With summer temperatures climbing higher each year, residents in Surrey are feeling the heat—not just outside, but often inside their homes too. If your air conditioner can’t keep up, it could lead to uncomfortable days and sleepless nights. Waiting until the hottest days to find out your AC isn’t working properly can bring unexpected repairs and frustrating breakdowns. That’s why taking action before temperatures peak is the smart move.
A well-maintained AC unit does more than just cool. It helps control energy use, avoids performance issues, and improves air quality inside your home. Problems that seemed minor during cooler weather can grow during peak heat. By staying proactive now, you can prevent those mid-summer surprises and keep your home suitably cool.
Inspect and Clean the AC Unit
When your AC hasn’t been in use for several months, dirt and debris can gather both inside and around it. Everything from leaves and twigs to grime and pests can create obstacles that make your system work harder than it needs to. Before the hottest days of the year arrive, give your AC unit a solid inspection and cleaning.
Start with a visual check of the outdoor unit:
– Clear any visible mud, leaves, or branches from the base and surface of the unit.
– Ensure there is at least two feet of clear space around it, free from plants or large objects.
– Look inside for any clogged fans, insect nests, or signs of animal activity.
Safely clean the unit next. Always shut off the power before working on it. Use a soft brush to lightly clean dirt from the fins, and take care not to bend them. Inside the home, wipe off dust from vents and check rooms for poor airflow or unpleasant odours, which could mean there is hidden debris in the ducts or coils.
Even though cleaning doesn’t solve deeper problems, it plays a key part in keeping the system efficient. Cleaner parts reduce strain and help air flow properly, so your AC doesn’t have to work harder than necessary to balance your home’s temperature.
Check and Replace Air Filters
Checking your air filter regularly is one of the top ways to improve your AC’s performance. Filters collect dust, pet hair, and other materials that would otherwise move through your home’s air. Over time, these filters get clogged, choking airflow and raising your energy costs. A blocked filter also pushes the system to overheat or wear out parts faster.
Most homes have filters placed in return vents or inside air handlers. To check, pull out the current filter and hold it up to the light. If you can’t see through it, it’s time to replace it. These should typically be replaced every one to three months during heavy use seasons like summer.
When buying a replacement, make sure it matches the size of the existing filter. If allergies are a concern, consider a filter with a higher MERV rating. These do a better job catching fine particles. However, avoid overly dense filters that reduce airflow too much.
A clean filter means better airflow, lower energy bills, and fewer mechanical problems. It also creates fresher indoor air, which makes a noticeable difference during long periods of AC use.
Evaluate the Thermostat
Not all cooling problems stem from the AC unit itself. The thermostat can cause issues if it’s not working as expected. If your home doesn’t match the temperature shown on the screen or the unit runs at odd times, the thermostat might need adjustment or replacement.
To check your thermostat:
– Ensure it’s level and firmly attached on the wall.
– Confirm that it’s not affected by nearby heat sources like windows or lamps.
– Adjust the temperature settings slightly and see if the system reacts the way it should.
If you have an older model, consider upgrading. Programmable thermostats are easy to manage and can reduce cooling costs by setting efficient schedules. You can set it to cool just before you return home or turn off while you’re out.
Even digital thermostats can become miscalibrated over time. If certain parts of the house are cooler or warmer than others, or if the AC cycles on and off too often, that’s a sign there’s an issue. Accurate thermostat readings help your system run smoothly and avoid unnecessary strain.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
Just because your AC worked last summer doesn’t mean it’s ready for this one. Parts wear down, refrigerant levels drop, and electrical components loosen. While cleaning and checking filters helps, in-depth issues often need expert attention. That’s where scheduling AC service in Surrey with our professionals comes in.
Here’s what happens during a professional maintenance visit:
– A full system check to look for early wear and loose or broken parts.
– Deep cleaning of interior coils and elements that aren’t accessible during regular upkeep.
– Coolant check and refill, if needed, to maintain proper system function.
– Testing of electrical parts to ensure safe, stable operation.
These visits aim to catch—and fix—problems before they become cooling failures during high demand. Our technicians can recommend pre-emptive repairs, check noise or airflow issues, and make sure your AC is running safely and efficiently. Booking this type of service early in the season also means shorter waits and better availability.
Monitor and Manage Your Home’s Insulation
Even with the best-functioning AC, poor insulation can make cooling your home a challenge. If cooled air escapes through the attic, windows, or vents, your system burns more energy to maintain comfortable temperatures. Insulation helps hold that air inside, giving your AC less work to do.
Walking through your home can give you clues to insulation issues:
– Rooms that warm up too fast compared to others.
– Hot air leaking at windows, older door frames, or attic hatches.
– A power bill that keeps climbing, even when usage habits remain steady.
Look in the attic to see if insulation is disturbed or flattened. Around windows and doors, check for gaps or failing weather stripping. These small fixes often have a noticeable effect. Resealing windows, closing attic drafts, or using heavier curtains can all help keep cool air where it belongs.
Pairing high-performing insulation with AC efficiency creates greater comfort during extended heat. That added benefit helps limit energy use and wear on your system, so both your home and AC work easier in warm conditions.
Stay Comfortable All Summer Long
Getting your AC ready for summer isn’t just a precaution—it improves comfort, indoor air quality, and performance all season long. Simple steps like cleaning the unit, switching out filters, double-checking your thermostat, and strengthening home insulation go a long way in keeping your household cool and efficient in Surrey’s hottest weeks.
Instead of waiting for a breakdown in the middle of a heat wave, take control by preparing now. Routine maintenance and timely checkups can stop small problems from growing and give you better command over how your home stays cool.
By taking time to prepare, you set up your home to handle hot weather with less stress, fewer breakdowns, and more reliable cooling when you need it most.
Ensure your home remains cool and efficient this summer by taking proactive steps to maintain your cooling system and relying on our professionals for AC service in Surrey. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today and experience the reliable care North Wind Heating offers.
