As the days grow longer and the temperatures start to climb, the last thing you want is an air conditioner that can’t keep up with the heat. A little preparation now can save you from costly repairs, sweaty nights, and skyrocketing energy bills later. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or new to maintaining your HVAC system, checking air filters, cleaning your ducts, and giving your AC a full once-over are simple but essential steps.
Serving the greater St. Louis area, Indoor Comfort Team offers professional heating and cooling services to home and business owners. With summer approaching, there’s no better time to call in a trusted technician to service your air conditioner to ensure it works efficiently all summer long. Let’s walk through how to get your system ready, so you can stay cool and comfortable.
Why Seasonal AC Maintenance Matters
When the summer sun is beating down, your air conditioner becomes more than just a convenience, but rather a necessity. However, as the temperature rises, so does the workload on your AC system. Running for longer hours and working harder to cool your home puts extra strain on its components, making regular maintenance more important than ever.
Neglecting routine AC care can quickly lead to a host of problems. Dirty filters, clogged ducts, or worn parts can cause your system to work inefficiently, leading to higher energy bills and uneven cooling. In addition, unchecked minor issues can turn into major breakdowns, often at the peak of the season when you need your cooling system the most.
Preventive maintenance is key to avoiding these headaches. By taking the time to inspect, clean, and tune up your system now, you can catch small issues early, ensure maximum efficiency, extend the life of your equipment, and keep your home comfortable all summer long.
At Indoor Comfort Team, we offer our VIP Club Maintenance Agreement to help you keep up with your home’s heating and cooling system maintenance. For a low monthly fee, you can enjoy VIP benefits like priority appointments, no overtime charges on repairs, discounts on all HVAC repair work and accessories purchased, and two maintenance service visits per year. There are no contracts, and we offer easy payment options.
Checking and Replacing Air Filters
One of the simplest yet most important tasks in preparing your AC for the summer heat is checking and replacing the air filters. Air filters do more than just protect your HVAC system. They play a major role in keeping the air inside your home clean by trapping dirt, dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles. A clean filter also ensures your system runs efficiently, allowing for better airflow and reducing the strain on your AC unit.
How often you should check and replace the air filters in your home will depend on a variety of factors, such as whether your home has pets and allergy sufferers. However, overall, it’s a good idea to inspect the filters every month, especially during high-usage seasons like summer. Generally, air filters should be replaced every 60 to 90 days. If you have pets, allergies, or live in an area with high dust or pollen levels, you may need to replace your filters more frequently.
There are several signs that it’s time to replace your air filter:
- Visible dust, dirt, or debris in the filter.
- Reduced airflow from your vents.
- An increase in allergy symptoms indoors.
- Your AC system working harder or running longer cycles.
Choosing the right type of air filter also matters. Some of the most common types include fiberglass filters (which are affordable but require frequent changes), pleated filters (which are great at trapping smaller particles), and HEPA filters (which are excellent for allergies but may require professional installation). Also, look at MERV ratings. The higher the rating, the more particles the filter can trap.
Cleaning Air Ducts
While often out of sight and out of mind, your home’s air ducts play a critical role in delivering clean, cool air throughout your home. However, over time, ducts can accumulate dirt, dust, pollen, mold spores, and even pests, all of which can severely impact your HVAC system’s efficiency and the air quality inside your home.
Clogged or dirty ducts restrict airflow, forcing your AC to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This not only leads to higher energy bills but also shortens the lifespan of your system. In addition, contaminants circulating through dirty ducts can contribute to allergy symptoms, respiratory issues, and that unmistakable musty odor you sometimes notice when the air kicks on.
If you notice excessive dust around your vents, a decline in your indoor air quality, persistent odors, or if you’ve had issues with pests or mold, it’s time to consider cleaning your ducts. After major home renovations or if it’s been several years since your last cleaning, scheduling a professional inspection is a smart move.
There are several key benefits of clean ductwork:
- Improved airflow and system efficiency.
