9 Important AC Maintenance Checks You Should Do Before Summer 2025

As summer 2025 approaches, the rising temperatures are a clear sign that it’s time to start preparing your air conditioning (AC) unit for the heat. The last thing anyone wants is for their AC to break down during a heatwave, or worse, to see their electricity bill skyrocket because the unit is running inefficiently. AC maintenance is crucial to ensure your system works efficiently, cools your home effectively, and saves you money on energy bills.

In this article, we will outline nine important AC maintenance checks that every homeowner should perform before the summer heat kicks in. By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your air conditioning unit is operating at peak performance and ready to handle the hottest days of 2025.

1. Replace or Clean the Air Filter

The air filter is one of the most essential components of your AC system. It traps dust, dirt, and allergens, keeping them from circulating through the air in your home. However, over time, filters can become clogged with debris, which restricts airflow and forces your AC to work harder. This not only makes your system less efficient but can also result in higher energy bills.

Why It’s Important:

A clogged filter reduces airflow, causing your AC to overheat and wear out faster. It can also degrade the quality of indoor air, which can lead to allergies or respiratory issues.

How to Do It:

• Check the Filter: Inspect the filter for any signs of dirt, dust, or clogging. If it appears dirty, it’s time to clean or replace it.
• Cleaning or Replacing: If you have a reusable filter, clean it by vacuuming it or rinsing it with water. If it’s a disposable filter, replace it with a new one.
• Frequency: It’s generally recommended to replace or clean the filter every 1 to 3 months, depending on usage. If you have pets or live in a dusty area, you may need to do it more often.

A clean air filter will ensure that your AC operates more efficiently, providing better cooling while saving energy.

2. Clean the Coils (Evaporator and Condenser)

Your AC system contains two coils: the evaporator coil and the condenser coil. These coils play a crucial role in cooling your home by transferring heat in and out of the system. Over time, dirt and debris can build up on these coils, making it harder for them to release or absorb heat. This reduces the system’s efficiency and can lead to costly repairs.

Why It’s Important:

Dirty coils hinder the heat exchange process, causing the system to run longer, use more energy, and ultimately raise your electricity bills. In some cases, dirty coils can even lead to the failure of the compressor.

How to Do It:

• Turn Off the Power: Before cleaning the coils, always turn off the power to the AC unit to avoid any electrical hazards.
• Clean the Evaporator Coil: The evaporator coil is usually located inside the air handler or furnace. Use a soft brush or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove dirt and dust from the coil. Be gentle to avoid damaging the fins.
• Clean the Condenser Coil: The condenser coil is located in the outdoor unit. Clear any debris (leaves, twigs, dirt) around the unit, and then clean the coil using a brush or a vacuum. You can also spray it with a coil cleaner for a more thorough cleaning.
• Frequency: It’s recommended to clean the coils once a year. If you live in a particularly dusty area, you may need to clean them more frequently.

Keeping the coils clean helps your AC run efficiently, saving you both energy and money while extending the life of your system.

3. Check and Clean the Condensate Drain

The condensate drain is responsible for removing the moisture that’s collected during the cooling process. Over time, the drain can become clogged with algae, dirt, or other debris, which can lead to water buildup inside the AC unit. This can cause mold growth, leaks, and water damage.

Why It’s Important:

A clogged condensate drain can cause your AC unit to freeze up or malfunction. It also creates an ideal environment for mold growth, which can harm your health.

How to Do It:

• Locate the Drain Line: The condensate drain is typically a small PVC pipe connected to the indoor unit.
• Clear the Line: You can use a wet-dry vacuum to remove debris from the line. Alternatively, pour a mixture of bleach and water (one cup of bleach to one gallon of water) into the drain line to eliminate mold or algae growth.
• Check for Proper Drainage: After clearing the line, pour water into the drain and make sure it flows freely. If the water doesn’t drain properly, the line may still be clogged, and you might need to seek professional assistance.

By maintaining a clean and clear condensate drain, you ensure that moisture is properly removed, reducing the risk of water damage and mold growth.

4. Inspect and Clean the Blower Fan

The blower fan is responsible for circulating the cool air throughout your home. If the fan is dirty or obstructed, it can reduce airflow and cause your AC to work harder to cool the space. Over time, a dirty blower fan can lead to poor system performance and higher energy costs.

Why It’s Important:

A dirty blower fan can restrict airflow, leading to poor cooling efficiency and overworking your AC, which ultimately increases energy consumption.

How to Do It:

• Turn Off the Power: Always ensure the power to the AC is turned off before inspecting the blower fan.
• Inspect the Fan: Open the access panel to check the blower fan. Look for dirt, dust, or other debris that could be blocking airflow.
• Clean the Fan: Use a soft brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently remove dirt and dust from the blades of the fan. Be cautious not to bend or damage the blades.
• Lubricate the Motor: If your fan has a motor, lubricate it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This helps prevent wear and tear and ensures smooth operation.

