Late summer in Salt Lake City can bring high temperatures that push your AC system harder than usual. Around this time of year, cooling units are already worn from running for months, but the hot days haven’t ended yet. That’s why August is a smart time to take a closer look at your air conditioning system. Putting off AC service now can make your home less comfortable and increase the risk of breakdowns just when you need cool air the most.
Homeowners in Salt Lake City can take simple but important steps to make sure their AC systems stay dependable through the rest of the season. Whether you’re noticing weak airflow, strange noises, or just haven’t had the system checked in a while, it’s a good time to focus on system performance, especially as the heat lingers into fall. Here’s how to get ahead of issues and avoid getting stuck in a hot house when the late-summer sun kicks in.
Inspecting and Cleaning the AC Unit
A quick visual inspection can reveal a lot about the condition of your AC unit. Start by checking the outdoor condenser. Over the course of a busy summer in Salt Lake City, it’s not unusual for that unit to collect leaves, grass clippings, and dirt. This buildup can block airflow, causing the system to work harder and less efficiently.
Another overlooked step is cleaning or changing the air filters. Dirty filters don’t just reduce airflow — they circulate dust and particles around your home. Blocking that airflow forces your unit to run longer, which adds wear and tear. A clean filter promotes better cooling and cleaner indoor air.
Look around the outdoor condenser as well. Sometimes, bushes or other items crowd too close, cutting off the air circulation that this part of the system needs. Try to keep at least two feet of space around it clear.
When checking your AC unit, watch for:
– Unusual noises like banging or humming
– Water pooling around the outdoor unit
– Obvious bends or dents in the fins
– Short bursts of air or uneven temperatures inside
If anything looks or sounds off, it’s time to have our technicians take a closer look. Early attention may help avoid bigger problems as the heat holds on through September.
Checking the Thermostat
Your thermostat might seem like a minor piece of the system, but it plays a key role in keeping your house cool without overworking the AC. In late summer, you may find that your usual settings don’t offer the same level of comfort as they did in early July. This is a good sign that something in the setup may be off.
First, make sure your thermostat is responding quickly and accurately to changes. If you’re adjusting the temperature but the system lags or won’t kick on, it could mean wiring or sensor issues. If it’s a battery-powered unit, replacing old batteries can fix some of these problems.
Many homeowners in Salt Lake City are also switching to programmable or smart thermostats. These allow more control over cooling schedules without needing to constantly adjust the settings. That way, you can set it to run less while you’re sleeping or away from home but still keep things cool when it matters.
Try these quick steps to check your thermostat:
– Change the temperature setting by 3 to 5 degrees and listen for the AC to turn on
– Check the screen for clear display and response time
– Clean the area around the thermostat to avoid dust buildup affecting sensors
– Make sure it’s not installed near heat sources like lamps or windows
A thermostat in poor condition or placed in the wrong location can lead to uneven temperatures and wasted energy. If your home feels cool one minute and warm the next, it’s worth getting it inspected. That small fix can make a big difference through the rest of the cooling season.
Assessing Refrigerant Levels
As summer nears its end, your AC system might start struggling with consistent cooling, which can be a sign of low refrigerant. When refrigerant levels drop, the system has to work harder to absorb and release heat, leading to longer run times and less comfort throughout the home. You might notice areas of your house feeling warmer than usual or your system running longer without effectively cooling the space.
Refrigerant doesn’t get used up like fuel, so if levels are low, it usually means there’s a leak. This isn’t something that can be solved by topping it off. It’s a mechanical issue that calls for professional assessment. If left unchecked, low refrigerant can damage the compressor and lead to costly repairs or even complete system failure.
Common signs of refrigerant issues include:
– Warm or barely cool air coming from vents
– Ice forming on the refrigerant line or evaporator coil
– Hissing or bubbling sounds from the outdoor unit
– Increased indoor humidity levels
If you’re dealing with one or more of these problems in Salt Lake City, the best step is to have our technicians inspect the system. A refrigerant leak is something best handled by licensed professionals who can locate the source and make the necessary repairs without causing further damage.
Inspecting and Cleaning Ductwork
Even if your AC unit is running like it should, dirty or damaged ductwork can hold back cooling performance. Over time, dust, pet hair, and other debris build up in the ducts, making it harder for air to circulate properly. Leaks or gaps in the duct system can also let cool air escape before it even reaches the rooms you’re trying to cool.
If some parts of your house feel warm while others stay cold, it might not be a thermostat issue. Uneven temperatures or weak airflow in a specific room often point back to duct problems. Late summer is a smart time to inspect these systems before heavier fall use of HVAC components begins.
Other signs your ducts may need attention:
– Higher energy bills with no change in usage
– Visible dirt around supply vents
– Whistling or rattling sounds when the AC is running
– A musty odor when airflow starts
A professional inspection can confirm whether the ductwork needs to be cleaned, sealed, or replaced. It also ensures your AC system isn’t being overworked just to compensate for lost air. That alone can improve system performance and extend its lifespan.
Evaluating Overall System Performance
This time of year is an opportunity to schedule a full system performance check before fall creeps in. A quick inspection now can prevent a long wait later if the system breaks down unexpectedly. Our technicians can detect warning signs that are easy to overlook, like wear on your blower motor or early signs of compressor stress.
This kind of proactive maintenance can help catch small issues before they grow into something more expensive. It can also uncover deeper problems that might not show symptoms right away but could cause trouble in the next cooling cycle or when you switch to heat later in the year.
Some key reasons to schedule a seasonal AC check include:
– Confirming airflow and system pressure levels
– Checking the condition and calibration of system sensors
– Testing capacitor strength and electrical connections
– Inspecting belts, drains, coils, and motor components
Allowing time now for repairs or adjustments also gives you peace of mind that your system will keep up with Salt Lake City’s late-summer heat and be prepared for the transition into cooler weather.
Keep Your AC Running Smoothly Into Fall
Late summer is a smart time for homeowners in Salt Lake City to stay ahead of AC problems. By giving attention to refrigerant levels, duct health, and overall system function, you reduce the chance of breakdowns and improve your daily comfort inside the home. Heat waves don’t follow a set ending date, so keeping your system ready up to and through early autumn can prevent last-minute stress.
Routine care now sets you up for a smoother transition into cooler temperatures later. Whether it’s inspecting blocked airflow, resolving duct leaks, or testing system components, each step plays a part in helping your AC serve you longer and perform better. The investment you make at the end of summer often saves time, money, and discomfort when the seasons change.
If you’re experiencing uneven cooling or suspect duct issues, let our experts help restore comfort with professional AC service in Salt Lake City while Jones Heating & Air Conditioning works with you to address any system concerns before the weather shifts. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.
