As summer ends and cold weather approaches, many Ontario homeowners begin preparing their properties for snow, ice and freezing temperatures. Patio furniture is stored, outdoor taps are shut off and gardens are cleared. During this process, one question often comes up: should I cover my air conditioner in winter?The answer is not a simple yes or no. Most outdoor central air conditioning units are designed to remain outside throughout the year and withstand normal rain, snow and cold weather. ...

Ontario winters place heavy demands on residential heating systems. Once temperatures fall below freezing, a furnace may operate for many hours each day to keep the home warm. If the system has a clogged filter, worn component, airflow restriction or developing safety problem, that demand can turn a minor concern into an inconvenient breakdown at the coldest possible time.A fall furnace tune-up cannot guarantee that a furnace will never need repair, but it can identify many problems before th...