With the last weeks of summer winding down in Marshalltown, it’s the right time for homeowners to pay attention to how their HVAC systems are doing. Temperatures may still be high during the day, but cooler nights are on the way. This seasonal shift means your cooling system has already worked hard all summer, and giving it a thorough inspection now helps prevent late-season problems and prepares it for the shift in runtime demands.
Skipping maintenance can lead to low airflow, poor indoor comfort, breakdowns, or even water damage from drainage issues. A focused checklist at this point in the year helps keep your system running smoothly without interruptions. It also gives you the chance to spot early signs of wear and tear, so you’re not left without cooling if September still brings heat waves. Start knocking out this list now to avoid being caught off guard.
Inspect and Replace Air Filters
Air filters do more than trap dust. They protect your HVAC system from taking on dirt, pet hair, and other particles that can clog coils, reduce airflow, or trigger system shutdowns. Filters that aren’t changed often enough become packed, which makes your system work harder and shortens its lifespan.
In many households, filters should be checked monthly, especially when the AC has been in near-constant use. If anyone in the home has allergies or pets, filters can block more material and clog up faster. Inspecting and replacing them before the end of summer is a step you don’t want to overlook.
Here’s a quick way to handle this:
1. Turn off your HVAC system.
2. Locate the air filter panel at the return vent or air handler.
3. Slide the old filter out carefully to avoid shaking loose dust.
4. Hold the filter toward a light. If almost no light passes through, it’s time to replace it.
5. Insert a new filter that matches the correct size and face it in the proper direction. The arrow on the frame should point toward the duct system.
6. Secure the filter panel and turn the system back on.
This one step improves airflow, lowers the workload on your AC, and may even lead to cooler air coming out of the vents. Plus, it helps maintain indoor air quality, especially during late summer when allergens build up more quickly.
Check Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat might seem like a set-it-and-forget-it tool, but its settings matter more than most think. As the weather in Marshalltown starts to swing between hot days and cooler nights, now is a smart time to revisit the settings and see how your system is responding.
A poorly calibrated thermostat can lead to uneven cooling, more short cycles, or higher energy bills. It might also be the reason one room in your home feels much hotter or colder than the others. If you’ve noticed behavior like that, the thermostat could be sending bad signals to your system.
Here are a few ways to double-check the settings:
1. Review your programmed schedule and daily temperature setpoints.
2. Make sure your AC isn’t running in short bursts, which can signal incorrect readings.
3. Raise the temperature two to three degrees when the home is empty or overnight.
4. Compare settings with an accurate standalone thermometer near the thermostat. A difference of more than a degree or two may point to a miscalibrated sensor.
Thermostats that are older, in poor placement such as being in direct sunlight, or showing inconsistent behavior may need to be upgraded. If yours feels off or hard to adjust, our technicians can take a look and help determine if a replacement or recalibration is needed.
Getting ahead of thermostat trouble now can bring more balanced cooling as the weather becomes unpredictable and your system adjusts to more varied temperatures.
Inspect and Clean Outdoor Unit
Outdoor units take a beating during the summer months. From lawn clippings and pollen to nests or debris, all kinds of materials can build up around the system without you noticing. When airflow is blocked around the AC condenser, it can cause overheating, reduced cooling performance, or even system failure. Late summer is the right time to check the area around your unit and make sure it’s clean and unobstructed.
Start by shutting the power off to your HVAC system for safety. Clear away any tall grass, leaves, or twigs from around the unit. If plants or bushes are growing within a foot or two of the system, trim them back to provide better air circulation. Once the area is clear, visually inspect the fins for any signs of bent metal or buildup. Dirt and grime can lock between the coils, affecting performance.
Use a hose on a low setting, not a pressure washer, to rinse off dirt from the exterior of the unit. Avoid spraying water directly into any electrical parts. If the unit still looks clogged or dirty inside, it may be time to schedule a deeper coil cleaning by our technicians. Catching these problems before the start of fall helps the system cool efficiently and recover quickly on hotter days still popping up in Marshalltown.
Examine Ductwork for Leaks
Leaky ductwork might not be easy to see, but it shows up in ways you can feel. Hot or cold spots in rooms, weak airflow, or unexpected spikes in your energy bill can all be signs. Air escaping through even small gaps in the duct system makes the HVAC unit work harder and lowers its efficiency. Inspecting the ductwork at the end of summer gives you a chance to spot and fix leaks before heating season begins.
When looking for possible issues, start with the ducts that are visible, like those in your attic, basement, crawlspace, or utility room. You don’t need to tear anything apart. Just look for:
– Loose sections where duct joints or flex ducts connect
– Missing or worn-out duct tape
– Small holes from rust or pinching
– Whistling sounds when the system is running
– Condensation or streak marks around seams
Even if you can’t reach all your ductwork, spotting problems in these main areas can reveal bigger issues down the line. Sealing up small leaks properly requires more than wrapping tape around them. Our professionals use proper sealants and tools to make sure joints and connections hold long term.
Addressing duct leaks now keeps cooling performance strong during late summer and sets your system up to deliver more consistent comfort when heating kicks in during fall.
Plan for Professional Maintenance
Tackling the basic parts of a late summer inspection does a lot to improve your HVAC system’s daily performance, but it doesn’t replace the value of a professional checkup. Our technicians are trained to inspect areas the average homeowner can’t access. During a full tune-up, they review system controls, electrical components, and refrigerant levels that aren’t visible, helping to catch wear that could grow into a major repair.
Late summer is an ideal time to schedule this service. Technicians can address lingering issues from the cooling season and correct anything that might make early fall uncomfortable. This proactive approach can help prevent breakdowns when temperatures shift quickly or when you finally switch from cooling to heating.
One homeowner in Marshalltown had their unit stop suddenly during a September spike in temperatures. The cause was a loose wire connection, a simple problem that would have been spotted during a late-summer tune-up. Having a system check completed ahead of time gives you peace of mind, even when fall arrives slower than expected.
Keep Your Home Comfortable and Efficient
A late summer HVAC inspection isn’t just a routine once-over. It’s a smart move that helps your system breathe easier after a long stretch of high temperatures. From replacing clogged filters and checking thermostat readings to cleaning outdoor units and inspecting ductwork, small steps now prevent bigger problems weeks later.
When homeowners stay ahead of the change in seasons, they enjoy more consistent comfort, fewer surprises, and longer system lifespan. Marshalltown homes that follow this checklist are more likely to stay cool through lingering heat and ready when cooler weather finally settles in. The key is acting before that first crisp night arrives.
For reliable upkeep and smooth transitions between seasons, schedule professional HVAC service in Marshalltown to keep your system running efficiently. Honest Heating & Cooling, Inc. understands how important it is to prevent unexpected breakdowns while ensuring consistent comfort in your home. For a quick estimate or to book a service visit, please contact us today.