Cleaning and maintaining the blower fan ensures proper airflow, which improves the efficiency and effectiveness of your AC system.

5. Check the Refrigerant Level

Refrigerant is the fluid that absorbs heat from your home and releases it outside. If the refrigerant levels in your system are too low, your AC won’t be able to cool your home effectively, and it may have to run longer, using more energy. Low refrigerant levels could also be a sign of a leak, which can damage the system further if not addressed promptly.

Why It’s Important:

Low refrigerant levels reduce your AC’s cooling ability and can cause the compressor to fail, leading to expensive repairs.

How to Do It:

• Signs of Low Refrigerant: If your AC isn’t cooling properly or is running constantly without reaching the set temperature, it may be low on refrigerant.
• Call a Professional: Checking and refilling refrigerant levels requires special tools and knowledge, so it’s best to call a licensed HVAC technician to inspect the refrigerant levels and identify any potential leaks.

Maintaining the right refrigerant level ensures that your AC unit works efficiently and can cool your home effectively.

6. Inspect Ductwork for Leaks

Leaky ducts can result in a significant loss of cooled air, forcing your AC to work harder to maintain the desired temperature. This leads to higher energy consumption and reduced system efficiency. Leaks are particularly common at the seams or where the ducts connect to vents and the AC unit.

Why It’s Important:

Leaky ducts reduce the effectiveness of your AC system and can cause you to lose up to 30% of the cooled air. This leads to higher cooling costs and longer cooling cycles.

How to Do It:

• Inspect the Ducts: Look for visible signs of damage, such as cracks, gaps, or disconnected sections, especially around seams and joints.
• Seal Leaks: Use mastic sealant or metal tape to seal any visible gaps or leaks in the ducts. Avoid using duct tape, as it can deteriorate over time.
• Consider Professional Help: If you notice significant duct issues or if your home’s ductwork is difficult to access, consider calling a professional to conduct a thorough inspection and sealing.

Sealing ducts ensures that cool air reaches every room of your home and reduces the load on your AC unit.

7. Ensure Proper Airflow Around the Outdoor Unit

The outdoor condenser unit needs proper airflow to release the heat absorbed from inside your home. If the unit is surrounded by debris or obstructed by plants, it can overheat and work inefficiently.

Why It’s Important:

Blocked airflow reduces the condenser unit’s ability to expel heat, which forces the system to work harder and consumes more energy.

How to Do It:

• Clear the Area: Remove any debris, leaves, or plants that are obstructing the outdoor unit. Ensure there’s at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit for proper airflow.
• Clean the Fins: Use a soft brush or hose to remove dirt or debris from the condenser fins. Be careful not to bend the fins, as they are delicate and can be damaged easily.

A clear outdoor unit ensures that your AC can release heat effectively, which helps maintain efficient cooling.

8. Test the Thermostat

The thermostat controls the temperature of your home by regulating when your AC turns on and off. If the thermostat is malfunctioning or giving inaccurate readings, it can cause your AC to cycle unnecessarily, leading to wasted energy and higher utility bills.

Why It’s Important:

A malfunctioning thermostat can result in your AC running too much or too little, which reduces efficiency and comfort.

How to Do It:

• Test the Temperature: Set the thermostat to a certain temperature and check if the AC unit responds accordingly. If the thermostat isn’t cooling effectively or is too slow to adjust, you may need to recalibrate it.
• Replace the Batteries: If you have a battery-operated thermostat, check the battery level and replace it if necessary.
• Consider Upgrading: If your thermostat is outdated, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for better efficiency.

A properly working thermostat ensures that your home stays at the right temperature without wasting energy.

9. Schedule Professional Maintenance

While DIY maintenance is essential, it’s also wise to schedule an annual professional inspection. An HVAC technician will perform a comprehensive inspection of your AC system, ensuring that everything is functioning optimally.

Why It’s Important:

Professional maintenance helps identify and address potential problems before they become costly repairs. Technicians have the expertise and tools to perform in-depth inspections and repairs.

How to Do It:

• Schedule in Early Spring: Book a professional maintenance appointment early in the spring before the summer heat kicks in.
• Comprehensive Check: The technician will check refrigerant levels, inspect the compressor, clean the coils, and perform any necessary repairs or replacements.

Professional maintenance ensures that your AC is in top condition and ready for the summer heat.

Conclusion

Preparing your AC for the summer of 2025 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By performing these nine important maintenance checks—replacing the filter, cleaning the coils, checking refrigerant levels, inspecting ductwork, and scheduling professional service—you can ensure that your system runs efficiently, stays cool, and keeps your energy bills in check. Regular maintenance will not only improve comfort but also extend the lifespan of your AC unit, saving you money in the long run.