Best Summer HVAC Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Home Cool

July 30, 2025

Your AC works hardest during the summertime. Keeping your home cool when the temperature outside is increasing puts a lot of strain on your system. Because of the increased use, your cooling system needs regular summer AC maintenance. This helps it work well and keeps your home comfortable all season.

Why Summer HVAC Maintenance Matters

If you do not maintain your AC regularly, it can work less efficiently, break down more often, and lead to higher utility bills. Servicing your cooling system during summer is part of a regular HVAC maintenance schedule. This helps with:

Improved energy efficiency
Preventing excessive repairs
Extending the life of your HVAC
Maintaining your indoor air quality

Top Summer HVAC Maintenance Tips

1. Replace or Clean Air Filters

Air filters are key in keeping dust, allergens, and debris out of your HVAC system. But when filters clog, they block airflow and force your system to work overtime. In summer, check your filters at least once a month and replace or clean them every 30 to 60 days. This will help keep everything running smoothly.

2. Clean the Outdoor Unit

Grass clippings, leaves, and dirt can collect around your AC’s outdoor condenser unit and cause your system to overheat. Keep the area around it clean and gently rinse the fins with a hose to improve airflow.

3. Check Air Vents and Registers

Proper airflow is key to keeping your home cool and comfortable. Blocked or dirty vents can disrupt airflow and lead to uneven cooling. Make sure your vents are open and unobstructed by furniture or rugs, and vacuum them to remove dust and help air circulate.

4. Test the Thermostat

Your thermostat is your HVAC system’s command center. Make sure it’s reading accurately and responding correctly. Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat to manage your energy usage and temperature control better.

5. Monitor Refrigerant Levels

If your system blows warm air or runs longer than usual, it might be low on refrigerant. This means it cannot cool your home properly. Call a professional HVAC technician to inspect and recharge your system safely.

6. Clean the Evaporator and Condenser Coils

Over time, dust and grime can build up on your system’s coils, making it harder for your AC to cool your home efficiently. While you can gently clean the surface of the coils yourself, a licensed HVAC professional should perform a thorough cleaning.

7. Flush the Drain Line

The condensation from your HVAC drains through a small pipe. Over time, this line can clog, leading to water damage or mold. You can flush it with a mix of water and vinegar, or have a professional check it during a seasonal tune-up.

8. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up

While there are some HVAC maintenance things you can do yourself, a technician will expertly inspect, clean, and test all components to ensure they’re in good condition. This helps catch minor issues before they become significant problems.

Prep Your HVAC For Next Season

Ensuring your system lasts through the summer isn’t the only thing to think about this time of year. These end-of-summer AC maintenance tips can help you transition smoothly into fall and be ready for next year.

Evaluate System Performance: Was your cooling consistent over the summer? Did your AC make strange noises or struggle to keep up? If you noticed any performance issues, it’s important to get your system checked.
Inspect for Wear and Tear: Summer heat can accelerate wear, especially in older systems. Look for signs of worn insulation, exposed wiring, or rust.
Replace Filters Again: Pollen and dust can quickly clog filters. Replacing your filter again at the end of the season will give your system a fresh start when fall starts.
Clear Outdoor Debris: End-of-season yard work can leave a mess around your condenser unit. Clean the area around it before the season changes and the leaves fall.
Schedule a Post-Summer Inspection: A regular HVAC maintenance schedule helps ensure your system works well when switching from cooling to heating.

When to Call the Pros

Certain HVAC issues require a professional to diagnose and repair. If you notice any of the following problems with your cooling system, it’s time to schedule an appointment:

Weak or inconsistent airflow
Warm air blowing from vents
Strange smells or noises
Water pooling near the indoor unit
A sudden spike in energy bills

Stay Cool This Summer with Service Express

At Service Express Heating and Air, we understand how unpredictable Chicagoland weather can be. We’re here to help you stay ahead of the heat. If you need a complete HVAC check, we offer summer AC maintenance and emergency repairs.

When you trust Service Express with your HVAC, your system is in expert hands. Our certified technicians deliver fast, honest, and reliable service.