10 Must-Do HVAC Tips As Orillia’s Heat Hits

10 Must-Do HVAC Tips As Orillia’s Heat Hits

By Kristina Unruh • July 16, 2025
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) 
Top 5 Summer HVAC Mistakes to Avoid

Top 5 Summer HVAC Mistakes to Avoid

July 9, 2025
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) 
How to Prep Your Furnace for Summer in Orillia

How to Prep Your Furnace for Summer in Orillia

July 3, 2025
Your furnace may get a break during the summer, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore it. At Mr. Heat Furnace Repair Orillia , we recommend taking a few simple steps to shut down your furnace properly so it stays in good shape for the next cold season. A little care now can prevent problems—and save you money—later. Why Shut Down Your Furnace for Summer? Even when you’re not using your furnace, dust and moisture can build up and cause wear. Taking the time to clean and prep your furnace helps: Prevent damage and rust Save energy Extend the life of your heating system Catch small problems before they turn into big repairs 5 Simple Steps to Shut Down Your Furnace 1. Turn Off the Pilot Light or Power If you have a gas furnace, turn off the pilot light to save energy. For electric furnaces, flip the power switch on the unit or shut off the breaker to cut power. 2. Change the Furnace Filter Even in the off-season, a dirty filter can affect air quality and clog the system. Swap it out now so it’s fresh and ready for fall. 3. Clean Around the Unit Vacuum dust and wipe down the outside of the furnace. Clear away any boxes, furniture, or clutter near the unit to help airflow and safety. 4. Check for Leaks or Strange Smells Look for signs of moisture, rust, or a musty smell. If anything seems off, give us a call for a quick inspection. 5. Schedule a Pre-Fall Tune-Up Book a furnace inspection in Orillia before fall arrives. Our local HVAC experts will make sure everything is working right so you’re not caught off guard when the cold weather comes back. Watch: How to Prepare Your Furnace for Summer Here’s a helpful video that walks you through a few of these steps: 
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Cleaning Your AC’s Condenser Coils: A Summer Must in Orillia

July 11, 2025

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

("How to Clean Your Air Conditioner Condenser Unit" – Word of Advice TV)

Need Help? We’ll Clean It for You!

Not comfortable cleaning your AC on your own? No problem. Our trained techs at Mr. Heat Furnace Orillia will inspect and clean your outdoor unit, so it works like new all summer.

We offer affordable summer AC maintenance services across Orillia, and we’re just a call away.

Contact us today to schedule your AC coil cleaning or full HVAC system tune-up in Orillia!