585. 5 Crucial Steps for the Summer Heat
28 Jan 2026 · 7 min
Derek Cole walks through five steps to prepare your HVAC system for summer heat. Change air filters every one to three months, clean vents and registers, keep two feet of clearance around your outdoor unit, get a professional tune-up, and consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for energy savings.
Questions this episode answers
2024-04-09
Derek Cole
Every 1–3 months (check monthly).
At least 2 ft of clear space around the unit.
Five steps.
Chapters
Getting your home ready for summer isn't just about checking your supply of sunscreen or firing up the grill. You need to make sure that your H Vac system is ready to keep you cool when the temperature starts to soar. Here are five essential tasks to tackle before the heat is here, ensuring that you'll stay comfortable, conserve energy, and potentially save on your energy bills. Step 1 Change your air filters My favorite subject right? You've heard that many times. Change your air filters. Your H Vac filters might be the unsung heroes of indoor air quality and energy efficiency. Over time, they can become clogged with dust, pet dander and other airborne particles that can limit airflow, which will cause your system to work harder. By routinely changing your filters, which by the way, should be done every one to three months, three months at the most. I encourage you to check them every month. You can keep your system running smoothly and maintain basic air quality. Make it a point to switch out those filters before the heat hits. Not only will this help your system's performance, but it also ensures that you're not cycling dust around the house when you turn that EC on for the first time. Step 2 Clean your AC vents and grill registers now you've got fresh filters, right? You change the air filter, it's time to check your vents and registers. Over the winter, they can accumulate a layer of dust, debris, anything that can probably further limiting airflow. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clear out as much as you can for a more thorough job, or even you can even remove the register and clean it separately. This simple step helps to ensure that cool air is circulating efficient efficiently, which is critical for keeping the temperature even throughout the home. Step 3 Inspect your condensing unit. This is the unit outside and it's the heart of your AC system. Check for any signs of damage or blockages around the unit and clear away any debris like leaves they may have fallen inside or around the unit. It's always a good idea to cut back any kind of trees or vegetation within 2ft. Two feet of clearance is what you want because blockage can affect its performance. The general rule is to keep at least 2ft of clear space around your unit to allow proper airflow and easy Access for maintenance. Number 4 of 5 Number 4 Schedule A professional tune up While changing your air filters and clean your vents are great kind of DIY measures, scheduling a professional H Vac tune up can catch any potential problems before they have a chance to become major repairs. An H Vac tech will thoroughly inspect and clean your system checking for leaks testing a thermostat tightening electrical connections ensuring that your AC is running at peak levels this annual checkup is incredibly valuable and it's not only there to help you prevent breakdowns, but you can also extend the life of your system. You want to help prevent unexpected breakdowns, especially during the hottest months of the year. But again, you can also extend the life of your system. Number five and Finally Consider an Upgrade to a smart Thermostat have you been considering making the switch to a smart thermostat? Summer is the perfect time to do so. Smart thermostats offer a range of features from remote temperature control from your smartphone to learning your schedule and adjusting the climate in your home accordingly. They're really convenient and it's a really inefficient, energy efficient addition to any home. HVC system. And upgrade to a smart thermostat can also make you eligible for some local rebates from your utility company energy company and can potentially save you money in the long run by optimizing your energy use. So by taking these five steps, you're not only ensuring that your AC will keep you cool this summer, but you're also protecting your investment and contributing to a healthier, more energy efficient home. Make this list a ritual each spring. If you do this, you will breeze through summer with no sweat.
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