Get Your Cooling System Ready Before the Heat Kicks In
Minnesota summers can bring everything from hot, humid afternoons to sudden heatwaves—and your air conditioner needs to be ready. Preparing your HVAC system before the full heat of summer arrives helps you stay cool, save energy, and avoid emergency breakdowns when you need cooling the most.
At Four Seasons Air Specialists, we’ve been helping White Bear Lake families keep their homes comfortable and efficient since 1974. Use this Summer HVAC Prep Checklist to make sure your system is ready for the season ahead.
✅ 1. Schedule Your Pre-Summer HVAC Tune-Up
The best way to ensure your AC performs all summer is with a professional maintenance check.
🛠 During your tune-up, our technicians will:
- Clean the condenser coils
- Check refrigerant levels and pressures
- Inspect and tighten electrical connections
- Test thermostat calibration
- Lubricate moving parts
- Examine all system components for wear or damage
- Ensure safe and efficient operation
💡 Bonus: Catching minor issues now helps prevent costly repairs in the middle of a heatwave.
✅ 2. Replace or Clean Your Air Filter
A clean air filter is essential for good airflow, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality.
📆 Best practice:
- Check filters monthly
- Replace or clean every 1–3 months, depending on use, pets, and allergies
🚫 A clogged filter forces your system to work harder, which raises energy bills and increases the risk of breakdown.
✅ 3. Clear and Inspect the Outdoor AC Unit
Your condenser needs open space and airflow to function properly.
🌿 What to do:
- Remove leaves, twigs, and debris from around the unit
- Trim shrubs and grass at least 2–3 feet away
- Check for visible damage to fins or coils
- Gently hose down the unit to clean dirt buildup (no pressure washers!)
✅ 4. Test Your Thermostat
Your thermostat controls your entire HVAC system, so it’s important to make sure it’s reading correctly and responding as it should.
📲 Checklist:
- Switch to cooling mode and set it a few degrees lower than the current room temp
- Listen for your system to start up
- Upgrade to a smart or programmable thermostat to maximize comfort and efficiency
✅ 5. Inspect Ductwork and Vents
Leaky, dirty, or blocked ducts can reduce your system’s cooling capacity by up to 30%.
🔍 To-do list:
- Check for gaps or disconnected ductwork (especially in attics or basements)
- Clean dust from vents and ensure nothing is blocking airflow
- Consider professional duct cleaning if you haven’t had it done in several years
✅ 6. Seal Windows and Doors
Don’t let your cool air escape! Air leaks waste energy and make your system work harder.
🪟 Fixes:
- Apply weatherstripping around doors and windows
- Use caulk to seal cracks and gaps
- Install thermal curtains to block solar heat during the hottest part of the day
✅ 7. Check Your Home’s Insulation
Insulation isn’t just for winter—it also helps keep the cool air inside during summer.
🏠 Tip: Focus on attic and crawl space insulation, where heat often enters your home. A well-insulated home stays cooler longer and reduces the load on your AC.
✅ 8. Run a Full System Test
Before the first 90°F day hits, turn your AC on and let it run through a full cooling cycle.
🎧 Watch for:
- Strange noises
- Weak airflow
- Warm air coming from vents
- Odd smells or water pooling near your indoor unit
📞 If anything seems off, schedule service right away—before demand spikes during a heatwave.
✅ 9. Prepare for Summer Storms and Power Surges
Summer storms can knock out power or cause surges that damage your HVAC system.
⚡ Prep Tips:
- Use a surge protector or have one installed for your system
- Keep an emergency cooling plan if you lose power
- Consider a backup generator to protect your comfort during outages
✅ 10. Review Your Energy-Saving Habits
Even with a perfectly running AC, small changes can make a big difference in summer comfort and savings.
💡 Energy-saving ideas:
- Set your thermostat to 76–78°F when you’re home
- Use ceiling fans to circulate air and help rooms feel cooler
- Close blinds during the day to block out solar heat
- Cook outdoors or use smaller appliances to avoid heating your home
- Stay Cool, Comfortable, and Stress-Free All Summer Long
With just a little preparation, you can enjoy a worry-free summer with better comfort, lower energy bills, and fewer HVAC surprises. At Four Seasons Air Specialists, we’re here to help with seasonal tune-ups, repairs, and expert advice to keep your system in peak condition.
✅ Trusted by White Bear Lake homeowners since 1974
✅ Certified, friendly technicians
✅ Prompt, reliable service
✅ Comprehensive HVAC solutions for every season
📞 Beat the heat before it arrives—schedule your summer HVAC tune-up today 651.426.5254
