With summer temperatures rising in Salt Lake City, keeping your home cool becomes a top priority. A ductless AC system is built to handle the heat, but it can only perform well if it’s taken care of properly. Without regular maintenance, you might start noticing uneven cooling, higher electric bills, or even system malfunctions during the hottest days of the year. Catching small problems early can help you avoid costly repairs and sudden breakdowns.
A maintenance routine focused on summer months can give your AC the support it needs to run smoothly. A few simple checks and cleanings will improve airflow, maintain indoor air quality, and help your ductless system perform more efficiently. The more consistent you are, the better the results—and the more comfortable your home stays all season long.
Inspecting and Cleaning Filters
Filters are the first line of defense in keeping dirt, dust, and allergens out of your ductless AC system and your indoor air. When they get clogged, airflow decreases, cooling power drops, and the system starts to work harder than it should. That extra strain can lead to higher energy use and a shorter unit lifespan.
Ductless systems have reusable filters, which makes maintenance easier. Here’s how to stay on top of cleaning them during peak summer use:
1. Turn off the system to prevent air circulation while cleaning.
2. Open the front panel of the indoor unit carefully.
3. Remove the filter – it often slides or clicks out with little effort.
4. Use a soft brush or vacuum attachment to remove loose dust.
5. Wash the filter with mild soap and warm water.
6. Let it dry completely before reinstalling to prevent mold growth.
During the summer, filters should be cleaned every two to four weeks. If you have pets or your home is in an area with heavier dust or pollen, check them more often. Signs that filters need cleaning include a noticeable drop in airflow, odd smells when the unit turns on, or visible buildup on the filter’s surface.
One homeowner in Salt Lake City noticed their bedroom wasn’t cooling as fast as usual. After opening the unit, they found the filter packed with dust and pet hair. A quick clean made a clear difference—cooling improved noticeably within an hour.
Checking and Cleaning the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit plays an important role in keeping your ductless AC system running the way it should. When it’s covered in leaves, dirt, or debris, heat can’t escape properly, and the system has to work harder. Poor airflow around the unit also increases wear and reduces energy efficiency.
You can perform a basic check and cleaning with just a few steps:
– Turn off the power to the unit.
– Inspect for leaves, grass, or trash that might be blocking airflow.
– Clear at least two feet of space around the unit for proper ventilation.
– Use a soft brush to remove accumulated dust from the grille.
– Gently hose down the unit to rinse away dirt. Do not use a pressure washer.
– Make sure the unit is on level ground and hasn’t shifted.
Double-check that no plants or shrubs are growing too close to the unit. Give it enough clearance to let air move freely in and out. In Salt Lake City’s dry summer conditions, wind can kick up a lot of dust—so keep an eye out even if you recently cleaned it.
Doing this once a month during the highest-heat period can help prevent major problems. It’s also a good time to listen for strange sounds like clicking, humming, or rattling, which may point to a loose part or a clogged fan blade that needs attention.
Inspecting and Cleaning Indoor Unit Components
Once the filters and outdoor unit are clean, it’s time to focus on the indoor unit’s other parts. These include the evaporator coils, internal fans, and air vents. These components carry the workload when your ductless AC runs constantly during Salt Lake City’s hottest months, so keeping them clean ensures better performance and less chance of issues.
Dust and grime can build up on the coils over time. When that happens, the cooling process slows down, and the unit may even begin to freeze up. If you notice weaker airflow or hear odd noises coming from the unit, dirty fan blades or obstructed vents could be to blame. Regular cleaning solves these issues before they become a larger problem.
Here’s a simple routine our technicians follow when inspecting and cleaning indoor units:
– Turn off the system to avoid any electrical disruption.
– Open the front cover of the unit and inspect the evaporator coils for dust or mildew.
– Use a soft, dry cloth or a manufacturer-approved coil cleaner to clean the coils.
– Check the fan wheel behind the coils. If dirty, use a small brush or low-suction vacuum.
– Inspect vent openings for blockages and clean with a soft cloth.
Do not spray water or chemical cleaners into the unit. Too much moisture can damage internal parts or cause mold to grow. If you spot dirt in tight spaces or hear grinding or whirring sounds, call our technicians for a professional inspection.
A local homeowner recently noticed a drop in their living room’s cooling. The issue didn’t seem urgent, but after removing the front panel, our technician found fan blades covered in lint and pet dander. Once cleaned, the system cooled evenly again right away. Buildup like this can slow performance more than many homeowners realize.
Scheduling Professional Maintenance for Ductless AC Service in Salt Lake City
Professional maintenance makes a major difference in keeping your ductless AC system reliable through Salt Lake City’s summer heat. While regular cleanings help, a yearly visit from our technicians can catch wear and tear that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. Early detection helps avoid bigger issues down the road.
During maintenance visits, our professionals check electrical systems, confirm refrigerant levels, tighten loose parts, and test sensors and thermostats. These visits include deeper cleaning that removes buildup from coils and fan motors that typical homeowner maintenance might miss.
Our summer maintenance checklist usually includes:
– Inspecting and cleaning indoor and outdoor coils
– Cleaning condensate drain lines to avoid clogs or leaks
– Checking refrigerant levels and inspecting for leaks
– Testing thermostat readings and zone controls
– Securing and testing all electrical connections
– Measuring airflow and adjusting fan settings where needed
If you wait until your system breaks down to schedule service, you could face delays during high-demand months. Booking ahead means fewer interruptions and better comfort when the weather gets hotter. It also helps your unit run more efficiently, which keeps energy bills more stable.
Even if your unit seems fine, early summer is the best time to schedule work. Our technicians can identify early issues and optimize performance before your AC works harder in the peak season.
Enjoying a Worry-Free Summer with Proper AC Maintenance
Preventive maintenance takes a small investment of time but makes a big difference in comfort. A clean and well-serviced ductless AC system will help your home stay cool, keep energy costs manageable, and lower the risk of mid-summer breakdowns.
When every part of your system—from filters to fan motors—is working properly, you’ll notice more consistent cooling, smoother operation, and fewer interruptions. It’s easy to overlook small issues until they cause larger problems, but with a little planning and help from our technicians, you can avoid those headaches.
A tuned system lasts longer, saves on energy costs, and is far less likely to quit when you need it most. Instead of sweating over repairs, you can enjoy summer plans, knowing your home will stay cool and comfortable.
Stay ahead of the heat in Salt Lake City by keeping your ductless AC system in top condition. Taking the right steps now gives you peace of mind and dependable indoor comfort all season long.
Maintaining a cool home during summer starts with routine care that keeps every component working smoothly, and if you need expert help, Jones Heating & Air Conditioning recommends dependable ductless AC service in Salt Lake City to help prevent costly issues and keep your system running efficiently. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.
