Get Your AC Ready for Summer in Ohio Before It's Too Late

June 11, 2025

Summer in Ohio can bring sweltering heat, making a well-functioning air conditioning system essential for comfort. Preparing your AC before the hottest days arrive can prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensure optimal performance. Here are some essential tips to get your AC ready for summer:


1. Replace the Air Filter

A clean air filter is crucial for efficient cooling. Replace your filter to ensure proper airflow and reduce strain on your system. Aim to check and replace it every one to three months, depending on usage.


2. Clean the Outdoor Unit

Over the fall and winter, debris, leaves, and dirt can accumulate around the outdoor unit. Clear away any debris and gently hose down the unit to remove dust and grime from the coils. This helps improve efficiency and cooling capacity.


3. Check the Thermostat

Test your thermostat to ensure it’s functioning correctly. If you have an older model, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for better energy management and efficiency.


4. Inspect and Seal Ductwork

Leaky ducts can lead to significant energy loss and uneven cooling. Inspect your ductwork for leaks, holes, or disconnected sections, and seal them with appropriate materials. This will ensure cool air reaches every part of your home.


5. Test the System

Run your AC for a short period to ensure it starts up and runs smoothly. Listen for any unusual noises and check if it’s cooling effectively. This test can help you identify issues early.


6. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up

Give us a call to perform a thorough inspection and tune-up of your AC system. We can check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical components, and ensure everything is in optimal working order. Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs and extend the life of your system.


If you are in need of service on your current AC system please give us a call and we'd be glad to begin the process of evaluating your needs along with your budget and coming up with a plan for your heating, cooling & air quality needs.


