Posted on March 12th, 2025

 

As the warm embrace of summer draws near, ensuring your air conditioning system is as ready as you are for the season can save you both discomfort and unexpected costs. The prospect of a Chicago summer might conjure up images of lakefront adventures, outdoor festivals, and barbecues filling the air with irresistible aromas. But without a reliable cooling system, those long, hot days can quickly turn from enjoyable to unbearable.

 

Inspect and Clean Your Air Filters

Here’s a critical summer air conditioning tip: keeping your air filters clean is fundamental for improving indoor air quality and system efficiency. Air filters serve as the primary barrier against airborne pollutants that could otherwise permeate your home. When you inspect and clean these filters regularly, you're essentially ensuring that your air conditioning system can breathe freely. 

More than just a matter of cleanliness, regularly changing or cleaning your air filters is a smart investment. An AC operating with clean filters consumes less energy, translating directly to savings on your monthly utility bills—a financial benefit all families can appreciate during the expensive summer months in Chicago.

How frequently should you check your filters? The answer can vary depending on several factors, including the type of filter, the number of people and pets in your home, and whether anyone in your household suffers from allergies. 

Such tasks enable you to manage the efficiency of your cooling system, especially during high temperatures. It’s all part of a proactive approach to AC maintenance, where spotting issues early prevents minor inconveniences from escalating into major headaches. When your filters are clean, you shield your AC's internal components, like the fan and coils, from excessive dirt and dust buildup, which could hinder their efficiency and functionality. 

 

Examine and Clear the Outdoor Unit

Let’s look deeper into another significant component of AC maintenance—examining and clearing the outdoor unit. The condenser, housed in this part of your air conditioner, plays a pivotal role in expelling the heat absorbed from your home. Yet, when debris, leaves, and dirt accumulate around this unit, the airflow is compromised, reducing your system's ability to dissipate heat efficiently. 

For proper maintenance of your air conditioner, do not forget to check the outdoor unit. This part is very important for how well and efficiently your AC system works as a whole. By regularly examining and clearing the outdoor unit, you can check that your AC continues to run smoothly and effectively. Here are some key reasons why examining and clearing the outdoor unit should be a top priority in your AC maintenance routine:

• Prevents dirt and debris buildup: Over time, the outdoor unit can accumulate dirt, leaves, and other debris. This buildup can hinder the unit's airflow and cause it to work harder, leading to increased energy consumption and potential breakdowns.
• Improves air quality: A dirty outdoor unit can also affect the air quality in your home. As the unit struggles to function properly, it can circulate dust, allergens, and other pollutants into your living space.
• Extends the lifespan of your AC: Regularly maintaining your outdoor unit can help prolong its lifespan. By keeping it clean and free of obstructions, you can prevent unnecessary strain on the system and avoid costly repairs or replacements.
• Ensures optimal performance: A well-maintained outdoor unit can help your AC operate at peak performance. This means it can effectively cool your home and maintain your desired temperature, all while using less energy.

Examining and clearing the outdoor unit is an important aspect of AC maintenance. By adding this task to your regular routine, you can enjoy a more efficient and reliable air conditioning system, as well as improve your indoor air quality. Don't neglect this important component of your AC and reap the benefits of a well-maintained outdoor unit.

 

Check for Refrigerant Leaks and Proper Levels

As you prepare your AC unit for the coming heat, one key concern should be checking for refrigerant leaks and ensuring proper levels. The refrigerant in your system plays a very important role in cooling your home by absorbing heat and expelling it outside. 

Refrigerant leaks and improper levels can greatly affect the performance and efficiency of your AC unit. It is important to regularly check for these issues to verify your unit is running properly and to prevent any potential damage. Here are some tips for checking for refrigerant leaks and maintaining proper levels in your AC unit:

• Inspect the refrigerant lines for any visible leaks. Look for any signs of oil or frost around the connections and joints.
• Use a refrigerant leak detector to check for any leaks that may not be visible. These detectors can be found at most hardware stores.
• If you suspect a leak, contact a professional HVAC technician to properly repair it.
• Check the refrigerant levels using a pressure gauge. The pressure should be within the recommended range for your specific unit.
• If the pressure is too low, it may indicate a leak or a need for a recharge. Consult a professional for further assistance.
• Do not overcharge the unit with refrigerant as this can cause damage. It is important to maintain the proper levels.

