Most people in Chicago consider air conditioning maintenance a part of their spring or summer routine. The fact is, the spring and early fall are both good times to conduct maintenance on your AC. End of summer AC maintenance, though, can ensure your system is ready to go for any “Indian Summer” days we may yet experience and is good to go in the spring. If there is a problem or potential problem, there is plenty of time to get it repaired or order any needed parts. If a residential AC maintenance check discovers serious issues, you will have time to make a repair or replace decision. End of year maintenance, along with spring maintenance can help your AC unit run more efficiently, last longer, and reduce overall maintenance costs. What type of end of summer AC maintenance should be performed and what are some air conditioning maintenance tips for this time of year?
What maintenance steps should you take at the end of summer to prepare your AC for fall?
- Replace the air filter to maintain airflow and efficiency
- Clear brush, grass, and debris around the outdoor unit to ensure proper ventilation
- Clean the coils and condensate drain line to prevent clogs and improve heat exchange, ideally by a technician
- Visually inspect the outdoor unit, listen for odd sounds, check for rust, frayed wiring, or damage
- Combine AC service with a fall furnace tune‑up to cover seasonal transitions
Your End of Summer AC Maintenance Checklist
1. Replace the Air Filter
Hopefully, this is not the first time you are replacing your AC filter this summer but even if it is, now is an important time to make sure it is done. Changing air filters frequently is one of the easiest and cost-effective ways to help the performance of your air conditioner. For more insights on this, check out early summer AC problems to watch out for.
2. Make Sure Your AC Unit Has Room to “Breathe”
Over the summer, grass and bushes may have grown up and around your outside AC unit. This can eventually keep it from getting sufficient air circulation. Clearing space around your AC unit helps it “breathe” better and operate efficiently as temperatures start to cool.
3. Clean the Coils and Condensate Line
Dirty coils and a blocked condensate line can cause a variety of issues with your outdoor AC unit. End of summer maintenance should include a thorough A/C coil cleaning. While many will choose to “broom off” or “hose off” AC coils, at least once a year these units should be professionally cleaned by removing the casing. This is best done by a professional.
4. Listen to Your AC Unit and Give It a Visual Inspection
Look for any frayed wires, rust or animal activity. Listen for any unusual sounds or rattling. Look for any outward signs of wear or damage that may have occurred during the summer, especially from mowers and string trimmers. Unusual sounds from your AC can be an early sign of mechanical trouble.
5. Combine Your End of Summer AC Maintenance with a Furnace Tune-Up
More and more families are discovering the value of having their residential furnace tuned up for the fall at the same time they perform end of summer AC maintenance. This gives them peace of mind in knowing their entire HVAC system is cleaned, maintained, and ready for the seasons ahead. You can also learn about sounds you don’t want your AC making to catch any issues early.
6. Call Althoff Industries
Althoff Industries can help you get the most out of your HVAC system with thorough maintenance and tune-up services. We’ve been serving the Northwest Chicago area with heating and cooling services for over 50 years. We were founded as a family business and have never wavered in our commitment to offer the best and most complete service available in the heating and air conditioning industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What should I do at the end of summer to maintain my air conditioner?
Answer: At the end of summer, replace the air filter, clear debris and vegetation from around your outdoor unit, clean the coils and condensate line (preferably by a professional), inspect for wear like rust or frayed wiring, and combine AC service with a furnace tune‑up. These steps improve efficiency and extend system lifespan.
Question: Why is end-of-summer AC maintenance important if I’ll use it again in the fall?
Answer: Performing maintenance at summer’s end ensures your AC is ready for any late-season heat or spring use. It gives time to detect and fix issues before they become urgent, helping avoid costly repairs and keeping the system running efficiently.
Question: How often should I change my air filter during summer?
Answer: You should check and replace your air filter regularly, generally every 60 to 90 days, or more often (around every 30 days) if you have pets or heavy dust. Clean filters maintain airflow and reduce energy costs.
Question: Can I clean condenser coils myself or should I hire a professional?
Answer: While you can remove debris and gently clean exterior fins, deep coil cleaning should be done professionally. Technicians remove access panels and clean from the inside out for a thorough, safe job.
Question: Should I include furnace maintenance when servicing my AC?
Answer: Yes, pairing your AC check with a furnace tune‑up before fall is efficient. It ensures your HVAC system is fully serviced and ready for the upcoming heating season, saving time and providing comprehensive care.
