5 Ways to Prepare Your HVAC for Summer

1. Schedule a Professional AC Tune-Up

Technicians clean coils, check refrigerant charge, test capacitors, measure amp draw, and clear condensate drains. Spring tune-ups cost far less than midsummer emergency calls when every contractor is booked.

2. Stock Up on Filters

Mark your calendar to change filters every 30–90 days. Write the size on the ductwork with a marker. Consider MERV 8–11 for balance of airflow and filtration — very high MERV without a compatible system can strain the blower.

3. Clear the Outdoor Unit

Trim shrubs, rake leaves, and gently rinse coils. Ensure the pad is level so water drains away. Keep pets from marking the coil — corrosion follows.

4. Test the Thermostat

Run COOL for ten minutes on a warm day. Confirm the outdoor unit starts and air feels cold at vents. Program setback schedules to save energy when you are away — avoid aggressive setbacks that cannot recover on 100°F days.

5. Seal Leaky Ducts and Insulate Attic Runs

Attic duct leaks blow paid-for cooling into hot spaces. Mastic sealant and insulation wrap pay back quickly. Check closet and garage runs for disconnections after maintenance or pest activity.

USA HVAC Repairs provides seasonal maintenance plans and same-day tune-ups before Texas and Sun Belt heat waves hit.