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Preparing Your Air Conditioning for Summer: 2025

4 min readUpdated Feb. 27, 2025Lyle WeischwillHVAC
Air conditioner unit sitting on grass by brick wall

Spring has sprung, and that means summer is right around the corner, so it’s time to make sure your air conditioner is ready for action. For many people, this isn’t a DIY job.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Regular preventive maintenance by a professional technician is key to ensuring your air conditioner operates efficiently throughout the summer.
  • Taking proactive steps yourself, like clearing debris and checking the air filter, complements professional tune-ups and keeps your AC running smoothly.
  • Scheduling a spring AC tune-up with Sears Home Services can extend the lifespan of your air conditioning system, saving you money on energy and repairs over time.

Call the experts at Sears Home Services, and a technician will come out to do a full inspection and make sure all systems are good to go. That way, your air conditioner will be ready to keep you cool this summer. Regular HVAC maintenance can help your air conditioner run more efficiently and prevent costly repairs down the road.

The Value of Professional AC Tune-up

As the days grow longer and the temperatures begin to rise, ensuring your air conditioning system is in peak operating condition isn't just a matter of comfort; it's a matter of convenience and efficiency. Scheduling a spring AC tune-up with Sears Home Services is the most effective way to guarantee that your system is ready to perform when you need it most. A professional technician can identify and fix minor issues before they become major problems, ensuring your AC runs smoothly all summer long. This approach not only helps maintain your system's efficiency but also extends its lifespan, ultimately saving you money on both energy costs and potential repair bills.

Steps Our Pros Take to Get Your AC Ready

Lennie Arroyo, district manager for Sears HVAC service, gives the inside scoop on the inspection process that Sears experts will perform.

1. Check the thermostat

The first step is to check the thermostat inside your house to make sure it’s still properly attached and is working properly.

2. Check the airflow around the air conditioner unit

Next, the technician will head to the outside unit. It’s important you have about 2 feet of space all the way around your air conditioner. That helps ensure there’s proper airflow around the coils so the unit can breathe.

3. Check the wiring

Your technician will cut the power to the AC. With that safely off, it’s time to open up the panel and check the wires to make sure they’re connected properly and not burned.

4. Inspect the contactor and capacitor

Your technician will also inspect the contactor as well as the capacitor and make sure it’s not swollen.

5. Measure the refrigeration pressures

Next, the tech will put gauges on your unit to check the refrigeration pressures. Are they set per the manufacturer’s design? If they’re too high or too low, service might be needed.

6. Check the compressor and fan

The compressor is the heart of the unit. Your technician will make sure it and the fan aren’t running too hard, which can cause the air conditioner to overheat.

7. Inspect the motor

Does it need to be lubricated? If so, the experts at Sears do so as part of the check.

8. Examine the air filter

Your tech will make sure the filter is clean and not restricted.

9. Clean the unit

The last thing your technician will do is carefully clean your air conditioning unit to help it run properly.

What You Can Do to Prepare Your AC

While professional maintenance is critical, there are several things you can do to ensure your AC is ready for the summer heat:

  • Clear Debris: Regularly remove leaves, dirt, and debris from around the outdoor unit.
  • Test the System Early: Before the peak of summer, turn on your AC to ensure it's working correctly.
  • Check Your Thermostat: Make sure your thermostat is functioning properly and consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for better efficiency.
  • Change the Air Filter: A clean air filter ensures efficient airflow and improves indoor air quality.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure your air conditioner operates efficiently and effectively all summer long.

Stay cool this spring and summer! Don't wait until the heatwave hits to find out your air conditioning isn't up to the task. Schedule a spring AC preventive maintenance check with Sears Home Services today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your system is ready to keep you cool, no matter how high the temperatures climb.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why prep my AC before hot weather arrives?
A tune-up ensures efficient operation, fewer breakdowns, and lower energy bills. Sears Home Services can clean coils, check refrigerant, and verify performance.
What tasks are included in a typical AC tune-up?
Cleaning or replacing filters, inspecting electrical connections, and testing system pressures. Sears Home Services also checks the thermostat and ensures drains are unclogged.
Should I clear around the outdoor unit?
Yes, remove debris and keep about two feet of clearance. Sears Home Services can also straighten bent fins for optimal airflow.
Is annual service necessary for a newer AC?
Yes, regular maintenance preserves warranties and prevents small issues from becoming major repairs. Sears Home Services recommends yearly checks regardless of age.

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Glossary Terms

A heat pump is an energy-efficient device that transfers heat from one place to another, providing heating in the winter and cooling in the summer.

A dual inverter air conditioner incorporates advanced inverter technology with two rotary compressors, providing ultra-efficient cooling with minimal noise and energy consumption. This innovation offers a significant leap in air conditioning technology, providing precise temperature control and longer-lasting performance.

A ductless air conditioner, often referred to as a mini-split, is a highly efficient cooling system that operates without the need for extensive ductwork, making it ideal for space-specific cooling and homes without existing ducts.

A humidifier is a device designed to increase humidity levels in a single room or an entire building, improving air quality and comfort.

Common Appliance Symptoms

The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite refrigerator stopped working are a locked compressor, damaged evaporator or a defective electronic control board.

The most common reasons your Maytag refrigerator stopped working are a locked compressor, damaged evaporator or a defective electronic control board.

The most common reasons your Bosch dishwasher has no heat are a defective electronic control board, clogged water valve or a broken detergent dispenser.

The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite microwave has no power are a bad thermostat, malfunctioning electronic control board or a broken switch.

The most common reasons your Kenmore refrigerator is noisy are a faulty ice maker assembly, defective electronic control board or a locked compressor.

The most common reasons your LG freezer is leaking water are a clogged drain tube, cracked water tubing or a bad evaporator.