Summer heat can place significant demand on your air-conditioning system. Preparing your AC unit before temperatures climb can improve its performance, reduce the risk of unexpected breakdowns, and help keep your home comfortable throughout the season.
A few simple steps—along with professional preventive maintenance—can help make sure your cooling system is ready when you need it most.
A dirty air filter restricts airflow and forces your air conditioner to work harder. This can increase energy consumption, reduce comfort, and place unnecessary strain on the system.
Check your filter before the cooling season begins and replace or clean it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. During periods of heavy use, inspect it regularly—especially if you have pets or ongoing home improvement work that creates additional dust.
Your HVAC filter also plays a role in the air circulating throughout your home. If dust, humidity, or other airborne concerns are an issue, Ehret can help you explore ways to improve your home’s indoor air quality beyond basic filter replacement.
Leaves, grass clippings, weeds, and other debris can accumulate around the outdoor condenser. When airflow is blocked, the unit may struggle to release heat efficiently.
Remove visible debris and trim nearby vegetation to give the unit adequate space. Avoid stacking lawn equipment, decorations, or other items against it.
You can also gently rinse loose dirt from the exterior when appropriate, but leave deeper cleaning and internal service to an HVAC professional.
Don’t wait for the first extremely hot day to discover that your AC isn’t working properly.
Turn the system on early in the season and allow it to operate long enough to confirm that cool air is flowing from the vents.
Watch for possible warning signs, including:
If you notice any of these warning signs, scheduling professional AC repair before the hottest weather arrives may help you avoid a more inconvenient breakdown later.
Confirm that the thermostat responds correctly and displays a reasonable indoor temperature. If it uses replaceable batteries, change them when needed.
A programmable or smart thermostat can also make it easier to adjust temperatures based on your family’s schedule.
Avoid setting the thermostat excessively low in an attempt to cool your home faster. Your air conditioner will generally cool at the same rate regardless, and an unnecessarily low setting can result in longer run times.
Furniture, rugs, curtains, and household items can block supply vents and return-air grilles. Walk through your home and make sure air can move freely through each one.
Keep vents open unless an HVAC professional recommends otherwise. Closing too many vents can affect airflow and pressure within the system and may reduce performance rather than improve efficiency.
You know how your home normally feels during the summer. Changes in comfort can sometimes provide an early warning that something isn’t working as it should.
Pay attention if:
Ehret provides heating and cooling services for Metro East homeowners and can evaluate your system when something doesn’t seem right.
Even when your air conditioner appears to be working normally, it may have developing issues that aren’t yet obvious.
A professional maintenance visit gives an HVAC technician an opportunity to inspect the system, service important components, and identify potential concerns before they result in a breakdown.
Regular maintenance may help provide:
Maintenance is especially important if your system is older, struggled during previous summers, or hasn’t been serviced recently.
Routine HVAC maintenance can be easy to forget, which is why Ehret Inc. offers the FAN Club Membership.
With an Ehret FAN Club Membership, your HVAC system is checked and maintained twice per year. Regular professional maintenance can help your heating and cooling equipment operate reliably, potentially extend its service life, and reduce the likelihood of unexpected surprises.
Two seasonal visits also help prepare your air conditioner for summer and your heating system for winter, giving you year-round support.
Taking care of your air conditioner before hot weather arrives can help prevent discomfort later in the season. Replacing the filter, clearing the outdoor unit, testing the system, checking airflow, and scheduling professional maintenance are all good ways to prepare your home for summer.
If your system isn’t cooling like it should, don’t wait until the hottest day of the year to address it.
Ehret Inc. provides professional air-conditioning maintenance and repair services in Belleville, IL and surrounding Metro East communities. Schedule your AC service with Ehret Inc. or call (618) 233-1018 to get your cooling system ready for summer.
