In this guide
1. Get the cooling ready before the queue
The single most useful thing you can do is book an AC service before the first heatwave, when every technician on the island gets the same call at once. A clean unit cools faster, uses less electricity and doesn't blow a winter's worth of dust and mould into your bedroom.
- Service every split unit — filters, coil, fan and drain line. See our AC servicing guide for what to expect.
- Test each unit in cooling mode for 15 minutes. Weak cooling or ice on the pipes needs a technician.
- Clear plant pots, laundry and stored items from around outdoor units.
- Clean ceiling and pedestal fans — they're the cheapest way to feel cooler.
- If you're adding a unit, book the installation in spring; waiting times grow in summer.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| AC service via offersPer job | €50–€160 |
| Premium AC cleaning, first unitFixed instant price | from €65 |
| Handyman jobs (screens, blinds, fixings)Per job | €40–€150 |
| Electrician (fans, sockets, outdoor lights)Per job | €60–€250 |
Prices on HomeHero as of October 2026. Typical offers are a guide, not a quote — your price depends on the job.
2. Keep the heat out in the first place
Traditional Maltese houses kept cool with thick stone walls, wooden shutters and closed-up rooms during the day. The same principles work in a modern flat:
- Close shutters, blinds or curtains on sun-facing windows from late morning — before the room heats up, not after.
- Fit external shading where you can: awnings, shutters or shade sails on terraces. Outside shading stops heat before it reaches the glass. In apartment blocks, check what your building and the planning rules allow first.
- Swap heavy winter curtains for light, pale ones, or add blackout blinds in bedrooms.
- Open windows on opposite sides of the home at night and early morning to flush out warm air.
- Use LED bulbs — older halogen and incandescent bulbs add noticeable heat to small rooms.
3. Screens and insects
Mosquitoes are part of a Maltese summer, especially near standing water and gardens. Fly screens let you sleep with the windows open without being bitten.
- Check existing screens for tears, and that sliding and roller screens run smoothly.
- Measure and fit screens on bedroom windows and the doors you use most. A handyman can fit roller or magnetic screens quickly.
- Empty anything that collects water outdoors: plant saucers, buckets, old tyres, blocked gutters and drains.
- Seal gaps around pipes and under doors where cockroaches and ants come in.
4. Water tanks, pressure and plumbing
Many Maltese homes store water in a roof tank, and some older houses also have an underground well or cistern. In summer, demand goes up and stored water warms up, so spring is a good time to check the system.
- Check the roof tank lid is secure and the tank is clean inside. Sediment builds up over time; tanks are usually cleaned every year or two.
- Check the float valve and overflow work, so the tank doesn't run dry or overflow down the façade.
- If you have a pump, test it and listen for it cycling on and off when no tap is open — that usually means a leak.
- Look under sinks and around the water heater for slow drips; small leaks add up over a summer.
- Check outdoor taps and irrigation for leaks before you start watering every day.
5. Roof, terrace and balconies
- Inspect the roof and terrace for cracks, lifted membrane or loose tiles while it's dry — and plan any waterproofing repairs for late summer, before the autumn rains.
- Clear roof drains and gutters of dust, leaves and the sand the sirocco leaves behind.
- Check balcony railings and fixings are firm, especially on older façades.
- Clean outdoor furniture and check umbrellas and shade sails are anchored for windy days.
- Give the garden and planters a spring tidy before the heat makes it hard work. Our garden and roof terrace guide has more.
6. Safety checks and going away
- Test smoke alarms and replace batteries.
- Don't overload extension leads with fans and portable AC units — have an electrician add sockets if you're short.
- Keep a torch and charged power bank handy for occasional summer power cuts.
- If you'll be away: turn off the water heater, empty the fridge or leave it on a low setting, unplug electronics and ask a neighbour to collect post.
- Short-let hosts: service every AC unit, refresh insect screens and stock spare fans before the season starts.
Frequently asked questions
When should I service my AC before summer in Malta?
March to May is ideal. Technicians are less busy, so you'll get faster offers and more flexible times than in June and July.
How can I keep my flat cool without running the AC all day?
Close shutters and blinds on sunny windows before the room heats up, ventilate at night and early morning, use ceiling fans and switch to LED bulbs. Then use the AC to top up rather than fight a hot room.
Do I need to clean my roof water tank?
Stored water tanks collect sediment over time. Many homeowners have them cleaned every year or two, and inspected sooner if the water looks or smells different.
Can a handyman fit mosquito screens?
Yes. Fitting roller, sliding or magnetic fly screens is a common handyman job. Measure your windows or share photos in your task so Heroes can quote accurately.
How much do summer preparation jobs cost?
On HomeHero, typical offers are €50–€160 for AC servicing and €40–€150 for handyman jobs like screens and blinds (as of October 2026). Combining several small jobs into one task usually works out cheaper.
Tick off your summer list
Post one task with all your small jobs — screens, fixings, fans — and get offers from local Heroes.