Waterloo Region HVAC companies give advice on how to prepare for heat waves

With temperatures rising in Waterloo Region enough for Environment Canada to issue a heat warning, local HVAC companies have provided advice on how the public can ensure they stay cool inside their homes.

Dunn Heating and Air Conditioning Product specialist Dean Murray told CityNews that it’s been a busy air conditioning season.

“It’s been a warm summer so far,” said Murray. “With the heat wave, we always prepare for it ahead of time, because we know customers will be calling us because they are having issues with their air conditioners.”

Murray added that Dunn leads by example by making sure their employees take breaks and stay hydrated as advised by Environment Canada.

Jordan Wood, operations manager at Delta Air Systems echoed Murray’s comments, saying that the phone rings the most this time of year.

“It’s funny because we live in Canada, but people are more insistent on getting their cooling up and worker than when their their heat goes down in the winter. I would say the phones are ringing more than ever,” he said.

The advice from both companies on what people need to check most before a heat wave are first and foremost the filters. Also if you have an old system, make sure you get the refrigerate levels checked, as they can lead to lengthy repairs, which could be problematic during heat waves. They also both noted the need to keep outdoor coils clean and that registers and return vents are open so the system can breathe properly.

Both Murray and Wood also wanted to the public to know about new government rebates that allow people to make a cost-effective switch to heat pumps. The products cool and heat your home, and according to Wood, installing them as a replacement for an old system is more affordable for people than getting repairs.