As late summer temperatures start to cool down in Goodfield, it’s easy for homeowners to shift attention away from the air conditioner. But this in-between time is actually one of the best opportunities to take care of maintenance. Summer’s heavy use puts strain on your AC system, and leaving it unchecked going into fall and winter can lead to bigger issues next year. Tackling a few maintenance tasks now means fewer headaches when it’s time to turn the system back on.
If the unit worked harder than usual this summer, it might be hiding small problems—clogged filters, strained electrical parts, or worn-out coils. These issues don’t go away just because the weather changes. Taking care of them now not only protects your system while it’s idle but saves you from the stress of unexpected repairs when the next heat wave arrives. This late-summer checklist focuses on steps Goodfield homeowners can take to keep their AC in good shape for the long term.
Check and Replace Air Filters
One of the quickest and most effective ways to improve AC performance is by checking the air filter. A dirty filter limits airflow, makes the system work harder than it needs to, and spreads dust and allergens throughout the house. After running all summer, filters usually collect a lot of buildup, especially in homes with pets or high traffic.
Here’s how to inspect and change your air filter:
– Turn off your AC before removing the filter.
– Slide the filter out of its slot, usually located near the indoor unit or return vent.
– Hold it up to the light. If you can’t see light clearly through it, it’s time for a replacement.
– Install a new filter of the correct size and MERV rating suited for your home.
For most Goodfield homes, changing the filter every 1-3 months keeps air quality steady and protects the indoor unit from dust buildup. Homes with pets, allergies, or higher usage may benefit from monthly replacements. Choosing the right filter matters too—standard fiberglass filters may need to be changed more often, while pleated ones tend to last longer.
Skipping this easy step causes your system to use more energy and can lead to overheating or freezing up. Clean filters are the first layer of protection to keep things running smoothly.
Inspect the Thermostat and Replace Batteries
Thermostats often get overlooked, but they control how and when your AC runs. If the readings are off, the system may cycle too often or not start when it should. Late summer is a good time to confirm that your thermostat is working properly and to prepare it for the months ahead.
Start by checking the current temperature reading—does it match another thermometer in the room? If it seems inaccurate, recalibrate the thermostat or consider replacing it if it’s unresponsive. For digital thermostats, pop off the cover and check the batteries. If they haven’t been changed in several months, it’s a good idea to replace them now to avoid power issues later.
Think about your upcoming usage too. If the thermostat is still set to cool, switch it to the appropriate seasonal setting to prevent it from turning on during an unexpected warm day. Some programmable or smart thermostats allow you to schedule temperature changes—now’s a great time to adjust that schedule for fall.
A faulty thermostat isn’t always obvious at first. But letting it run with errors can cause your AC system to short cycle or stay on longer than needed. A quick check and battery swap now saves energy and helps prevent unexpected run times when temperatures fluctuate.
Clean Condenser and Evaporator Coils
Over the course of summer, outside and indoor coils on your AC unit pick up debris, dust, and grime that affect performance. If not cleaned, the buildup makes it harder for your system to transfer heat, which lowers efficiency and puts strain on the compressor.
To clean the condenser coils (the ones in the outdoor unit), first cut power to the unit at the disconnect box. Remove any visible debris like leaves or twigs around the base. Using a soft brush or a shop vacuum with a brush attachment, gently remove dirt from the coil fins. Avoid bending the thin metal fins—these help with airflow and can be damaged easily.
For evaporator coils inside the home, access is usually behind a panel on the indoor unit. These coils may need cleaning with a coil cleaner that breaks down grime without scrubbing. If the buildup is heavy or hard to reach, it’s better to have our professionals handle the job to avoid damaging the unit.
Signs of wear or damage to the coils include bent fins, refrigerant oil leakage, or signs of rust. If you notice any of those, it’s time for a deeper inspection and possible repair. Clean coils don’t just improve cooling—they keep your AC from aging faster than it should.
Verify Refrigerant Levels Carefully
One of the more technical but important parts of late-summer AC maintenance in Goodfield is checking your refrigerant levels. Refrigerant is what allows the system to pull heat out of the air and keep your home at a comfortable temperature. If the level is off—even slightly—it can lead to reduced cooling, longer run times, and even damage to the compressor.