Regularly checking for refrigerant leaks and maintaining proper levels in your AC unit can save you money on energy costs and prevent any potential damage. If you are unsure or uncomfortable performing these tasks yourself, it is always best to consult a professional HVAC technician for assistance. By following these tips, you can check your AC unit is running at its best.

 

Test the Thermostat Functionality

Beyond the components mentioned previously, let’s shift our focus to the thermostat—often overlooked but truly the brain of your cooling system. Testing your thermostat's functionality is a very imporant step as you get AC ready for summer. First, check whether the thermostat displays the correct temperature reading. 

Setting a goal to prepare your AC unit optimally, consider the benefits of a programmable or smart thermostat. These advanced options are not simply about modern conveniences; they enhance energy efficiency, potentially reducing your summer cooling costs by allowing you to preset cooling temperatures depending on your home schedule.

Ensuring that your thermostat is compatible with your AC system is key. Opt for a thermostat that offers energy-saving features, like adaptive learning technology, which remembers your schedule and adjusts accordingly. Google’s Nest Learning Thermostat and Ecobee SmartThermostat are popular options worth exploring. 

So, as you enter or exit your home, the AC smartly adjusts without manual input, enhancing overall comfort. Making these upgrades not only means fewer manual adjustments but also contributes towards an eco-friendly lifestyle by reducing energy usage. Keep in mind, these thermostats often come with a higher initial cost. 

 

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Let's talk about getting professional maintenance done as a preventative measure to keep your AC from breaking down in the summer and make sure your system is ready for the season. Regular maintenance is key for keeping your equipment and appliances in good working condition. It not only ensures their longevity but also helps in detecting and preventing any potential issues.

While it may seem like an added expense, scheduling professional maintenance can actually save you money in the long run. Here are some reasons why it is important to schedule professional maintenance for your equipment and appliances:

• Increases lifespan: Regular maintenance helps in identifying and addressing minor issues before they turn into major problems, thus extending the lifespan of your equipment and appliances.
• Improves efficiency: With regular maintenance, your equipment and appliances will be able to operate at their optimal efficiency, saving you money on energy bills.
• Ensures safety: Professional maintenance includes thorough inspections and checks, reducing the risk of accidents or malfunctions that could potentially harm you or your family.
• Saves money: By detecting and fixing any issues early on, you can avoid costly repairs or replacements in the future.
• Warranty requirements: Many equipment and appliance warranties require regular professional maintenance to remain valid. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in voiding your warranty.

Scheduling professional maintenance for your equipment and appliances is key for their proper functioning, safety, and longevity. Don't wait for a breakdown to occur, be proactive and schedule regular maintenance to save yourself time, money, and hassle in the future.

 

Related:   Maximize Savings: Lower Energy Bills with Efficient HVAC

 

Conclusion

Chicago summers can be relentless, and a well-maintained AC is key to staying comfortable. Clean air filters, a debris-free outdoor unit, proper refrigerant levels, and thermostat accuracy all contribute to efficiency and reliability. Taking these steps now helps prevent breakdowns, keeps energy bills in check, and ensures your home stays cool when temperatures rise.

FMS Mechanical Solutions is here to help. Our expert technicians provide thorough inspections and maintenance to keep your system running at its best. Summer’s coming—make sure your AC is up for the challenge! A quick maintenance check now can save you from unexpected breakdowns and high energy bills when the heat kicks in. Schedule your professional HVAC tune-up today and keep your home cool and comfortable all season long.

Contact us at (773) 418-8170 or visit our contact page to book your service. Stay ahead of the summer heat and enjoy uninterrupted comfort all season long. A well-maintained AC isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity.