Summer AC Prep: Steps Ohio Homeowners Should Take in May

The summer heat and humidity will be here before you know it. As such, now is a great time to start preparing your AC system to ensure it can handle summer conditions and has a lower chance of breaking down. In this guide to summer AC prep in Ohio, we’ll look at the importance of spring maintenance and how to know if you need to repair or replace your AC system before the heat arrives.

Why May Is the Right Time to Prepare Your AC in Ohio

May is when most homeowners in Ohio switch on their air conditioning for the first time, making it the best time to start preparing your AC to ensure it’s ready for the summer heat. By preparing early, you can identify any potential issues and get your AC repaired or replaced before you need to rely on it constantly.

Northeast Ohio’s Summer Timeline

The summer weather in Northeast Ohio typically follows a fairly normal pattern. The conditions are typically mild and pleasant through late May, when summer starts, followed by humid conditions and frequent rainstorms throughout much of June. July and August are when the heat peaks and you’re most likely to encounter sudden issues with your AC system. Although temperatures typically cool off in September, you might still encounter at least the occasional 90+ degree day.

The Risk of Waiting Until It’s Already Hot

Many common issues you encounter with an AC system start off fairly minor. However, they can become much more severe or lead to additional problems once temperatures rise and the system has to work much harder. Waiting until summer to have your AC serviced and any necessary repairs taken care of can lead to a breakdown that forces you to sweat it out until you can get an HVAC company out to get the system working again. Going without air conditioning for even a few hours in the middle of the summer often results in the house becoming unbearably or even dangerously hot. In some cases, it could be days before you have air conditioning again. This is especially true if the system fails and has to be replaced.

Schedule a Professional AC Tune-Up Before Summer

The most important part of preparing your air conditioning for summer is scheduling a spring AC tune-up. During the tune-up service, the technician will look for any issues that could decrease cooling performance or increase the risk of a sudden system failure. Other than a major problem, they’ll typically be able to repair the system the same day.

What an AC Maintenance Visit Includes

One crucial part of an AC maintenance service is inspecting and testing critical components, like the compressor, condenser fan and blower motors, wiring and capacitors, and the contactor relay switch. The technician will also check the refrigerant level to ensure the system isn’t leaking. Other crucial maintenance tasks include cleaning the blower and the coils, lubricating moving parts as needed, and tightening any loose electrical connections. The technician will also measure the temperature drop, which is the difference between the current temperature inside the house and the temperature of the air the system is releasing. This allows them to make sure that the AC system is cooling as effectively as it was designed to and that it doesn’t need to be replaced.

How Regular Maintenance Extends the Life of Your System

Annual maintenance helps an AC system to cool more effectively and use as little energy as possible. It also has the added benefit of protecting and potentially extending the system’s life. A neglected or poorly maintained AC system often struggles, resulting in it running much longer or even staying on constantly throughout most of the day into the evening. The increased workload puts more strain on the compressor and other components. As a result, the system will experience additional wear and tear, both of which can take years off its life.

Signs Your Air Conditioner May Need Repair Before Summer

When you start running your air conditioning in the spring, monitor its performance and watch for any signs of a problem. By getting any issues taken care of early, you can avoid your energy bills being unnecessarily high and lessen the risk of a summer AC emergency.

Weak or Warm Airflow

Weak airflow occurs when the air filter is clogged, or some of the vents aren’t fully open. However, it can also be a sign that the blower motor is giving out and could fail at any moment. Warm air coming out of your vents can indicate a problem with the compressor, a refrigerant leak, or a worn-out coil. It can also be a sign that the evaporator coil is frozen and covered with ice.

Unusual Noises or Odors Coming from the Unit

Unusual noises or strange odors coming from your indoor or outdoor unit should be taken seriously. A musty odor can mean that the evaporator coil needs cleaning, but an electrical or chemical smell often signals a much more serious problem. Rattling, grinding, squealing, screeching, humming, and buzzing can also be signs of a major problem that could lead to the system breaking down and not turning on.

Rising Energy Bills Without Explanation

Rising energy bills often indicate that the AC system isn’t working efficiently for one reason or another. In most cases, you’ll also notice that your AC is running more than it used to and sometimes has issues maintaining the correct temperature.

When to Consider AC Replacement Instead of Repair

There are some situations when you’re probably better off investing in AC replacement instead of repairing whatever problem the system has. The first step in making this type of decision is to have the system inspected and get an estimate on what the repair will cost. You also want to consider important factors like the age, overall condition, and energy efficiency of the system.

Age of Your Current Cooling System

While some AC systems continue working for 20 years or so, most don’t make it past 15 years. At some point, it simply no longer makes much sense to spend money on fixing an AC that may not last much longer, regardless. Once a system reaches 10 to 12 years, the only time it’s really worth fixing is if the issue is a minor problem that can be repaired relatively cheaply.

Frequent Repairs Adding Up

If you’ve been dealing with frequent repairs that keep adding up, your money is usually much better spent on installing a replacement instead of paying to repair your AC again. An AC system that develops multiple issues over a year or two typically indicates that failure is fairly imminent. You could still get another season or two out of your AC by having it repaired, but there’s an equally high chance that it will break down again in the near future and need yet another repair.

Upgrading to a More Energy-Efficient Unit

The other time when replacement is definitely the better solution is if you have an old, inefficient AC system and you’re looking to lower your cooling costs. Upgrading to a new system can potentially save you over $100 on your energy bills in just a single year.

Other Cooling-Related Services to Address in May

While preparing your AC, it’s also a good idea to address other parts of your HVAC system and any potential indoor air quality concerns.

Ductwork Inspection and Cleaning

A professional ductwork inspection is crucial for identifying issues, like leaks and insufficient duct insulation, both of which can contribute to significant energy waste and much higher cooling costs. Professional duct cleaning also helps improve AC performance and indoor air quality.

Thermostat Check and Smart Thermostat Upgrades

During the tune-up service, ask the technician to check your thermostat to make sure it’s still properly calibrated and working as it should. If you have an old manual or standard programmable thermostat, upgrading to a smart thermostat is a great investment. Not only are smart thermostats more convenient and easier to program, but they are also proven to improve HVAC efficiency and lower energy bills.

Indoor Air Quality Considerations for Summer

Adding a whole-home air purifier or upgrading to a higher-quality air filtration system is a great way to reduce indoor allergens and pollutants. If your home is frequently humid and muggy during the summer, integrating a whole-home dehumidifier into your HVAC system is an easy way to improve both comfort and cooling performance.

Call Heart of Ohio HVAC for Service

At Heart of Ohio, we have decades of experience in AC repair, installation, and maintenance, and you can count on our team to ensure your cooling system is ready for summer. We offer honest, flat-rate pricing on all our services and are available 24/7 to tackle any emergencies. Our company has locations in Akron, Brunswick, and Berea, and we serve homeowners in all surrounding communities as well. For the best AC services in Ohio, contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions