7 Easy Steps to Keep Your AC Running Smoothly This Summer 2025

As the heat of summer approaches, many of us rely heavily on our air conditioners (AC) to stay comfortable. The last thing anyone wants is for their AC to break down on the hottest day of the year. Luckily, by taking a few simple, preventative steps, you can keep your air conditioner running smoothly all summer long. In 2025, with the latest advancements in technology, maintaining your AC is easier and more efficient than ever. Whether you’re trying to save on energy bills or prevent costly repairs, these 7 easy steps will help ensure that your AC is always performing at its best.

1. Change or Clean the Air Filter Regularly

One of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure your AC runs smoothly is by changing or cleaning the air filter. A dirty or clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing the system to work harder and less efficiently. This not only increases your energy bills but also puts unnecessary strain on your AC unit, which can lead to premature breakdowns.

In 2025, many modern AC systems feature filters that are easy to replace or clean. Typically, filters should be replaced or cleaned every 1 to 3 months, depending on your usage. However, if you have pets, live in a dusty environment, or have allergies, you may need to do it more frequently.

In addition to improving airflow, a clean filter also ensures that allergens, dust, and debris don’t circulate through your home, keeping the air quality high. Some newer models come equipped with smart sensors that can send you alerts when it’s time to clean or replace the filter, making maintenance even more convenient.

2. Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit

The outdoor condenser unit of your AC is essential for expelling the heat that your system has removed from your home. If the unit is surrounded by debris, overgrown plants, or other obstacles, it can restrict airflow, making it harder for the system to function properly. When your outdoor unit is obstructed, the entire system has to work harder to cool your home, which can lead to overheating, increased energy consumption, and even system failure.

To prevent these issues, regularly clear the area around the outdoor condenser unit. Trim back any plants or bushes, remove leaves, twigs, and other debris, and ensure that there’s at least 2 feet of clearance around all sides of the unit. This will allow for proper airflow, which helps the unit expel heat efficiently, keeping your AC running smoothly.

3. Check and Clean the Coils

Your AC system has two key components responsible for heat exchange: the evaporator coils and the condenser coils. The evaporator coils absorb heat from inside your home, and the condenser coils release that heat outside. Over time, both sets of coils can accumulate dirt and debris, reducing the system’s efficiency.

In 2025, while some AC systems feature self-cleaning technologies, it’s still essential to check and clean the coils on a regular basis. Dirt buildup on the coils can significantly reduce their ability to absorb or expel heat, forcing the system to run longer and use more energy. Dirty coils can also cause the system to overheat, potentially leading to a complete breakdown.

To clean the coils, turn off the power to the unit and use a soft brush or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove dirt and debris. You may also want to use a specialized coil cleaner if necessary. If you’re unsure how to clean the coils properly, or if the coils appear severely dirty, consider hiring a professional technician to handle the task.

4. Inspect and Clean the Condensate Drain

Air conditioners work by removing moisture from the air, which is collected in a drain pan and then channeled out through a condensate drain. Over time, this drain can become clogged with algae, dirt, or other debris, which can cause water to back up and potentially leak into your home.

A clogged drain not only results in water damage but also creates a perfect environment for mold and mildew to thrive, which could negatively impact your indoor air quality. Fortunately, cleaning the condensate drain is a simple task that can prevent these problems.

To inspect and clean the drain, locate the drain line (usually a PVC pipe) and ensure that it’s free of blockages. You can use a wet-dry vacuum to suck out any clogs. Another common method is pouring a mixture of vinegar or bleach down the drain to break down any algae or mold growth. By doing this regularly, you can ensure proper drainage and prevent any moisture-related issues.

5. Keep Your Thermostat and Settings Optimized

The thermostat is the control center of your air conditioning system. If it’s not calibrated properly or if you’re using it inefficiently, your AC unit may struggle to maintain the desired temperature in your home, leading to higher energy consumption and increased wear and tear on the system.

In 2025, smart thermostats are widely available and can make a big difference in your AC’s performance. These thermostats allow you to program temperature settings, ensuring that the AC only runs when necessary. For example, you can set the thermostat to increase the temperature when you’re away from home or sleeping and then cool it back down when you return.

Additionally, consider setting your thermostat to a more energy-efficient temperature, such as 78°F during the summer. Every degree you lower the temperature below 78°F increases your energy consumption by about 6-8%. With modern systems becoming more efficient, small changes like this can make a significant difference in both comfort and cost.

6. Schedule Annual Professional Maintenance

While there are many maintenance tasks that homeowners can handle on their own, an annual professional tune-up is still essential to keep your AC running efficiently. A licensed HVAC technician can inspect your system, clean the internal components, check the refrigerant levels, and identify any potential issues that may require attention before they turn into major problems.

In 2025, many companies offer maintenance plans that allow you to schedule regular tune-ups at a discounted rate. During a professional inspection, the technician will test the thermostat, clean the coils, check the condensate drain, and ensure that the refrigerant levels are correct. They’ll also perform a general inspection of your system’s components to catch any signs of wear and tear early.

By investing in professional maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your system, improve its energy efficiency, and avoid costly repairs down the road. This step is especially crucial if your AC is older, as technicians can often detect minor issues before they become major failures.

7. Monitor for Unusual Sounds or Smells

One of the easiest ways to identify an issue with your AC is by paying attention to any unusual sounds or smells. If you hear strange noises like grinding, banging, or squealing, it may indicate a problem with the fan, motor, or compressor. These issues should be addressed as soon as possible, as ignoring them can lead to further damage.

Similarly, if you notice a musty or burning smell coming from your AC, it could indicate mold growth, an electrical issue, or a problem with the wiring. If you detect any strange sounds or odors, it’s important to turn off the unit immediately and call a professional technician to inspect and diagnose the problem.

Regularly monitoring your AC for unusual signs can help you catch problems early and prevent them from escalating into more significant and costly issues.

Conclusion

With these 7 easy steps, you can ensure that your AC runs smoothly all summer long, keeping your home cool and comfortable even during the hottest days of 2025. Regular maintenance and simple upkeep can prevent many common issues, extend the lifespan of your unit, and save you money on energy bills and repairs.

By changing the air filter, clearing debris from around the outdoor unit, cleaning the coils, checking the condensate drain, optimizing your thermostat settings, scheduling annual professional maintenance, and monitoring for unusual sounds or smells, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a hassle-free, cool summer. Keeping your AC in top shape doesn’t have to be difficult — with a little attention and care, you can relax and enjoy the season without worrying about your cooling system.