How to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for the Summer
The summer of 2024 was one of the hottest for Pleasanton and Fresno, and next summer is right around the corner! As heat rolls into Pleasanton, Fresno, Central Valley & Tri-Valley, the last thing you want is an air conditioner that can’t keep up.
A poorly functioning air conditioner middle of summer will cause higher than normal utility bills, cause uneven cooling in the home and lead to more serious issues with the unit. As temperatures soar into the triple digits being without a functioning AC could be dangerous. Here are some DIY tips to make sure your AC is prepared!
Replace or Clean Your Air Filters
Air filters collect dust and debris as your unit circulates air through your home. Overtime, the accumulation of debris will make it more difficult for air to flow through your ducts, making your AC work harder to evenly cool your home. Overtime, this can lead to more serious issues as the unit is working overtime.
What to Do:
Check your filters every 1-2 months
Replace disposable filters or clean reusable ones
Use high-quality filters for better indoor air quality
Pro Tip: A clean filter can lower your AC’s energy consumption by 5-15%!
Check Your Thermostat Settings
Your air conditioner shouldn’t run at full blast all day if it doesn’t have to. If your home is empty during the day, set your thermostat at a higher temperature so your unit isn’t working hard when it doesn’t have to. However, you don’t want to set the temperature too high from your comfort zone, this will make the AC work even harder to drop the temperature. Smart Thermostats are programmable and have mobile apps to make controlling the temperature of your home accessible from anywhere!
What to Do:
Set your thermostat to “cool” mode
Program energy-saving settings for when you’re away
Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for better control
Inspect and Clean the Outdoor Unit
Your AC’s outdoor condenser unit can’t pull air in if it’s clogged with leaves, dirt and other debris. Similarly to air filters, the harder an air conditioner needs to work to circulate air, the higher the chances of wearing out the components of the unit.
What to Do:
Clear away any debris around the unit
Gently rinse the condenser coils with a hose (avoid high pressure)
Make sure there’s at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit
Check for Ductwork Leaks & Gaps
If the ductwork in your home is damaged, allowing air to escape before it reaches rooms in your home, it can waste up to 30% of your cooling energy. Common symptoms of airduct issues are uneven temperatures throughout your home, the unit cycling on and off frequently and higher energy bills.
What to Do:
Check for visible signs of leaks or disconnected ducts
Fell for uneven cooling in different rooms
Schedule a professional duct inspection if you suspect a problem
Test Your AC Before It Gets Too Hot
Don’t wait for a heatwave to find out your AC isn’t working. Run your system early in the season to check for issues like strange noises, weak airflow, or warm air.
What to Do:
Turn on your AC and let it run for 15-20 minutes
Listen for unusual sounds (grinding, banging, hissing)
Check for consistent cooling in all rooms
If something doesn’t seem right, it’s better to fix it now than during peak season.
Bonus Tip: Schedule a Professional AC Maintenance Check
While DIY maintenance is important, nothing beats a professional tune-up. Regular maintenance helps:
Prevent costly repairs
Improve energy efficiency
Extend the lifespan of your AC
At Art’s Heating & Cooling, our comprehensive AC tune-up includes:
Full system inspection
Refrigerant level checks
Electrical component testing
Cleaning of coils and filters
And more!
Why Prepare Your AC for Summer?
Save on Energy Bills – A well-maintained system runs more efficiently
Avoid Emergency Repairs – Catch small issues before they become big problems
Extend the Life of Your AC – Regular care reduces wear and tear
Stay Cool All Summer Long – No unexpected breakdowns when you need cooling the most
Serving Pleasanton, Fresno, Tri-Valley & Central Valley
We’ve been keeping homes cool in Pleasanton, Fresno, and beyond for over 13 years. Whether you need a quick tune-up or a full AC replacement, we’ve got you covered.