- Lower energy bills.
- Cleaner indoor air and fewer allergens.
- A fresher-smelling home environment.
- Less wear and tear on your HVAC components.
Taking time to ensure that your ductwork remains clean can make a noticeable difference in how well your AC performs and how cool and comfortable your home feels all season long.
Full AC System Inspection
Once your filters and ducts are in good shape, the next step is a full inspection of your AC system. A thorough checkup ensures that all the essential components are operating correctly and that there are no hidden issues that could cause a breakdown during the hottest days of the year.
A comprehensive AC inspection generally involves the following:
- Thermostat Settings
Ensure that your thermostat is working correctly and maintaining the desired temperature. Upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat can help you save energy by allowing you to schedule temperature changes throughout the day.
- Refrigerant Levels
Low refrigerant levels in your air conditioner can lead to poor cooling and higher energy use. Your HVAC professional will check your refrigerant levels during a routine checkup and may recommend repair if leaks are found.
- Condenser and Evaporator Coils
Dirty coils can reduce a system’s ability to absorb heat, forcing your AC to work harder. Your technician will visually inspect and clean these coils to help keep your AC unit operating at peak efficiency.
- Electrical Connections
Loose or corroded wiring can be dangerous and may even lead to system failures. During a routine system tune-up, all electrical connections will be inspected and fixed if needed.
- Fan and Blower Components
Worn or dirty fans can limit airflow and reduce overall efficiency. Checking these important components can prevent dirt and dust buildup which can increase the risk of costly breakdowns.
Facing possible HVAC repairs or need a new system installed? Ask Indoor Comfort Team about our convenient financing options and exclusive special offers. As a family-owned business, we can provide the best value for your money. We offer ongoing coupons for maintenance, repair services, and new system installations. Our financing options also allow customers to make monthly payments that fit their budget.
When to Call in a Professional HVAC Technician
While there are plenty of simple maintenance tasks homeowners can handle, such as changing air filters, clearing debris from around the outdoor unit, and checking thermostat settings, some jobs are best left to the experts. Knowing when to call a professional HVAC technician can save you time, money, and prevent bigger problems down the line.
Some common AC maintenance jobs that homeowners can do themselves include:
- Replace or clean air filters regularly.
- Check for obvious blockages in vents or duct openings.
- Keep the outdoor condenser unit clear of leaves, dirt, and debris.
- Test and adjust thermostat settings for accuracy.
- Visually inspect for signs of leaks or unusual wear.
Some HVAC jobs are best left up to the professionals, such as:
- Checking and refilling refrigerant levels.
- Cleaning internal AC components like coils and blower parts.
- Diagnosing and fixing electrical issues or motor failures.
- Clearing clogged drainage lines inside the unit.
- Performing a full system performance check and airflow measurement.
Be on the lookout for red flags that could indicate the need for expert attention. If your system is making unusual or new sounds, such as banging, squealing, or grinding, have it looked at by a professional. Also, look for other signs of potential problems, such as weak airflow or hot air blowing from the vents, water leaks or excess moisture around the indoor unit, the AC frequently turning on and off, a sudden spike in energy bills, or a thermostat that is not responding properly or is giving incorrect thermostat readings.
Trust Indoor Comfort Team for Reliable AC Maintenance
Getting your AC ready for the summer heat doesn’t have to be complicated. However, it does require a little attention before temperatures start to soar. By checking and replacing your air filters, cleaning your air ducts, and scheduling a full system inspection, you’ll set your cooling system up for maximum efficiency, better air quality, and fewer breakdowns when you need it most.
At Indoor Comfort Team, we offer reliable HVAC services to homeowners throughout the greater St. Louis area. Whether you need cooling repair, installation of a new, energy-efficient system, or routine maintenance, our team of qualified technicians can help you keep your home cool and comfortable. To learn more about our HVAC services or to schedule an appointment, contact us at (314) 230-9542.