Here are common signs that refrigerant may be low:
– Air coming from the vents feels lukewarm or not as cold as it should.
– The system runs nonstop but doesn’t reduce humidity or cool the home properly.
– You hear hissing or bubbling noises near the indoor or outdoor unit.
– Ice forms on the evaporator coils or refrigerant lines.
Low refrigerant levels don’t happen by accident. If it’s low, there’s likely a leak somewhere. This isn’t something to guess or fix yourself. Sealing leaks and refilling refrigerant requires special training and tools, and doing it without the right approach could make the problem worse or void your system’s warranty. Our technicians use the right tools to test refrigerant pressure, find the leak source, and recharge the system properly so it cools efficiently again.
Leaving low refrigerant unchecked for months can wear out the AC from the inside. Since it often gets worse gradually, you may not realize there’s a problem until the system fails on the first hot day next year. A check now lets you catch the issue when it’s still manageable.
Check Electrical Components for Wear and Tear
After a long summer of daily operation, the electrical components inside your AC system have experienced a fair amount of use. Loose wires, worn terminals, or corroded connections can cause your system to fail suddenly or lead to performance issues that gradually grow worse.
Start by carefully checking the most visible connections. Make sure wiring around the outdoor unit hasn’t been damaged by insects, moisture, or weeds. Look for discoloration, burn marks, or rust—each of these is a sign that the connections may need replacement. Keep in mind that many issues happen inside the panels or in hard-to-reach places where homeowners can’t inspect without removing covers.
Small electrical issues often lead to bigger problems, like short cycling, tripped breakers, or compressors that won’t turn on. These signs might point to loose connections or worn capacitors. Regular wear is expected, but if it goes unchecked, it can build up and create costly repairs.
Even if your system seems to be running fine, loose or aging parts behind the scenes could still be risking a shutdown. Late summer is one of the best times to have our professionals take a closer look, especially before the AC sits idle or gets exposed to winter weather.
Get Your AC Ready for Next Season
Doing maintenance now means your system will be more likely to start up without issues next year. It can be easy to forget your outdoor AC unit once fall rolls in, but with the right steps, you’ll help it stay protected during cold months—and reduce the chances of surprise repairs later.
Here are a few ways Goodfield homeowners can prep their AC for the off-season:
1. Cut power to the outdoor condenser unit to prevent it from trying to run if there’s a warm day in winter.
2. Use a breathable cover to shield it from snow, ice, and debris, without trapping moisture underneath.
3. Clear out nearby vegetation or objects that could cause damage to the unit over time.
4. Gently clean the outer metal casing and compressor base to remove dirt buildup.
5. Schedule a reminder on your calendar for a check-up before spring.
These steps don’t take long but can extend the life of your system and reduce the stress it goes through during its off months. Skipping these small tasks now can lead to bigger ones later.
An example of why this matters: A homeowner we worked with in Goodfield covered their AC unit tightly with a plastic tarp, thinking they were doing the right thing. The sealed covering trapped moisture, causing corrosion on the electrical panel. Things looked fine from the outside, but it cost them a full panel replacement before cooling season even began. Had the unit been covered correctly, the damage could have been avoided altogether.
Prep Now for Smooth Operation Later
Late summer is the right time to take care of basic AC maintenance that can pay off long-term. When your system is clean, secure, and tuned properly, it uses less energy and has fewer problems. That means fewer breakdowns during sudden heat spikes and a longer overall lifespan.
Even if your AC seems to be working fine as the season changes, deeper issues that aren’t visible yet can create problems when summer returns. Taking care of those maintenance tasks while you have the time helps ensure your system isn’t sitting idle with hidden damage.
Consistent AC upkeep gives you more control over your home comfort. It also means you’re not rushing to fix things when it’s already 90 degrees outside. With a solid maintenance routine in place, you spend more time enjoying your space and less time worrying about costly repairs.
For Goodfield homeowners, being ahead of the curve each year makes cooling season far less stressful. A well-maintained system gives better performance with less effort and keeps energy use low, season after season.
If you want to ensure a smooth transition into the cooler months, consider a proactive inspection and care routine—reliable AC maintenance in Goodfield can make a meaningful difference in how your system performs next season. Hinrichsen Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. is here to help protect your investment before wear and tear turns into costly repairs. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.