Summers are getting hotter in Oregon, but keeping your home cool doesn’t have to mean sky-high energy bills. The key is taking care of your air conditioner. Regular AC maintenance helps your system last longer, run more efficiently and keep costs down.
The good news? Many basic AC maintenance tasks are easy to do yourself and don’t require special tools. Read on for five simple steps you can handle at home. We’ll also show you when it’s time to call in the pros—so you can keep your family cool all summer long.
1. Change or Clean Your Air Filters Regularly
One of the easiest and most important AC maintenance tasks is changing or cleaning your air filter. When filters get dirty, air can’t flow through as well. This makes your AC work harder, raises your energy bills and can even cause poor air quality in your home. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy says that replacing a dirty filter can lower your AC’s energy use by 5–15%.
A good rule of thumb is to check your filter every 1 – 3 months. If you have pets or allergies or it’s the hotter late summer months, plan to change it monthly. If not, every three months is usually fine.
DIY Steps: Find the filter compartment in your unit and remove the old filter. If it’s disposable, replace it with a new one of the same size. If it’s reusable, wash it, let it dry completely and put it back in place.
This quick step can make a major difference in how much you spend to keep your home cool.
2. Give Your Outdoor Unit Room to Breathe
Your next step for successful AC maintenance is to check your outdoor condenser unit. This unit needs breathing room to function properly. Leaves, dirt and debris can build up around the system, blocking airflow and reducing your unit’s efficiency.
DIY Steps: Trim back plants at least two feet around all sides of your unit. Using a softer setting on your hose nozzle, gently hose off dust and dirt from the fins. Fins are delicate, so be careful not to bend them.
This simple upkeep prevents overheating and reduces strain on your system.
3. The Next Step in AC Maintenance: Clean Your Vents
Inside your home, your AC needs open vents to move cool air evenly. Blocked vents reduce airflow and make your AC work harder, raising energy bills.
DIY Steps: Walk through your home and check for blocked vents. Even a partially covered vent can significantly reduce airflow. Use a damp cloth or microfiber duster to clean vent covers regularly. Vacuum around and just inside each vent to remove debris, pet hair or other particles.
This small AC maintenance step can boost comfort and save money over time.
4. Clear the Condensate Line Before It Clogs
Your AC doesn’t just cool the air: it also removes humidity. Even though summers in the Tacoma area are mostly dry, moisture still builds up. That moisture exits through a small pipe called the condensate drain line. When the line gets clogged, it can back up, leading to leaks, water damage or even a system shutdown.
Regularly clearing your condensate drain line is a simple but important step in AC maintenance.
DIY Steps:
- Turn off your AC unit for safety.
- Locate the condensate drain line, usually a PVC pipe near the indoor unit.
- Mix one cup of white vinegar with one gallon of water.
- Pour the solution into the drain line and let it sit for about 30 minutes.
- Flush the line with hot water.
- Turn your AC back on.
Repeat this process every few months as part of your AC maintenance routine.
5. Your Thermostat: the Final Step for the Best AC Maintenance
Your thermostat ultimately controls how efficiently your AC system runs. An outdated or incorrectly set thermostat can lead to uneven cooling and higher energy bills. A few small changes can make a huge difference.
DIY Steps:
- Set your thermostat fan to auto. The auto setting allows the fan to run only when the system is actively cooling, which saves energy.
- Consider an upgrade. Programmable thermostats let you change temperatures based on your schedule. Smart thermostats learn your habits and optimize cooling for maximum efficiency.
- Make sure your thermostat isn’t in direct sunlight, near lamps or next to drafty windows, which can cause false readings.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when home for optimal comfort and energy savings. When you’re away, raising the setting to 85°F can reduce your cooling costs by as much as 10% per year.
Checking your thermostat as part of AC maintenance saves energy, helps your system last longer and keeps you ready for the next heatwave.
When Does AC Maintenance Require That You Call The Pros?
While many AC maintenance tasks are safe for homeowners, some jobs should always be left to licensed HVAC professionals. These include refrigerant levels and recharging, electrical inspections and repairs and annual tune-ups. Our trained technicians provide thorough inspections, system cleanings and performance checks to ensure your AC is running at peak efficiency all season long.
Simple steps like changing filters, clearing vents and checking your thermostat help keep things running smoothly. But for bigger jobs, calling the pros is the safest and smartest choice. We help families stay comfortable in Auburn, Kent, Renton, Tacoma, Federal Way, and Bremerton.
By combining regular DIY upkeep with professional service, you’ll enjoy reliable comfort and lower energy costs with a system that lasts longer.
