Aristotle once said, “Quality is not an act; it is a habit.” And what better quality habit to cultivate than ensuring your AC system is ready to beat the summer heat?

It’s an underrated good habit for homeowners. Why?

We all know the feeling of walking into a stuffy, overheated house and feeling like we’re about to melt. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top seven tips to help you prepare your AC system for the summer months. 

With a few simple tips, you can fix small issues that snowball into larger ones and ensure your AC system is ready to handle whatever summer throws its way.

1.  Check your thermostat programming.

Ensure your thermostat is programmed to keep you comfortable. Maybe you set your thermostat to a very low temperature to keep you cool last summer and ended up with a high electric bill. Perhaps you’re a new homeowner unsure how to program your thermostat. Whatever the case, adjusting your thermostat programming is the first step in preparing your AC system for summer.

As you set your thermostat, remember to keep the adjustment between 5 to 8 degrees. Any less than that, and you may not feel a significant difference in temperature. Any more and your AC unit will have a difficult time adjusting effectively. Your goal is to maintain a comfortable temperature without putting a strain on your AC unit.

As the warmer months begin, now is the time to time make adjustments to your thermostat. You can even set your thermostat to adjust automatically to save energy when you’re away from home. Just make sure to keep the adjustment within the recommended range to avoid any issues.

Pro tip: during the spring, when the temperature fluctuates, consider keeping your thermostat on “auto” so your unit will supply cool and warm air, depending on the temperature outside.

Taking the time to adjust your thermostat programming is the first and most crucial step in preparing your AC system for summer. 

2. Change your air filters.

We know we’ve broken the record on sounding like a broken record on this maintenance tip. Take a look at the advice on changing your filters that appears in all of these past posts.

• The Guide to Saving on Your AC Bill
• The AC Troubleshooting Guide
• All About Air Filters: Frequently Asked Questions

It’s a common theme. But there’s a good reason we keep returning to this essential maintenance tip. Changing your air filters regularly is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your AC system running smoothly.

Think of your air filters like the lungs of your AC system. They filter out all the dust, dirt, and debris that would otherwise clog up your AC unit and make it work harder than needed. When your filters are dirty, your AC system has to work harder to push air through, which means it uses more energy and puts more strain on the unit. This can lead to higher energy bills and premature wear and tear on your system.

So, how often should you change your air filters? It depends on several factors, such as the type of filter you use and how often you use your AC system. As a general rule, we recommend changing your air filters every 60 to 90 days. If you have pets or live in a dusty area, you may need to change them more frequently.

Changing your air filters is a relatively easy task that most homeowners can do themselves. Make sure you choose the right size and type of filter for your AC system. If you’re not sure, consult your AC system’s manual or contact an HVAC professional for advice.

3.  Remove obstructions from around your outdoor unit.

Obstructions can come in many forms – overgrown bushes, fallen leaves, dirt, debris, and even outdoor furniture can all get in the way of your outdoor unit. When obstructions are present, they can restrict airflow to your unit, which can cause it to work harder than it needs to. This can damage your unit.

To prevent obstructions from becoming a problem, inspecting the area around your outdoor unit regularly is a good idea. Remove any debris that may have accumulated around the unit, such as fallen leaves or twigs. Trim back any overgrown bushes or plants getting too close to the unit. And if you have outdoor furniture or other items stored near the unit, make sure they are a safe distance away.

Pro tip: there should be at least 12 inches of clearance between your outdoor AC unit and other objects.

In addition to removing obstructions, it’s also a good idea to keep your outdoor unit clean. Use a wet towel to gently wipe off any dirt or debris that may have accumulated on the unit’s exterior. This will help ensure your AC system has plenty of airflow and operates effectively throughout the summer.

So grab that rake or towel, and get to work – your AC system will thank you!

4.  Clean off your outdoor coil.

While wiping off your AC, consider cleaning off your outdoor condenser coil.