Wooster: (330) 263.0013


Ashland: (419) 289.1616


Mt. Eaton (330) 359.7114



hvac service technician
February 10, 2026
TUESDAYS WITH THE TECH Today we continue learning more about the Service Techs of Alpine while getting a few insider tips. Checking in this week from Wooster is Chris Jones. Chris has been a service tech at Alpine for almost 7 years. 1. What’s one thing homeowners might not realize about heating & cooling? A: Systems can be oversized. Just because the system is larger doesn't mean it's "better" 2. Favorite State you’ve visited other than Ohio? A: Wyoming 3. Would you rather be chased by one angry goose or ten aggressive squirrels? A: Angry goose. I can grab it by the neck 4. What’s one piece of advice you’d give a homeowner to avoid breakdowns? A: Keep up with regular filter changes 5. Remove One for the rest of your life… 1. Pizza 2. Cheeseburgers 3. Pasta A: Cheeseburgers
Service Tech Jeremy Kaufman
February 3, 2026
TUESDAYS WITH THE TECH This week’s edition of Tuesdays with the tech is the Service Manager here at Alpine, Jeremy Kaufman. 1. What’s one thing homeowners might not realize about heating & cooling? A: 50% of HVAC breakdowns are due to lack of maintenance 2. Favorite State you’ve visited other than Ohio? A: Montana 3. Would you rather be chased by one angry goose or ten aggressive squirrels? A: I’ll go with the squirrels. I was chased by a goose as a child 4. What’s one piece of advice you’d give a homeowner to avoid breakdowns? A: HVAC maintenance 5. Remove One for the rest of your life… 1. Pizza 2. Cheeseburgers 3. Pasta A: Pasta
By Tom Markley January 27, 2026
TUESDAYS WITH THE TECH This week we continue learning more about the Service Techs of Alpine and the Industry as a whole. This week is Ashland Native Trey Bright. 1. What’s one thing homeowners might not realize about heating & cooling? A: Systems are more complex than they may realize 2. Favorite State you’ve visited other than Ohio?. A: Tennessee 3. Would you rather be chased by one angry goose or ten aggressive squirrels? A: 1 angry goose! Bigger target to kick! 4. What’s one piece of advice you’d give a homeowner to avoid breakdowns? A: Maintaining there units is key to keeping them running longer  5. Remove One for the rest of your life… 1. Pizza 2. Cheeseburgers 3. Pasta A: Pasta . . . #tuesdayswiththetech #alpine #heating #winter
HVAC SERVICE TECHNICIAN
January 21, 2026
TUESDAYS WITH THE TECH Join us over the next few weeks in meeting the Service Techs of Alpine and learning more about them and the Industry as a whole. This Week's Tech of the Week: Nick Cutright 1. What’s one thing homeowners might not realize about heating & cooling? A: Your Thermostat is just an on and off switch 2. Favorite State you’ve visited other than Ohio? A: South Carolina 3. Would you rather be chased by one angry goose or ten aggressive squirrels? A: Goose 4. What’s one piece of advice you’d give a homeowner to avoid breakdowns? A: Maintaining units is key to keeping them lasting longer 5. Remove One for the rest of your life… 1. Pizza 2. Cheeseburgers 3. Pasta A: Pasta If you’re ready to make your home warmer, more efficient, and more dependable this year, now is the time to consider a new heating system . Serving Wooster, OH, and surrounding communities since 1993, we are a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor working with a variety of heating and cooling systems. Call (330) 263-0013 to schedule an furnace repair or inspection and visit our website to learn more about our qualifications.
January 14, 2026
Navigate the challenges of DIY HVAC repair with humor and insights from Alpine Heating & Cooling, and learn when to call in the experts.
A cozy A-frame cabin surrounded by snow-covered trees at dusk, warmly lit with string lights,
By Tom Markley January 7, 2026
Start the new year with a high-efficiency heating system that delivers better comfort, lower energy bills, and reliable warmth all winter long.
December 19, 2025
Most HVAC problems don’t start with a breakdown. They start quietly—months or even years earlier—because of one simple habit almost every homeowner has. They wait until something stops working to think about their HVAC system.  HVAC Systems Don’t Fail Suddenly—They Wear Out Your furnace or air conditioner doesn’t usually “just die.” It wears down gradually through: Longer run times Higher electrical draw Rising internal temperatures Increased vibration and stress By the time a system shuts off or trips a safety, the damage has often been happening for a long time. That’s why emergency breakdowns almost always come with higher repair costs. What Actually Causes Premature HVAC Failure Contrary to popular belief, age alone isn’t the biggest killer of HVAC equipment. The most common causes are: 1. Small Issues Left Unchecked A weak capacitor, dirty flame sensor, or failing blower motor doesn’t always stop the system—but it forces other components to work harder. That added strain shortens the life of the entire system. 2. “It’s Still Working” Syndrome Homeowners often delay service because: The house still heats or cools The system hasn’t locked out There’s no obvious warning light Unfortunately, HVAC systems can operate while slowly damaging themselves. 3. Deferred Maintenance Costs More Than Repairs Skipping routine service doesn’t save money—it shifts the cost to: Larger repair bills Emergency service calls Shortened system lifespan A simple maintenance visit can prevent a $1,500 breakdown. Why Breakdowns Always Happen at the Worst Time There’s a reason furnaces fail during cold snaps and ACs quit during heat waves. Extreme weather forces systems to: Run longer Start more frequently Operate at peak capacity If a component is already weakened, that’s when it finally gives up. What “Normal Operation” Should Actually Look Like A healthy HVAC system should: Start smoothly Run consistently (not constantly) Shut off cleanly Maintain temperature without drastic swings Sound the same month to month Changes in sound, runtime, or performance are early warning signs—not inconveniences. The Smarter Way to Think About HVAC Ownership Instead of asking: “Is it broken?” A better question is: “Is it operating the way it should?” That mindset shift alone prevents many major HVAC failures. Final Thought Your HVAC system is one of the most expensive mechanical systems in your home. Treating it as something to react to—rather than maintain—almost guarantees higher costs and shorter lifespan. The homeowners who get the longest life and lowest total cost aren’t lucky. They’re proactive. Serving Wooster, OH, and surrounding communities since 1993, we are a locally owned and operated HVAC contractor working with a variety of heating and cooling systems. Call (330) 263-0013 to schedule an furnace repair or inspection and visit our website to learn more about our qualifications. Connect on Social Media for more tips and insights.
People walking in winter snow storm
By Tom Markley December 10, 2025
Don’t panic—get warm fast! Follow these expert steps to troubleshoot your heater and stay safe when the heat goes out in the middle of winter.
By Tom Markley November 26, 2025
Cold Hands in Sweater
November 19, 2025
Northeast Ohio homes often feel cold even at 72°. Learn why comfort drops despite a warm thermostat and how Alpine Heating & Cooling can fix the real causes fast.
More Posts