Summer in Ohio Is No Joke
Heat. Humidity. Heat index pushing 100 degrees. And your air conditioner has been sitting idle since fall. If you want it to run smoothly—and efficiently—all summer long, a little prep now saves headaches (and money) later.
Here are five simple things you can do right now to make sure your AC is ready for the season.
1. Replace Your Air Filter
Why it matters
Your AC's air filter traps dust, pet hair, and debris. Over the winter, it collects a lot. A clogged filter makes your system work harder, raises your energy bills, and can reduce cooling efficiency by 15–20%.
What to do
Turn off your system. Find your filter (usually in a return air vent or furnace cabinet). Note the size (often 16x25x1, 20x25x1, etc.). Buy a replacement at any hardware store. Slide out the old one, slide in the new one. Takes 2 minutes.
How often
Check it monthly once cooling season starts. Replace it every 30–90 days depending on how much dust you have in your home.
2. Clear Debris from Your Outdoor Unit
Why it matters
Your outdoor AC condenser unit is exposed all winter. Leaves, sticks, grass clippings, and dirt pile up around it. That blocks airflow and reduces cooling efficiency. In extreme cases, it can cause the unit to overheat and shut down on the hottest days.
What to do
Walk around your outdoor unit. Remove any leaves, branches, or debris. If there's a lot of buildup, gently rinse the fins with a garden hose (don't use high pressure—you can bend the delicate aluminum fins). Leave at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides.
How often
Once at the start of cooling season. Then check it monthly, especially after storms or windy days.
3. Check Your Thermostat Settings
Why it matters
After six months of heating, your thermostat might still be set to heat mode. Or the batteries might be dead. Or you might have a programmable thermostat that's locked in a winter schedule. A few quick checks prevent wasted energy and uncomfortable surprises.
What to do
Switch your thermostat from "Heat" to "Cool." Set it to your desired temperature (68–72 degrees is common). If it's a programmable or smart thermostat, update the schedule to match summer hours. Replace batteries if it's been a while.
How often
Once, at the start of summer. Check batteries annually or if the display dims.
4. Inspect Your Vents and Return Air Intakes
Why it matters
Blocked supply vents or return air intakes reduce airflow. Over time, furniture gets pushed against vents, or debris builds up in return air grilles. This makes your system work harder and cools rooms unevenly.
What to do
Walk through each room. Look at your supply vents (where cool air comes out) and return air grilles (where air is pulled back). Make sure they're all open and unobstructed. Move furniture if it's blocking a vent. Vacuum around return grilles if they're dusty.
How often
Once at the start of the season, then monthly as part of routine maintenance.
5. Schedule a Professional Spring AC Check
Why it matters
This is the big one. A professional can do things you can't. Refrigerant levels, electrical connections, blower motor condition, and ductwork leaks are impossible to assess on your own. A spring check catches small problems before they become big, expensive failures in mid-July when everyone's AC is running flat out.
What to do
Call Arctic Peak at (419) 555-0184 and book a spring AC check. We'll inspect your system, run tests, and give you a report. If anything's wrong, we'll tell you. If it's perfect, you'll have peace of mind for the summer.
How often
Once per year, ideally in spring before the heat hits. Some homeowners also do a fall check before heating season.
Why This Matters in Ohio
Ohio summers are humid. Humidity makes heat feel worse. It also makes your AC work harder. If your system has been neglected—clogged filters, blocked vents, low refrigerant, loose connections—it'll struggle when you need it most. The hotter it gets outside, the harder your AC has to work, and the more likely something breaks down.
These five steps take maybe 30 minutes total. A professional inspection takes an hour. Together, they're the difference between an AC that cruises through summer and one that fails in August.
Ready for Your Spring AC Check?
Let Arctic Peak make sure your system is ready. Call us today to schedule your inspection.
Call (419) 555-0184