How to Prepare Your AC for Summer in the GTA
A few steps in late spring keep your AC reliable through the hottest weeks and help you avoid a breakdown when you need cooling most.
5 min read | Updated 2026-05-26
Test the system before the first heat wave
Turn the AC on for 15 to 20 minutes on a mild day, well before you actually need it. You want to confirm it starts, the air gets cold, and there are no odd noises or smells while you still have time to book service.
Discovering a problem in May is far less stressful than discovering it during the first 32-degree day when every HVAC company is fully booked.
Clear and clean the outdoor unit
The outdoor condenser needs airflow to release heat. Clear leaves, grass clippings, and debris, and keep at least 60 cm of clearance on all sides. Trim back any shrubs that have grown in over winter.
With the power off, you can gently rinse the exterior fins from the inside out with a garden hose to remove built-up dust and pollen.
Change the filter and check the thermostat
Start the cooling season with a fresh filter so airflow is strong from day one. If you have a programmable or smart thermostat, update the schedule for summer hours and replace the batteries if it uses them.
A smart thermostat can trim cooling costs by avoiding unnecessary runtime while you are out of the house.
Book a professional tune-up early
A spring AC tune-up checks refrigerant charge, electrical connections, the capacitor, the contactor, coil condition, and the condensate drain. Catching a weak capacitor in spring is a small fix; catching it mid-July as a no-cool emergency is not.
Booking before the rush usually means better appointment availability and a system you can trust through the summer.