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A Comprehensive Checklist for Pre-Summer AC Preparation

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Published in Home Articles

Is your air conditioner ready to handle the heat of summer?

Getting it checked before the season starts can help your home stay cool when the days get hot. Skipping a few steps could lead to big problems once the heat rolls in.

You don’t want to wait until it’s too late to find out something’s wrong. Keep reading to find out what needs to be done before summer begins.

Check the Thermostat

Before the heat picks up, it’s smart to check your thermostat. If it’s not working right, your AC might run too long or not long enough. That can make the house feel off and cost more money, too.

Turn the system on and see how it behaves for a while. Feel the air and make sure it gets cool fast. If something feels strange, the thermostat may need attention soon.

Some use batteries, so check if they’re still strong. A weak battery can cause all sorts of small issues. Replacing it early helps avoid a bigger problem later.

A smart thermostat might also be worth thinking about. Still, no matter the type, make sure it’s ready before those hot days begin.

Replace Air Filters

Your air filter grabs dust and dirt while your AC runs. When too much builds up, it blocks the airflow and makes the system work harder. That extra strain can drive up your energy bill over time.

Check the filter if your home doesn’t cool down the way it used to. Even when it looks clean, a few months of use can fill it. Set a schedule so you don’t forget to switch it out on time.

Use washable filters if you want to rinse and reuse them. If not, toss the old one and pop in a fresh filter. That small habit helps your AC keep your home cooler with less effort.

Clean the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor unit works hard all season, so it needs a little care. Leaves, dirt, and grass can block the airflow without anyone noticing. When that happens, your AC may not cool the home well.

Walk around the unit and look for anything crowding it. Trim tall grass, pull weeds, and pick up any loose trash nearby. Keeping that space clear helps air move the way it should.

Use a brush or broom to sweep off the top and sides. Some folks rinse it with a hose, but do it gently so you don’t bend anything. If the inside looks packed with dirt, you may want a pro to clean it.

Clear the Vents

Cool air needs a clear path to reach every room in your home. If vents are blocked by chairs, curtains, or beds, the airflow weakens. That can make the house feel uneven, with hot and cold spots all over.

Walk through each room and take a look at every vent. If anything is in the way, shift it over a bit so the air can move. Even a few inches can make a big change in how the room feels.

Dust and hair can also build up on vent covers over time. Use a vacuum to pull out anything you can see. Clean vents help keep the air moving strongly and steadily.

Inspect Wiring and Cables

Before summer heat kicks in, take a quick look at your AC wires. Look around the unit and check for cracks, wear, or loose ends. If anything looks burned, melted, or broken, turn off the system right away.

Wires that sit outside can wear down over time from the sun or water. Even inside cables can break if they get pulled or moved too much. Bad wires can lead to bigger problems if you leave them alone.

If you don’t feel safe checking them yourself, call someone who knows what to do. A fast check now could save you from major trouble later on. You want your system working right before the long, hot days start showing up.

Test the System Early

Don’t wait until a hot day to see if the AC still works. Try turning it on while the weather still feels cool outside. Let it run for a bit so you can listen and feel how it does.

If the air blows weakly or takes too long to cool, something could be off. Sometimes it’s a small issue that grows worse over time. Catching a problem early helps you fix it before summer begins.

You can also walk around and see if every room gets cool. That step helps you know the system reaches the whole house well. When things feel off, it’s better to handle it right away instead of waiting.

Check Coolant Levels

Your AC needs the right amount of coolant to blow cold air. When it runs low, the air might turn warm too fast. You may notice the system working longer than usual to cool things down.

You can’t check the coolant on your own without special tools. That’s where a trained tech comes in to test and refill it. If the coolant keeps dropping, there might be a leak hiding somewhere.

Low coolant can wear out your system and waste power fast. It can also make your home feel warmer even when the AC keeps running. If you spot signs early, you can fix the issue before summer heat rolls through.

Schedule a Pro Inspection

Even if your AC seems fine, it still helps to let a pro check it. Some issues hide deep inside the system where you can’t see. A quick visit can catch small problems before they turn into big ones.

It also gives you peace of mind once the heat rolls in. You won’t have to guess if your AC can handle the summer. A pro can spot worn parts, loose wires, or anything out of place.

If you live nearby, you can look into Mesa AC repair services for help. They can check the unit and handle repairs you may not want to do. Getting this step done early can save time, money, and stress later on.

Do Your Pre-summer AC Preparation Right

Getting your AC ready before summer is a smart move. It helps you stay cool and can even save money. A little care now can stop big problems later on.

Don’t wait until the heat hits to start checking things. Taking action early makes a big difference. Keep your home comfortable all summer long by staying ahead of the heat.

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