DIY Maintenance vs. Professional Maintenance

Taking care of your AC system is a team effort between you and your HVAC professional. There are several simple maintenance tasks homeowners can safely do themselves that make a real difference. Changing your air filter every 1–3 months helps maintain proper airflow, improves indoor air quality, and prevents your system from working harder than necessary. Keeping supply and return vents clear of furniture or rugs, and gently rinsing dirt and grass clippings from the outdoor unit, also helps your system breathe and run more efficiently.

Professional maintenance goes far beyond basic upkeep. They do things most homeowners can’t safely or easily do on their own During a tune-up, a technician inspects and cleans coils, checks refrigerant levels, tests electrical components, clears the drain line, and ensures the system is operating safely and efficiently. These checks help catch small issues before they turn into expensive repairs, reduce energy costs, and extend the life of your equipment. While DIY maintenance helps day to day, regular professional service provides peace of mind and keeps your AC prepared for the hottest months of the year.

Tech Tip Tuesday

Insulation and window covers do more than improve comfort—they help protect your AC system. Proper insulation in walls and attics keeps outdoor heat from seeping into your home, helping maintain a consistent indoor temperature. Window covers such as blinds, shades, curtains, or reflective coverings block solar heat that can quickly warm up rooms, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

When your home stays cooler naturally, your AC doesn’t have to cycle as often or run as long to keep up. This reduces energy usage, lowers monthly utility bills, and helps prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your system. Over time, that means fewer breakdowns and a longer lifespan for your AC. It’s a smart, affordable way to support your cooling system and keep your home comfortable year-round.

Dryer Vent Cleaning

Most homeowners don’t think about their dryer vent, but it plays a big role in keeping your home safe and efficient. Every time you run your dryer, lint and moisture are pushed out through the vent. Over time, lint can build up inside that vent and restrict airflow.

When airflow is blocked, your dryer has to work harder and run longer just to dry your clothes. This means higher energy bills, more wear and tear on your dryer, and extra heat building up in your laundry area. Even more importantly, lint is highly flammable, making clogged dryer vents a common cause of household fires.

Regular dryer vent cleaning helps hot air and moisture escape properly, so clothes dry faster, your dryer runs more efficiently, and your home stays safer. It’s a simple maintenance step that protects your appliance, saves money, and gives you peace of mind.

Why Your AC Needs a Surge Protector

Your air conditioner is one of the most expensive and important systems in your home and it’s also one of the most vulnerable to power surges. A surge protector can help protect your investment and prevent unexpected breakdowns.

Why Surge Protection Matters for Your AC

Modern AC systems rely on sensitive circuit boards and electrical components.

Without protection, a surge can:

-Burn out circuit boards

-Damage compressors

-Cause system failure

-Lead to costly repairs or full replacement

A surge protector acts like a shield, diverting excess voltage away from your system.

Installing a surge protector is a relatively low-cost upgrade compared to replacing a major AC component. Many homeowners don’t realize that one surge can cause thousands of dollars in damage.

When Should You Consider a Surge Protector?

Surge protection is especially important if:

-You live in an area with frequent storms

-You’ve experienced recent power outages

-You have a newer, high-efficiency system

-You want to extend the life of your AC

Tech Tip Tuesday Takeaway

A surge protector helps keep your AC system running safely, reliably, and efficiently—no matter what’s happening with the power grid.

Protect your comfort. Protect your system.

Tech Tip Tuesday: Is That AC Noise Normal or a Sign of Trouble?

Your air conditioner makes some noise when it runs, but how do you know what’s normal and what’s a warning sign? Understanding the difference can help you avoid breakdowns, costly repairs, and uncomfortable surprises.

Normal AC Noises - These sounds are usually nothing to worry about:

Low humming or whirring: This is the sound of the compressor and fan doing their job.

Whooshing air: Air moving through your ducts when the system turns on or off.

Soft clicking: Normal when the system cycles on or off or when the thermostat sends a signal.

Occasional dripping: Light condensation draining away, especially in humid weather.

If your system has always made these sounds and nothing has changed, you’re likely in the clear.

Noises That Mean It’s Time to Call a Pro - These sounds are not normal and should be checked out:

Banging or clanking: Loose or broken parts inside the unit.

Grinding or screeching: Worn motor bearings or fan issues—this can lead to major damage if ignored.

Hissing or bubbling: Possible refrigerant leak or airflow problem.

Loud rattling: Debris in the unit or parts coming loose.

Buzzing: Electrical issues or failing components.

Tech Tip Tuesday Takeaway

Ignoring unusual noises can turn a small fix into a big repair—or even a full system replacement.

If your AC starts making a new, loud, or unusual noise, don’t wait. Turn the system off and schedule a professional inspection. When in doubt, it’s always better to ask than to guess.

Tech Tip Tuesday: What Is a UV Light and How Does It Help Your AC System?

You may have heard about UV lights being added to air conditioning systems—but what do they actually do, and are they worth it?

A UV light (ultraviolet light) is installed inside your HVAC system, typically near the evaporator coil or air handler. Its job is to help keep the inside of your system clean and operating efficiently.

How a UV Light Helps Your System:

- Reduces mold and bacteria

Moist, dark areas inside your AC system are the perfect place for mold and bacteria to grow. UV light disrupts these microorganisms, helping prevent buildup on coils and internal components.

- Improves system efficiency

When mold and debris build up on the evaporator coil, airflow is restricted and your system has to work harder. A cleaner coil allows air to flow freely, helping your system run more efficiently.

- Helps improve indoor air quality

By reducing microbial growth inside the system, fewer contaminants are circulated through your home, which can mean cleaner, fresher-smelling air.

- Extends equipment life

Less buildup means less strain on your system. That can help reduce breakdowns and extend the life of major components.

Is a UV Light Right for You?

UV lights are especially helpful in humid climates, homes with allergy concerns, or systems that struggle with mold growth. They work quietly in the background and require minimal maintenance, usually just a bulb replacement once a year.

If you’re curious whether a UV light would benefit your system, our technicians can inspect your setup and recommend the best option for your home.

Clean system. Better airflow. Healthier air.

That’s your Tech Tip Tuesday!

Tech Tip Tuesday: Don’t Forget Your Air Filter!

One of the easiest ways to keep your HVAC system running efficiently is also one of the most commonly forgotten—changing your air filter. Your filter’s job is to catch dust, pollen, pet dander, and other airborne particles before they circulate through your home. Over time, that filter fills up, restricting airflow and forcing your system to work harder than it should.

When a filter is dirty or clogged, you may notice higher energy bills, uneven temperatures, poor airflow, or more dust around your home. Even worse, restricted airflow can lead to unnecessary wear on your system and increase the risk of breakdowns during the hottest or coldest days of the year.

For most homes, filters should be changed every 1–3 months, depending on factors like pets, allergies, and system usage. A clean filter helps improve indoor air quality, keeps your system running more efficiently, and can extend the life of your HVAC equipment.

Tech Tip Tuesday takeaway: A clean filter equals better comfort, cleaner air, and lower energy costs. Set a reminder today—your system (and your wallet) will thank you!