☀️ How to Prepare Your AC for Summer | Orange County AC Maintenance Tips

When the Southern California sun starts heating up, the last thing you want is an air conditioner that struggles to keep up. Getting your AC ready for summer is not just about comfort. It is also about saving energy, avoiding breakdowns, and making your system last longer.

Regular AC maintenance is essential for optimal performance and longevity.

At GoTech Air Conditioning & Heating, we created a professional pre-summer AC maintenance checklist. This checklist helps Orange County homeowners prepare their cooling systems for the hot season ahead.

Our team emphasizes the importance of AC maintenance to keep systems running efficiently.

🧾 Pre-Summer AC Maintenance Checklist

1. Replace or Clean Air Filters

Dirty air filters are the most common cause of poor AC performance. Replace or clean your filters every 1–3 months to keep airflow strong and your system efficient. Clean filters not only improve air quality but also help prevent frozen coils and higher energy bills.

Tip: If you have pets or allergies, consider using high-efficiency filters that trap finer particles.

2. Check Thermostat Settings

Before summer arrives, test your thermostat to make sure it’s set to “Cool” mode and operating correctly. If your system doesn’t respond right away, it might be time for a thermostat recalibration or replacement.

Proper thermostat calibration is a key part of effective AC maintenance.

Upgrading to a smart thermostat can help lower cooling costs. It automatically adjusts temperatures when you are not home.

3. Inspect the Outdoor Condenser Unit

Your outdoor AC unit needs proper airflow to release heat effectively. Clear away leaves, dirt, and debris within a two-foot radius around the condenser. Check for signs of damage to the fins or fan blades.

If your condenser looks dirty or blocked, avoid using a hose with high pressure — it can bend fins. A professional cleaning is safer and more thorough.

4. Clean the Condenser Coils

Over time, dust and grime build up on condenser coils, forcing your system to work harder. Dirty coils can increase your energy usage by up to 30%. An annual professional coil cleaning helps maintain maximum efficiency and prevents unnecessary wear on components.

Regular cleaning is a critical part of AC maintenance to ensure efficiency.

5. Check Refrigerant Levels

Low refrigerant levels mean your system can’t properly cool your home. This often signals a refrigerant leak, which should only be handled by a licensed HVAC technician. Running your AC with low refrigerant can damage the compressor — one of the most expensive parts to replace.

Addressing refrigerant levels promptly is vital for effective AC maintenance.

6. Clear the Condensate Drain Line

Your AC’s condensate drain removes moisture from the air. If it becomes clogged, you might notice water leaks, musty odors, or mold growth. Flushing the drain with a mix of vinegar and water once a year helps prevent buildup.

Ensuring the condensate drain is clear is a significant aspect of AC maintenance.

During a professional tune-up, GoTech technicians check and clean the drain line. This ensures it is clear and draining well.

7. Inspect Electrical Connections and Components

Loose wires, corroded terminals, or worn capacitors can cause electrical failures. During a maintenance visit, a technician will check all electrical connections, capacitors, and relays to ensure safe operation. This step is key to preventing mid-summer breakdowns.

Thorough checks of electrical components are integral to AC maintenance.

8. Run a Full System Test

Once you’ve done your checks, turn on your AC and listen carefully.

A full system test is crucial during AC maintenance to identify potential issues.

  • Is cold air blowing evenly through all vents?

  • Are there unusual noises or vibrations?

  • Does it cycle on and off smoothly?

Any irregularities could signal the need for a professional tune-up or minor repair before the hot weather arrives.

🛠️ Professional AC Tune-Up

Even if everything looks fine, a seasonal AC tune-up from GoTech Air Conditioning & Heating is important. It ensures that your cooling system operates properly. Our licensed technicians check refrigerant pressure, electrical systems, airflow balance, and overall system performance.

Our seasonal AC maintenance services safeguard your system’s performance.

We specialize in:

With over five years of trusted local experience, GoTech helps homeowners stay cool, efficient, and worry-free.

📞 Schedule Your Pre-Summer AC Service Today

Don’t wait until the first heatwave to find out your AC isn’t ready. Schedule your pre-summer inspection and tune-up with GoTech Air Conditioning & Heating today.

Don’t overlook the importance of AC maintenance before summer heat arrives.

✅ Reliable, honest service
✅ Licensed and insured technicians
✅ Family-owned and locally operated

📞 (949) 228-6242
📧 mail@gotech-hvac.com

GoTech Air Conditioning & Heating — keeping Orange County cool, one home at a time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I schedule AC maintenance before summer?
Most HVAC professionals recommend scheduling a full air conditioning maintenance visit once a year, ideally in the spring. This timing helps technicians find problems early. They can spot issues like low refrigerant, dirty coils, or electrical wear before the first heatwave arrives. A well-timed tune-up ensures your AC is clean, safe, and operating at maximum efficiency when you need it most.

What happens if I don’t prepare my AC before summer?

Skipping maintenance before summer can lead to:

  • Higher energy bills
  • Uneven cooling
  • Unexpected breakdowns on hot days in Orange County

Dirt buildup, clogged drains, or low refrigerant may cause your system to overwork or even shut down completely. Regular maintenance is the easiest and cheapest way to keep your system reliable. It helps you avoid emergency repairs and stay comfortable all year.