First, cut the power to your AC system to prevent it from turning on while you’re working on the outdoor unit. Next, use a garden hose to spray down the outdoor coil gently. Be sure to spray from the top down so that any dislodged debris or dirt will fall to the ground. Avoid using a high-pressure nozzle or spraying directly into the coil, which can damage the fins and decrease efficiency.

Pro tip: please don’t attempt to clean your coil using any other solution or liquid. Consult with your local HVAC technician first!

5.  Check your condensate drain.

Ahh, the elusive condensate drain. It looks like a PVC pipe, and the access points can be found in a closet, in the attic, or behind a box of old sleeping bags in your basement. The other end will be located outside your home. Its purpose is to release the built-up moisture, push it away from the AC unit, and dump it outside. 

To check your condensate drain line, start by turning off your AC system. Next, ensure that all condensate pumps are plugged in and there are no visual signs of damage to the drain. Then, locate the drain line outside your home, which should be a pipe near your outdoor unit. Remove any debris or dirt clogging the drain line using a wet/dry vacuum or a pipe cleaner. Be careful not to use too much force, as this can cause the pipe to break.

If your condensate drain line is particularly clogged, you may need to use a bleach solution to clean it out. To do this, mix one part bleach with ten parts water and pour the solution into the drain line. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then flush the line with water to remove any remaining debris or bleach solution.

After you’ve finished checking and cleaning your condensate drain line, pour a cup of water into the drain pan to ensure it drains properly. If the water does not drain, this may be a sign of a more significant issue with your AC system, and you should contact a professional HVAC technician to take a look.

6. Test your unit.

To test your AC unit, turn it on and let it run for about 15 minutes to see if it is blowing cool air. If the air coming from your vents is warm or not as cool as it should be, this may be a sign that your AC unit needs to be serviced or repaired.

Next, check to make sure that all of the vents in your home are blowing cool air. If you notice that some vents are not blowing air at all or are blowing warm air, this could be a sign that your ductwork needs to be cleaned or repaired.

Finally, listen for any unusual noises coming from your AC unit. If you hear any grinding, squealing, or banging sounds, this may be a sign that your AC unit needs to be serviced or repaired.

If you notice any issues with your AC unit during your test, it’s important to contact your local HVAC technician for assistance.

Speaking of HVAC assistance, that leads us to our final tip.

7. Schedule your spring maintenance checkup. 

The final and perhaps most important step in preparing your AC system for the summer months is to schedule a spring maintenance check-up with a licensed HVAC professional. Even if you’ve taken all of the previous steps to ensure that your AC unit is running smoothly, it’s still important to have a professional inspect your system to identify any potential issues that could cause problems down the line.

During a spring maintenance check-up, a professional HVAC technician will thoroughly inspect your AC unit to ensure everything is in good working order. They will also check and clean the evaporator and condenser coils, replace any worn or damaged parts, and test the refrigerant levels to make sure that your AC unit is running efficiently and effectively.

Having your AC system professionally serviced and maintained not only helps ensure that your unit will work properly throughout the summer months, but it can also help extend your AC system’s lifespan, saving you money in the long run.

In addition to scheduling a spring maintenance check-up, it’s also important to consider signing up for a regular maintenance plan with your HVAC professional. Regular maintenance can help identify potential issues before they become major problems and can help to keep your AC system running smoothly and efficiently all year. Plus, many maintenance plans offer added benefits, such as priority service, discounted repairs, and extended warranties, making them a great investment for any homeowner.

Ready for the Spring and Summer?

Taking the time to prepare your AC system for the summer months can help ensure that you and your family stay comfortable and cool all season. 

By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can help improve your AC unit’s efficiency and performance while extending its lifespan and reducing the risk of costly repairs. And if you need professional help with your AC maintenance or repairs, don’t hesitate to reach out to our licensed HVAC professionals.

With our expertise and guidance, you can rest assured that your AC system is in good hands and ready to take on the heat of summer.