Late-Summer HVAC Maintenance Tips for Ohio Homeowners
Late summer in Ohio can be unpredictable. One morning may feel like fall is right around the corner, while the next afternoon brings temperatures and humidity that feel more like the middle of July.
After running through the hottest part of summer, your air conditioning system has already put in a lot of work. August and early September are a good time to pay attention to how your system is performing and take care of a few simple HVAC maintenance items before the seasons begin to change.
1. Pay Attention to Changes in Your AC
By late summer, your air conditioner has been through months of regular use. Small changes in performance can sometimes be the first sign that something needs attention.
Watch for:
- Unusual noises when the system starts or runs
- Weak airflow from your vents
- Rooms that aren't cooling evenly
- An AC system that seems to run constantly
- Higher-than-normal electric bills
- Warm air coming from the vents
- Excess moisture or humidity inside your home
If your air conditioner isn't working the way it did earlier in the summer, having it checked now may help prevent a larger problem later.
2. Check Your HVAC Air Filter
Your air filter is one of the easiest parts of your HVAC system to overlook.
Dust, pollen, pet hair and other airborne particles collect in the filter throughout the summer. As the filter becomes dirty, it can restrict airflow and make it harder for your HVAC system to move air through your home.
Check your filter regularly and replace it when needed. The correct replacement schedule depends on the type of filter, your HVAC system, pets, indoor air quality and other conditions in your home.
Good airflow can help your air conditioner operate more efficiently and keep your home more comfortable.
3. Don't Ignore Late-Summer Humidity
Even when temperatures begin to come down, Ohio can still experience humid weather.
High indoor humidity can make your home feel warmer and less comfortable, causing you to lower the thermostat even though temperature isn't necessarily the problem.
Ideally, indoor relative humidity is generally kept around 30% to 50%. If your home regularly feels damp or sticky, your air conditioner may not be removing enough moisture from the air, or your home may benefit from additional humidity control.
A whole-home dehumidifier can be an option for homes that struggle with excess humidity during Ohio's warmer months.
4. Keep the Outdoor AC Unit Clear
Late summer brings grass clippings, weeds, leaves and other debris that can begin collecting around your outdoor air conditioning unit.
Take a quick look around the condenser and make sure plants, weeds and debris aren't crowding the equipment or restricting airflow.
Keeping the area around your outdoor unit clear gives the system the space it needs to properly move air while it operates.
5. Don't Assume Cooling Season Is Over
One of the biggest mistakes Ohio homeowners can make in August is assuming they're finished with their air conditioner for the year. Anyone who has lived in Northeast Ohio knows that hot weather can return quickly.
If your AC has been struggling, making unusual noises or having trouble keeping your home comfortable, don't wait until next spring to deal with it. Late summer can be a good time to have an HVAC problem diagnosed while you're still able to evaluate how the system performs under cooling conditions.
Get Your HVAC System Ready for the Change of Seasons
A little late-summer HVAC maintenance can help your air conditioning system finish the cooling season strong while preparing your home for the transition into fall.
At Alpine Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Refrigeration, we've been serving homeowners and businesses throughout Northeast Ohio since 1993. From air conditioning repair and HVAC maintenance to heating, indoor air quality and plumbing, our team is here to help keep your home comfortable throughout the year.
We serve Wooster, Ashland, Mt. Eaton and surrounding communities throughout Wayne, Ashland and Holmes Counties.
If your air conditioner isn't cooling properly, your home feels unusually humid, or you would like to have your HVAC system checked, give Alpine a call.
Wooster: (330) 263-0013
Ashland: (419) 289-1616
Mt. Eaton: (330) 359-7114
