Summer in Montreal is amazing. We have street festivals, beautiful parks, and plenty of sunshine. But we also get that heavy, sticky Quebec humidity. When the humidex climbs, our homes can start to feel like saunas.
To beat the heat, we rely on our air conditioners or heat pumps. But if your system is dirty or tired, it has to work twice as hard. That means a warmer house and a much higher Hydro-Québec bill!
Here is how you can tune up your air conditioner, save money, and stay perfectly cool this summer.
1. Wash the Filters (The Easiest Step!)
Your air conditioner sucks in air, cools it, and blows it back out. But it also catches dust, pet hair, and pollen. If the filter is clogged, the air cannot move easily. Your AC will run constantly just to keep up.
- What to do:Â Open the front panel of your AC or heat pump. Take out the plastic mesh filters. Wash them in the sink with warm water and a little dish soap. Let them dry completely before putting them back.
- How often:Â Do this at the start of summer, and then once a month during July and August.
2. Clean the Outside Unit
If you have a ductless mini-split or a central AC, you have a big metal box sitting outside your home. This unit releases the heat from inside your house out into the world. If it is covered in dirt, dead leaves, or cottonwood fluff from our Montreal trees, it cannot do its job.
- What to do:Â Make sure the machine is turned off. Use a garden hose to gently spray down the outside metal fins. Do not use a pressure washer, because it can bend the delicate metal parts. Clear away any weeds or bushes growing too close to the box.
3. Play Smart with Your Thermostat
When it gets super hot outside, it is tempting to set your AC to 18°C. But Hydro-Québec reminds us that setting it extra low will not cool your house down any faster! It just wastes electricity.
- The Sweet Spot: Try setting your thermostat between 22°C and 25°C. For every degree higher you set it, you save money.
- Bonus Tip:Â Close your curtains and blinds during the day when the sun is shining directly into your windows. This keeps the greenhouse heat out so your AC doesn’t have to fight so hard.
Need an Upgrade? Quebec Will Help Pay for It!
If your old air conditioner is loud, shaking, and barely blowing cool air, it might be time for a replacement.
Instead of buying another basic AC, consider a high-efficiency heat pump. Heat pumps are amazing because they cool your home in the summer and heat it in the winter.
Even better, Hydro-QuĂ©bec has a special program called LogisVert. If you install a qualifying energy-efficient heat pump, you could get up to $6,700 in financial help! It is a fantastic way to upgrade your home’s comfort and increase its resale value simultaneously.
We Are Here to Help
A comfortable home is a happy home. If you want a recommendation for a trusted, licensed local HVAC technician to look at your system, or if you want to know how a new heat pump affects your property value, feel free to reach out.
Stay cool and have a wonderful Montreal summer!