5 min read • Jason Solutions · Richmond, VA
Richmond summers are no joke — we’re talking 95°F days with humidity that hits like a wall. The last thing you want is your AC giving out on July 4th weekend. Do these five things now.
1. Replace the Air Filter
We covered this in our last article, but it deserves the top spot here too. If you haven’t changed your filter since last summer, do it before your first cool day of the season. A clogged filter going into peak demand season is a recipe for an overworked system.
💡 Pro Tip from Jason: Take five minutes to do this today. A $10 filter can save you a $500 service call.
2. Check and Clean the Outdoor Condenser Unit
Your outdoor unit sat all winter collecting leaves, debris, and whatever the wind blew in. Before you fire up the AC:
- Clear any leaves, sticks, or debris from around the unit
- Make sure there’s at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides
- Gently rinse the fins with a garden hose — top to bottom, light pressure only
- Never use a pressure washer — it bends the fins and damages the coil
- Check that the unit isn’t sitting in standing water or sinking into soft ground
Bent fins restrict airflow. A clogged condenser runs hotter, wears faster, and cools less effectively. This is one of the most overlooked maintenance steps homeowners skip.
3. Test the System Before Peak Heat Hits
Don’t wait for the first 90-degree day to find out something’s wrong. Pick a mild day in May and run your AC for 15–20 minutes. Check:
- ❄️ Is cool air coming out of vents?: If the air feels room-temperature or warm, there may be a refrigerant or compressor issue.
- 🔊 Any unusual noises?: Banging, clanking, rattling, or high-pitched squealing all mean something needs attention.
- 💧 Is the condensate drain clear?: Look for water pooling near the indoor unit. A clogged drain line causes water damage.
- 📱 Does the thermostat respond quickly?: Sluggish response can point to thermostat, wiring, or control board issues.
If anything seems off during your test run, call before peak season. Emergency AC calls in July cost more and take longer — every HVAC tech in Richmond is slammed.
4. Check All Your Vents and Registers
Walk through your home and make sure:
- All supply and return vents are open and not blocked by furniture
- Vent covers are clean — vacuum them if dusty
- No vents in unused rooms are completely closed (this creates pressure imbalances)
A common mistake is closing vents in rooms you don’t use to ‘save energy.’ It actually forces your system to push air harder against increased resistance, raising energy use and wear.
5. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
Even if everything seems fine, an annual tune-up before summer catches problems early. A good tech will:
- Check refrigerant levels and look for leaks
- Clean the evaporator and condenser coils
- Inspect electrical connections and capacitors
- Lubricate moving parts
- Verify the thermostat is calibrated correctly
- Check the blower motor and belt tension
A tune-up typically costs $75–$150. A new compressor costs $1,200–$2,500. The math is easy.
💡 Pro Tip from Jason: I do AC tune-ups all across Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, and Goochland. Call early — May and June fill up fast. I’ll give you an honest assessment, no upsells.
Bonus: Know Your System’s Age
If your AC unit is over 12–15 years old, start budgeting for a replacement even if it’s running. Older systems cost more to cool less house. Today’s high-efficiency units (16+ SEER) can cut your cooling bill by 30–40%. Ask me about options if you’re approaching that milestone.