As the temperatures climb across Cranbrook, Fernie, and the rest of the East Kootenays, your home’s HVAC system shifts from keeping you warm to keeping you alive and comfortable. But running your cooling system all summer shouldn’t mean draining your bank account. With a few smart adjustments, you can keep your home crisp, clear, and energy-efficient.
The 3-Step Summer Prep Checklist
Before the first major heatwave hits, make sure you check these three boxes:
- Swap the Filter: A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your system to work twice as hard.
- Clear the Outdoor Unit: Ensure your outdoor condenser has at least a 2-to-4-foot radius clear of weeds, grass, and debris so it can breathe.
- Audit Your Windows: Keep blinds closed during the peak sunny hours to block out natural radiant heat.
Some of the most frequently asked moving into the summer heat
What is the most efficient temperature to set my AC during a BC heatwave?
The Quick Answer: FortisBC and BC Hydro generally recommend setting your thermostat between 24°C and 26°C when you are home and awake. However, for a realistic balance of crisp comfort and bill savings, aiming for 22°C to 24°C prevents your system from running 24/7 while still keeping the indoor air humidity under control.
My heat pump kept me warm all winter—how do I optimize it for summer cooling?
The Quick Answer: Your heat pump is essentially an air conditioner running in reverse. For summer, ensure your thermostat is explicitly set to “Cool” mode rather than “Auto”. Keep the fan setting on low or auto to maximize dehumidification, and resist the urge to constantly adjust the temperature—heat pumps operate best when they maintain a steady baseline.
How can I protect my indoor air quality from wildfire smoke?
The Quick Answer: This is crucial for East Kootenay residents. When smoke levels rise, upgrade your furnace or air handler filter to a MERV 13 rating to catch fine particulate matter. Most importantly, switch your thermostat’s fan setting from “Auto” to “On” or “Recirculate”. This keeps your indoor air cycling through the filter continuously without drawing heavy smoke inside from the outdoors.
Why is my air conditioner running constantly but not cooling the house?
The Quick Answer: If your system is blowing lukewarm air or running non-stop without hitting your target temperature, it’s usually caused by a completely blocked air filter, heavily soiled outdoor coils, or a refrigerant leak. Turn the system off to prevent compressor damage and call a licensed technician to diagnose the pressure levels.
