Prepare Your Air Conditioning System for Summer with These Essential Maintenance Steps
Call Polar today at 618.772.7007 to schedule your AC maintenance in Collinsville, IL! When warmer weather hits, a well-prepared air conditioning system is your best defense against discomfort and high energy costs. By completing essential HVAC maintenance steps early, you can enjoy efficient cooling, avoid costly breakdowns, and improve indoor air quality. Whether you’re a homeowner or manage a commercial property, these tips from our HVAC experts will help you get the most from your system this summer.
Why Preparing Your AC Before Summer Matters
As Collinsville temperatures climb, your air conditioning system shifts into high gear. Without proper preparation, small issues—such as clogged filters or low refrigerant—can quickly escalate into major problems. Pre-season maintenance not only keeps your system running efficiently but also helps identify hidden wear and tear before it affects performance.
By addressing these concerns early, you reduce the risk of unexpected repairs during peak summer months. Additionally, well-maintained systems use less energy, resulting in lower monthly utility bills. For both comfort and cost savings, there’s no better time than now to get your AC ready for the season, and our experts at Polar are here to help.
1. Replace or Clean Your Air Filters
Your HVAC filter plays a key role in maintaining clean airflow throughout your home. Over time, dust, pollen, pet dander, and other debris accumulate in the filter, restricting airflow and forcing your system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. This not only increases energy usage but can also shorten the lifespan of your unit.
Ideally, air filters should be checked monthly during peak usage seasons and replaced every 1 to 3 months. If you suffer from allergies or own pets, more frequent changes may be necessary. Clean filters improve efficiency and enhance your indoor air quality, making this a simple but essential maintenance step.
Are you unsure which type of filter your system requires? Call Polar today for expert recommendations and professional filter replacement services in Collinsville, IL.
2. Inspect Your Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system, and now is the perfect time to ensure it’s functioning properly. Start by switching the system to cooling mode and setting your desired temperature. If your AC doesn’t kick on promptly or fails to maintain the set temperature, there may be an underlying issue.
Modern programmable and smart thermostats offer more than just convenience—they help you conserve energy by adjusting settings based on your schedule. For example, setting the temperature higher when you’re away and lowering it when you’re home can significantly reduce energy costs.
If you’re still using an older manual model, consider upgrading to a smart thermostat this season. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in comfort and efficiency.
3. Clear Debris from Your Outdoor Unit
The outdoor condenser unit needs unrestricted airflow to function correctly. Unfortunately, it’s often surrounded by grass, leaves, and other yard debris that accumulate during spring. These materials can block the unit’s airflow, reduce performance, and increase the risk of overheating.
Take time to carefully clear away anything within a 2- to 3-foot radius of the unit. Use a garden hose to rinse away dirt buildup on the coils—just avoid using high pressure, which can bend the delicate fins. If you notice extensive grime or plant overgrowth, a professional cleaning may be necessary to restore proper function.
Our team at Polar offers air conditioning cleaning services that keep your system operating at peak performance. We recommend scheduling this service at least once a year.
4. Check Your Refrigerant Levels
Refrigerant is the substance responsible for absorbing and releasing heat during the cooling process. When levels are low, your system struggles to maintain comfortable temperatures. Signs of low refrigerant include warm air blowing from vents, longer cooling cycles, or ice forming on the refrigerant lines.
Refrigerant isn’t something you can safely top off on your own—a licensed HVAC technician must handle it. A system that consistently runs low on refrigerant may also have a leak, which requires immediate attention.
If your AC isn’t cooling like it should call Polar to schedule a refrigerant inspection and recharge. We’ll ensure your system is leak-free and running efficiently all summer long.
5. Clean the Evaporator and Condenser Coils
Over time, your system’s coils accumulate dust, pollen, and other contaminants that reduce their ability to transfer heat. Dirty evaporator coils located inside your home can cause the system to freeze up or cycle inefficiently. Meanwhile, dirty condenser coils outside make it harder for the system to release heat, forcing it to run longer.
Annual coil cleaning by a professional is the best way to prevent these problems. During a tune-up, our technicians safely clean both sets of coils and inspect them for damage or corrosion. This small step goes a long way toward improving your air conditioning system’s lifespan and performance.
6. Inspect Ductwork for Leaks or Damage
Ducts are the highways your cool air travels through—and if there are leaks, you’re paying to cool spaces that don’t benefit from it. Leaky or disconnected ducts can account for significant energy loss, reducing your system’s effectiveness and increasing your utility bills.
If you’ve noticed rooms that never seem to cool evenly or a sudden spike in your energy costs, your ductwork could be to blame. A professional inspection will identify any areas of concern, and duct sealing or insulation upgrades can drastically improve efficiency.
Polar’s HVAC team provides comprehensive duct services, including inspection, sealing, and airflow balancing, to keep your system performing optimally.
7. Test System Startup and Shutoff
Once you’ve completed the basic checks, turn your system on and monitor its performance. Ideally, it should start smoothly, run quietly, and shut off once the desired temperature is reached. Strange noises, weak airflow, or prolonged cycles can all indicate more serious mechanical issues.
This test run is an excellent opportunity to ensure your entire system is operating correctly before the true heat of summer arrives. If anything feels off, even slightly, it’s better to schedule an inspection now than wait until temperatures soar and your AC fails.
8. Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-Up
While many of these steps can be done yourself, there’s no substitute for a full professional tune-up. Our HVAC experts at Polar inspect every component of your AC system, ensuring it’s clean, calibrated, and ready for peak performance.
Scheduling maintenance in spring or early summer provides several key advantages. First, it ensures your system is ready before extreme temperatures arrive, minimizing the chance of mid-season failure. Second, maintenance helps identify worn parts before they break, saving you from expensive emergency repairs.
Most importantly, a well-maintained system performs more efficiently, which means lower utility bills, reduced environmental impact, and longer equipment life. Regular maintenance also supports improved indoor air quality, a significant benefit for families with allergies or asthma.
When you invest in proactive care, your system rewards you with reliability, comfort, and cost savings.
Trust Polar for AC Maintenance in Collinsville, IL
At Polar, we take pride in providing top-tier air conditioning services to homeowners and businesses throughout Collinsville, IL. Our certified technicians are committed to honesty, quality, and customer satisfaction on every job.
Whether you need AC repair in Collinsville, furnace maintenance, emergency plumbing services, or a full HVAC system upgrade, we have the experience and tools to deliver results you can trust.
Our customers return year after year because we deliver more than service—we deliver peace of mind.
Book Your AC Tune-Up with Polar Today!
Don’t wait until summer’s in full swing to prepare your system. Take action now with these essential maintenance steps and enjoy cool, stress-free comfort all season long.
Call Polartoday at 618.772.7007 or schedule online. We’re proud to serve Collinsville, IL, and surrounding communities with dependable, professional HVAC service.
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