Summer temperatures in Forney, Texas regularly reach 96°F. When it gets this hot, your air conditioning system becomes essential for comfort and safety. Without proper maintenance, your AC might fail when you need it most.
This guide covers everything you need to know about preparing your AC for summer heat. You’ll learn why maintenance matters, what professionals check during tune-ups, and simple steps you can take yourself.
Why AC Maintenance Is Critical Before Summer
Regular AC maintenance prevents costly breakdowns during peak summer months. Here’s what proper maintenance accomplishes:
Prevents Emergency Repairs Small problems become major failures without attention. A simple refrigerant leak can destroy your compressor if ignored.
Extends Equipment Life Well-maintained air conditioners last 15-20 years. Neglected systems often fail after 8-10 years.
Improves Energy Efficiency Dirty coils and filters force your system to work harder. This increases energy bills by 15-25%.
Maintains Indoor Air Quality Clean filters remove dust, pollen, and allergens from your home’s air.
What Professional AC Tune-Ups Include
Professional maintenance covers areas that homeowners cannot safely or effectively handle:
- Refrigerant Level Check: Ensures proper cooling capacity
- Electrical Connection Inspection: Prevents dangerous failures and fires
- Coil Cleaning: Removes dirt that blocks heat transfer
- Thermostat Calibration: Ensures accurate temperature control
- Drain Line Cleaning: Prevents water damage from clogs
- Motor Lubrication: Reduces wear on moving parts
Simple AC Maintenance You Can Do Yourself
These basic maintenance tasks help your system run efficiently:
Change Air Filters Monthly: Dirty filters are the leading cause of AC problems. Check filters every month during summer. Replace them when they look dirty or every 90 days maximum.
Keep Outdoor Unit Clear: Remove leaves, grass, and debris from around your outdoor condenser unit. Maintain at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides.
Clean Air Vents: Vacuum dust from supply and return vents monthly. Ensure furniture and curtains don’t block airflow.
Check for Water Leaks: Look for puddles around your indoor unit. Small amounts of condensation are normal, but standing water indicates a problem.
Energy-Saving Tips to Reduce Summer Cooling Costs
Set Thermostat to 78°F This temperature balances comfort with energy efficiency. Each degree lower increases cooling costs by approximately 3%.
Use Ceiling Fans: Fans create air movement that makes you feel cooler. This allows you to set your thermostat higher while maintaining comfort.
Close Blinds During Peak Sun Hours: Block direct sunlight from 10 AM to 4 PM to reduce heat gain through windows.
Seal Air Leaks: Check around windows, doors, and ductwork for gaps that let cool air escape.
When to Call Professional AC Repair Services
Contact a professional immediately if you notice:
- AC running constantly but house not cooling
- Strange noises like grinding, squealing, or banging
- Unusual odors from vents
- Ice forming on indoor or outdoor units
- Sudden increases in energy bills
- Water leaks inside your home
Signs Your AC System Needs Professional Attention
Poor Airflow Weak airflow from vents often indicates ductwork problems or failing blower motors.
Inconsistent Temperatures: Hot and cold spots throughout your home suggest system imbalances that require professional diagnosis.
Frequent Cycling: If your AC turns on and off repeatedly without reaching the set temperature, it needs immediate attention.
Preparing for Forney’s Extreme Summer Heat
Start AC preparation in early spring, before temperatures climb above 80°F. This timing allows you to address problems before peak cooling season.
Schedule professional maintenance annually, preferably in March or April. This ensures your system operates efficiently when summer heat arrives.
Consider upgrading older systems that are more than 10 years old. Newer models offer better efficiency and reliability during extreme weather.
Get Your AC Summer-Ready with Bolton Heating & Air
Don’t wait for a breakdown during Forney’s hottest days. Bolton Heating & Air has served local homeowners for years with reliable AC maintenance and repair services.
Our comprehensive pre-summer tune-up includes:
- Complete system inspection
- Refrigerant level check
- Electrical connection testing
- Coil cleaning and maintenance
- Filter replacement
- Performance optimization
Special offer for veterans and first responders: Save 10% on summer tune-up services.
Contact Bolton Heating & Air today to schedule your pre-summer AC maintenance. Call us or book online to ensure your family stays comfortable all summer long.
Serving Forney, Texas and surrounding areas with professional HVAC services you can trust.