smart thermostat makes this automatic, efficient, and simple. Watch: Why Leaving the AC On Might Be Cheaper (" S hould You Leave Your Air Conditioner Running All Day?" – FOX 26 Houston)
Summer in Orillia can get hot fast—but blasting your AC all day isn’t your only option. At Mr. Heat Furnace Repair Orillia , we’ve helped many local families stay cool with simple, smart strategies. Try these easy home cooling hacks to stay comfortable while saving energy. 1. Use Ceiling Fans the Right Way Ceiling fans don’t cool the air—they move it. In the summer, make sure your fan spins counterclockwise to push cool air down and create a breeze. 2. Keep Blinds and Curtains Closed During the Day Sunlight heats your home quickly. Closing curtains or blinds during the hottest parts of the day can drop indoor temps by several degrees. 3. Open Windows at Night When temperatures cool down in the evening, open windows to let fresh air in. Close them again in the morning to trap the cooler air inside. 4. Avoid Using the Oven Cooking indoors can raise your home's temperature. Use your BBQ or prepare cold meals on extra-hot days to keep your kitchen from heating up your house. 5. Switch to LED Bulbs Old lightbulbs give off heat. Replacing them with LEDs not only saves energy but keeps your home cooler too. 6. Book a Summer HVAC Tune-Up A poorly maintained air conditioner can cost more to run and cool your home less effectively. A quick HVAC tune-up in Orillia from our team can fix that. Skip the TikTok AC Hacks Some viral videos suggest using ice in front of fans or building homemade AC units. These might seem fun, but they’re often ineffective—and sometimes unsafe. Stick with trusted, professional cooling tips instead. From proper AC maintenance to energy-saving tips, we’re here to help you stay cool, safe, and stress-free all summer long. Contact Mr. Heat Furnace Orillia today for fast, friendly HVAC service, expert advice, or a summer tune-up that keeps your home running right.
If you’re still using an old manual thermostat, you could be wasting energy—and money. At Mr. Heat Furnace Orillia , we recommend upgrading to a smart thermostat , especially in the summer months. These small devices can make a big difference in how comfortable your home feels and how much you spend on cooling. What Is a Smart Thermostat? A smart thermostat is a modern device that lets you control your heating and cooling from your phone, tablet, or computer. Many smart models also learn your schedule, adjust automatically, and help you track energy usage. How a Smart Thermostat Helps in Summer Here are the top benefits for homeowners in Orillia: 1. Lower Energy Bills Smart thermostats raise the temperature when you're not home and cool things down before you return—saving energy without sacrificing comfort. 2. Remote Control from Anywhere Whether you're at the cottage or grocery store, you can adjust your home temperature right from your phone. 3. Weekly Energy Reports Most smart thermostats show how much energy you use and give suggestions to help you save even more. 4. Easy Scheduling Set up a cooling schedule that fits your lifestyle. For example, cooler in the evening for sleep and warmer when you’re out. 5. Better Comfort, Automatically Some thermostats learn your habits and adjust without you having to do anything. Top Brands We Recommend At Mr. Heat Furnace Orillia , we often install: Nest Learning Thermostat ecobee SmartThermostat Honeywell T-Series Smart Thermostat We can help you choose the best model for your home and set it up for maximum efficiency. Watch: Smart Thermostat Benefits Explained ("W h y Smart Thermostats are a Smart Choice" – Energy Upgrade California)
Summer is beautiful in Orillia, but those rising temperatures can also raise your energy bill. At Mr. Heat Furnace Orillia , we help homeowners stay cool without spending a fortune. These simple HVAC tips can cut your cooling costs and make your system last longer. 1. Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat A smart thermostat adjusts your cooling when you're not home, helping you save energy without lifting a finger. Set it a few degrees higher while you’re away to cut costs. 2. Close Blinds and Curtains During the Day Direct sunlight heats up your home fast. Close your blinds during the hottest part of the day to keep your rooms cooler naturally. 3. Use Ceiling Fans the Right Way Fans don’t cool the air—they move it. Set ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise in summer to push cool air downward. This makes your home feel cooler without lowering the thermostat. 4. Keep Vents and Filters Clean Blocked vents or dirty air filters make your system work harder. Make sure furniture isn't covering vents and replace filters every 1–2 months during summer. 5. Shade the Outdoor AC Unit Your AC will run more efficiently if it’s in a shaded area. Plant a bush nearby or add a small awning—but leave plenty of space around it for airflow. 6. Seal Air Leaks in Your Home Cool air can escape through small cracks around doors and windows. Use weather stripping or caulking to keep the cool in and the heat out. 7. Schedule a Summer Tune-Up Regular maintenance helps your system run better and avoid surprise breakdowns. At Mr. Heat Furnace Repair Orillia , we offer affordable AC tune-ups to keep things running smoothly. Watch: Energy Saving Tips for Summer ("Tips to Reduce Energy Bill During the Summer Months" – PECO Energy Company)
When summer rolls into Orillia, your air conditioner becomes one of the most important parts of your home. To keep your system running smoothly all season long, the team at Mr. Heat Furnace Orillia has put together this list of 10 simple HVAC tips you should follow before the real heat arrives. 1. Change Your Air Filter A clean air filter helps your system run better and keeps your indoor air fresh. Replace it every 1–2 months during summer. 2. Test the Thermostat Turn your system to “cool” and make sure the AC kicks in. If it doesn't, call for a tune-up before things get hot. 3. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat A programmable thermostat can save you money by cooling your home only when you need it. 4. Clear the Outdoor Unit Cut back any weeds or plants around your AC. Leave at least 2 feet of space for proper airflow. 5. Rinse the Condenser Coils Use a garden hose to gently rinse off dirt and debris from the outdoor coils. This boosts efficiency and cooling power. 6. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up A summer HVAC check-up in Orillia ensures your system is ready for the season. We’ll check all parts, clean coils, inspect refrigerant levels, and more. 7. Seal Doors and Windows Keep the cool air in and hot air out. Use weather stripping and check for drafts. 8. Open All Vents Blocked vents reduce airflow and make your system work harder. Keep furniture and rugs away from vents and registers. 9. Check the Drain Line Your AC’s drain line can clog with dirt or algae. Flush it with a bit of white vinegar or call us to clean it professionally. 10. Plan Ahead for Repairs If your system is older or hasn’t been serviced in a while, don’t wait for a breakdown. Get a check-up early and avoid emergencies. Watch: Top HVAC Tips for Summer ("10 Essential HVAC Maintenance Tips for a Cool Summer" – HVAC Guide for Homeowners)
If your air conditioner isn’t cooling as well as it used to, dirty condenser coils might be the reason. At Mr. Heat Furnace Orillia , we often find that cleaning the AC’s outside unit is one of the easiest ways to improve performance and save on energy bills. What Are Condenser Coils? Your air conditioner’s condenser coils are found in the outdoor unit. These coils release heat collected from your home into the outside air. But when they get covered in dust, leaves, or grass clippings, they can’t do their job properly. Why Clean Coils Matter in Summer Dirty coils force your system to work harder, which: Lowers cooling efficiency Raises your energy bills Increases wear and tear Can lead to early system failure If you want your Orillia AC system to last and stay energy-efficient, cleaning the coils each summer is a must. How to Clean Your AC’s Condenser Coils (Safely) 1. Turn Off Power Always turn off the AC system at the breaker box for safety. 2. Clear Debris Around the Unit Remove sticks, leaves, weeds, and anything blocking airflow around the outdoor unit. 3. Remove the Top Grille (Optional) If you feel comfortable, unscrew the top and gently lift the fan out of the way—being careful not to tug on wires. 4. Use a Garden Hose Spray the coils from the inside out with a garden hose (not pressure washer!). Gently rinse away dirt, avoiding damage to the fins. 5. Reassemble and Turn It On Once everything is dry, reattach the fan cover and turn the power back on. Watch: How to Clean Your AC Condenser ("H o w to Clean Your Air Conditioner Condenser Unit" – Word of Advice TV)
Hot summer days in Orillia mean your air conditioner is working overtime. But are you using your HVAC system the right way? At Mr. Heat Furnace Repair Orillia , we often see common mistakes that can raise your energy bills or even damage your system. Here are the top 5 summer HVAC mistakes to avoid —and how to fix them! ❌ Mistake #1: Not Changing Your Air Filter A clogged air filter can block airflow, making your system work harder and wear out faster. It also spreads dust and allergens in your home. ✅ Fix: Change your filter every 1 to 2 months during summer. If you have pets or allergies, check it more often. ❌ Mistake #2: Closing Air Vents in Unused Rooms Many people think closing vents saves money. But it actually throws off the balance of your system and can increase pressure, which leads to leaks or breakdowns. ✅ Fix: Keep all vents open and clear. Let air flow evenly through your home. ❌ Mistake #3: Ignoring Thermostat Settings Setting your thermostat too low or constantly adjusting it can waste energy and confuse your system. ✅ Fix: Set it between 24°C–26°C (75°F–78°F) when you're home, and higher when you're away. A programmable or smart thermostat is a great way to save money. ❌ Mistake #4: Skipping Summer HVAC Maintenance Without regular maintenance, small problems go unnoticed—until your system breaks down on the hottest day of the year. ✅ Fix: Book a summer HVAC tune-up in Orillia with Mr. Heat Furnace Repair. We’ll check for issues and keep your AC running efficiently. ❌ Mistake #5: Blocking the Outdoor AC Unit Grass, leaves, and even patio furniture can block the outdoor unit, which needs good airflow to work properly. ✅ Fix: Keep at least 2 feet of clear space around your outdoor unit. Hose it down gently to remove dirt and dust. Watch: Common Summer HVAC Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 📺 Watch on YouTube ("5 BIGGEST Summer HVAC Mistakes Homeowners Don't Know!" – Fox Family Heating and Air)
