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Give Your AC a Late-Season Checkup

outdoor-unit-of-air-conditioner

As the heat continues to bear down in August, your air conditioner is still working hard to keep your home cool and comfortable. That’s why now is the perfect time to give your system a little extra attention. A late-season AC checkup can help you avoid costly repairs and sudden breakdowns during the hottest weeks of the year. There are some things you should do yourself, and if you haven’t already scheduled professional AC maintenance in West Monroe, LA, it’s time to act.

Change Your Air Filters

One of the simplest and most effective things you can do is replace your air filter. A clogged filter restricts airflow, making your AC work harder and use more energy. It also reduces your indoor air quality, which can aggravate allergies and respiratory issues. Swapping in a fresh filter every 1–2 months—especially during periods of heavy use—keeps your system running smoothly and helps extend its life.

Blow Dust Off the Coils

Your air conditioner’s coils play a crucial role in cooling the air that circulates through your home. Over time, dust and grime can collect on these components, reducing their efficiency. You don’t need to take anything apart: just locate the accessible coils and use a can of compressed air to gently blow away dust. Keeping them clean helps your system cool faster and use less energy.

Clear the Area Around the Outdoor Unit

Your AC’s outdoor unit needs plenty of airflow to operate efficiently. Take a few minutes to trim back any plants, bushes, or tall grass growing too close to the unit. You’ll also want to rake away leaves, pine needles, or other debris that may have gathered around the base. A clear space of about two feet all around the unit ensures optimal ventilation and helps prevent overheating.

Give It a Gentle Hose Down

After clearing away debris, use your garden hose to rinse off the outdoor unit. Don’t use a high-pressure nozzle, just a gentle stream of water is enough to wash away dust, pollen, and dirt from the fins. This simple step improves your system’s efficiency and can even help lower your energy bills during the last stretch of summer.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

If you haven’t had a professional look at your system this year, don’t wait any longer. A licensed technician can perform a thorough inspection, tighten electrical connections, check refrigerant levels, and make sure every component is working as it should. Preventative maintenance now can stop small issues from turning into big problems later on—and no one wants to face an AC breakdown in the middle of a Louisiana August.

Watch and Listen for Trouble

Keep an eye, and an ear, on how your system is performing. If you notice strange noises, weak airflow, uneven cooling, or rising energy bills, don’t ignore the signs. These symptoms could point to a developing issue that needs repair. Catching it early gives you the best chance to fix it quickly and avoid a total system failure.

A little late-season attention now can go a long way toward keeping your AC dependable through the last sweltering weeks of summer. Don’t wait for a breakdown: take action today and stay cool tomorrow.

Contact Mike Smith Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC. We provide “Professional grade service.”

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