Are You Ready for the 2021 Summer Heat Wave? Air Conditioner Tips You Need Now

It takes a lot for Canada's warm season weather to make international news headlines.

But last year - in the middle of the pandemic no less - we made the headlines for a record-breaking heat wave that sent parts of Canada into the triple digits.

Many meteorologists are predicting that we will see a repeat of that heat wave in just a month or two, calling for a summer that is "sweltering" and "stormy."

If this doesn't sound like good news to you (it certainly doesn't to us), you will want to read this blog post in detail to learn how to prepare. 

An Air Conditioner Is No Longer Optional in Ontario

Last summer we heard from many of our longtime HVAC service clients in Quinte West, and surrounding areas, who had never before considered installing an air conditioner to their home.

But it was simply too hot to stay cooped up and sheltered in place with that kind of unrelenting heat and humidity.

Not everyone felt comfortable heading to public cooling stations to find relief, even when these were available. And some people were simply unable to leave home due to health, safety or mobility issues.

And even as we take those tentative first steps towards reopening here in Ontario, it may take until the fall before life feels "back to normal" in any significant way.

Right now, the smartest approach is to make sure your home is livable and safe, no matter what the weather forecast may bring.

Need An Air Conditioner? Know Your Options

Many of our customers who installed an air conditioner for the first time last summer didn't realize how many different options exist in today's market.

Air conditioning has come a long way since blocks of ice were delivered door to door!

Today, in addition to the traditional window unit air conditioner and central ducted air conditioning, you have ductless single unit and zoned air conditioning, ductless split systems, heat pumps and more.

Our HVAC service technicians at BiTemp will go over each of these options so that you can decide what might work best for your space.

Central Air Conditioner

If your home or workspace has existing ductwork that is in good condition, a central air conditioner makes for a slam-dunk addition to any size space.

Ductless Air Conditioner

For non-ducted spaces or smaller additions, many people are opting for a ductless air conditioner.

Ductless AC systems have a minimal footprint, excellent energy efficiency ratings and operate quietly and unobtrusively.

For multi-room and multi-level spaces, customers appreciate the option to link several ductless AC units together in a zoned system. This helps control energy costs and eases tensions when two family members disagree about cooling preferences.

Ductless AC/Heat Split System

Ductless split or mini-split HVAC systems can do both - cooling and heating - with the same quiet operation and minimal footprint as a ductless air conditioner.

These systems can also be linked together to create a zoned system of cooling and heating.

Heat Pump

Over the last few years, heat pumps have become increasingly popular here in the north as the technology has consistently improved.

Today's heat pumps do a fine job of cooling your home in summer and heating it in winter with the added perk of a built-in dehumidifier.

Should You Maintain, Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioner?

We recently devoted a whole blog post to this important question.

This post will help you identify the key warning signs that may signal your air conditioner needs preventative maintenance, major repairs or even a replacement.

Is Having Air Conditioning In Your Home Really That Important for Safety?

Unlike COVID-19, heat is considered a "silent killer." When combined with high humidity, that threat increases.

COVID-19 and heat/humidity also share one key similarity. Both conditions are much more likely to seriously impact a victim who already has another pre-existing health issue, such as a heart or respiratory condition.

The government of Canada has issued a warning that the annual number of hot days is projected to double in many areas.

This is important to know because, unfortunately, once you, a family member or a pet have symptoms of heat stroke, it is already a life-threatening medical emergency.

There is still a lot you can do to protect yourself, your loved ones and your animals even if air conditioning is not in the budget at the moment.

You can add floor fans or ceiling fans, use light-blocking covers for windows that receive direct sun, save cooking and laundry for early mornings or evenings when it is cooler, take cool showers, drink lots of cool water and wear breathable garments.

But do not assume too quickly that installing air conditioning is truly out of reach for you. Read on to learn about new options that have allowed many of our customers to add air conditioning in their homes and workspaces this past year.

We Offer HVAC Financing and Rent to Own Options

We understand that many of our customers have been hard-hit by this past pandemic year. Don't let financial worries get in the way of creating a safe and comfortable home for your family.

We now offer flexible five to nine year financing programs and rent to own options for HVAC equipment.

For our commercial customers, we are proud to offer commercial HVAC leasing options.

There are lots of ways we can work with you to make sure you have the air conditioning you need at a price you can afford.

Get in Touch with Bi-Temp in Quinte West for Your HVAC Needs

Bi-Temp Heating and Cooling is one of the most established and trusted HVAC companies in Belleville, Ontario. Our service technicians are courteous, prompt, highly trained and experienced with installing, repairing and maintaining all makes and models of heating and cooling equipment.

Give us a call at 1-613-967-1066 or visit us online to schedule your air conditioning service, maintenance or new unit installation.