As late summer settles in across Bowling Green, homeowners may start noticing their HVAC systems working harder to keep indoor temperatures consistent. Long days of heavy use can increase wear on cooling systems. If left unchecked, this added strain could lead to breakdowns or reduced efficiency just when you need the cool air most. The good news is that a quick round of maintenance steps during this seasonal shift can make a big difference.
Late summer is the perfect time to address minor HVAC issues before they turn into major repairs. It’s also a smart move to get the system ready for the temperature drop that follows in early fall. A focused checklist keeps your home comfortable, your energy use steady, and your system in good shape. Below are key tasks every homeowner in Bowling Green should consider before stepping fully into the cooler months.
Check and Replace Air Filters
One of the most overlooked but important parts of HVAC upkeep is checking the air filters. When air filters are clogged with dirt, dust, or pet hair, airflow drops and indoor air quality takes a hit. Dirty filters also force your HVAC system to work harder, which increases energy use and shortens the unit’s lifespan.
Air filters should be checked monthly during high-use periods like late summer. If they look worn out or packed with debris, it’s time to swap them out. The replacement process is usually simple and should only take a few minutes.
Here’s how to handle a standard air filter check:
1. Turn off the HVAC system before removing the filter.
2. Locate the air return vent or filter slot along the air handler.
3. Slide out the old filter and check for dirt buildup or gray discoloration.
4. Look for arrows on the new filter that show which direction to install it.
5. Slide the new filter into place and secure the panel or grill.
Choosing filters with the proper dimensions and filtration rating can help maintain balance between airflow and efficiency. Clean filters don’t just help your system operate smoothly—they also help you breathe easier. If you have pets or allergies, changing filters more often can bring noticeable improvement to your indoor air quality.
Inspect and Clean Outdoor Unit
The outdoor condenser unit handles a big share of your HVAC system’s cooling duties, and late summer buildup can limit its performance. Items like twigs, grass clippings, leaves, and even lint from dryer vents can gather on or around the unit. This clutter blocks heat from releasing properly, causing the system to run longer and work harder to cool your home.
A visual inspection every few weeks during the summer can help prevent performance dips. Cleaning the unit doesn’t mean taking it apart, and it doesn’t require specialty tools. The goal is to keep the area clear and improve air circulation.
You can help protect your HVAC investment by:
– Removing debris from around the base of the outdoor unit
– Gently rinsing off the outside fins using a garden hose (do not use a pressure washer)
– Keeping grass, bushes, or plants at least two feet away from the unit
– Checking the fins for dents or damages that could restrict air movement
Even a quick cleaning can help the system run cooler while reducing energy use. If problems like loud operation, cycling issues, or visible damage appear, scheduling a visit from our technicians is a smart next step.
Check Thermostat Settings and Operation
A working thermostat is key for both comfort and cost management. During late summer in Bowling Green, the temperature can swing between hot afternoons and cooler nights. A poorly adjusted or outdated thermostat can keep your AC running when it doesn’t need to, or cycle it off too early before rooms are cooled evenly.
Start by making sure your thermostat is reading accurately. You can place a small thermometer near the unit to compare the displayed temperature. If the numbers are off by several degrees, there could be a calibration issue or sensor problem.
To keep the system balanced:
– Use programmable settings to adjust for different times of day
– Set slightly higher temperatures during the day if no one is home
– Take advantage of cooler nights by loosening the temperature settings
– Check that the system mode is set to “cool” and the fan is operating automatically
A well-maintained thermostat lowers waste and improves indoor comfort. Whether you’re cooling the entire home or just the living areas, adjusting your settings for the season helps your system meet your needs without running overtime.
Inspect Ductwork for Leaks and Insulation Issues
Leaky or poorly insulated ducts can quietly create problems for your HVAC system. When air escapes through unsealed joints or gaps, your system needs to work longer to reach the set temperature. In homes across Bowling Green, this kind of issue often shows up as uneven cooling. One room may feel fine while another remains stuffy or too warm. That’s typically a sign that conditioned air isn’t reaching all zones correctly.
Start by doing a quick visual check in areas where ductwork is exposed—like attics, crawl spaces, or utility rooms. Look for obvious signs such as disconnected ducts, torn insulation, or sections that feel unusually cold or warm to the touch while the AC is running. Any of these symptoms can signal poor airflow or leaking spots.
Here’s what you can do until our professionals take over:
– Examine duct joints and seams for any gaps or loose connections
– Listen for whistling sounds, which indicate escaping air
– Look for insulation that’s falling away or appears damp
– Use temporary foil tape (not standard duct tape) to seal minor gaps
– Keep insulation snug and intact around ducts, especially in unconditioned areas
While small problems might seem harmless, they can lead to larger performance losses over time. Ducts that aren’t sealed or insulated properly waste energy and make it harder for your home to stay cool. Let our technicians inspect hard-to-reach areas, run pressure tests, and fully seal your ducts where needed to restore balance and efficiency.
Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance
Even if everything seems to be running fine, it doesn’t mean your system isn’t developing issues you can’t see. Late summer is an ideal time to bring out our professionals for a full tune-up. This step allows for small concerns to be caught before they become big trouble when outdoor temperatures cool off.
During a typical maintenance visit, our technicians will:
– Check refrigerant levels to make sure the system is cooling efficiently
– Inspect wiring and electrical components for any signs of wear
– Clean evaporator and condenser coils to prevent overheating
– Test and calibrate the thermostat for accuracy
– Look for signs of wear in belts, motors, and blowers
– Ensure the condensate drain is clear to prevent water backup
A trained eye can spot issues that might otherwise go unnoticed until the AC fails during a late hot spell or when cooler weather makes you think the problem has been solved. Many homeowners don’t realize there’s an airflow issue or a refrigerant leak until the system struggles to meet demand. A professional tune-up helps make sure every part of your system is working together and working well.
Ready Your HVAC System for Cooler Weather
Getting your HVAC system in shape before fall hits isn’t just about cooling performance—it’s also about setting up your home for a smoother transition when temperatures drop. If your system has been under stress all summer, the last thing you want is to start the heating season with worn-out parts or leftover buildup from months of steady use.
Late summer maintenance provides a clean break between the seasons. Checking and replacing filters, inspecting ductwork, and confirming thermostat performance now means fewer surprises in the coming months. It can also help your system shift effortlessly from cooling to heating without the lag or strain that sometimes causes energy spikes or comfort problems.
Homeowners in Bowling Green who stay on top of seasonal care enjoy more consistent comfort, faster response from their systems, and fewer emergency visits from technicians. Each of these checklist steps contributes to a system that runs longer, costs less to operate, and keeps temperatures just where you want them. Investing a little time now saves you from headaches later when the chill starts to move in. A well-maintained HVAC unit keeps your home ready for every shift in weather, every season of the year.
If you want to ensure your system is operating efficiently as the seasons change, take advantage of our professional HVAC services in Bowling Green for reliable upkeep and preventative care. Carter Heating and Cooling offers thorough inspections and tune-ups that help extend your system’s life and maintain consistent comfort. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.