When summer rolls into Missoula, MT, keeping your home cool and comfortable becomes a top priority. If your air conditioner struggles to keep up or your energy bills are higher than expected, it's likely time for a little TLC. As someone who's been through many Montana summers, I want to share my personal checklist for getting your AC ready. These tips not only help your system perform better but can also save you money and avoid costly repairs.
1. Start With the Air Filter: The Simplest Way to Boost AC Performance
One of the easiest and most overlooked tasks in air conditioning maintenance is changing the air filter. A dirty filter can obstruct airflow, forcing your AC to work overtime to push air through your home. This makes cooling less effective and drives up your energy bills.
For best results, I recommend replacing your filter at the beginning of each season—or even more frequently if you have pets or live near dusty roads. Depending on your filter's MERV rating, it may clog faster and require more regular replacement. Clean filters keep your system running smoothly and your indoor air cleaner.
2. Clear Around the Outdoor Unit: Keep the Heart of Your AC Unblocked
Next up is the outdoor condensing unit—that big box sitting in your yard. This is where a lot of the magic happens, and it needs room to breathe. Cottonwood fluff, lawn clippings, and dirt can block airflow and reduce your unit's efficiency.
Every spring, I make a habit of clearing out debris around the unit. Make sure plants and objects are kept at least 2-3 feet away. A clean, unobstructed condensing unit allows your air conditioner to release heat properly, which is key during those scorching Missoula afternoons.
3. Optimize Your Thermostat: Avoid Making Your AC Work Too Hard
Your thermostat settings play a bigger role than you might think. Cranking the temperature way up when you leave for work and back down when you return forces your AC to play catch-up during the hottest part of the day.
Instead, I recommend keeping your thermostat within about 4 degrees of your desired comfort level. Even better—consider using a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat. I personally use one to schedule cooling so my house starts to chill before I get home. It takes the edge off while saving energy.
4. Improve Airflow Throughout Your Home
Proper airflow makes a huge difference in keeping your home evenly cooled. One mistake I see often is people closing doors and vents in unused rooms. While it may seem like a way to save energy, it actually disrupts circulation and strains your system.
Make sure all your registers are open and doors throughout the house are kept ajar when your AC is running. This allows air to circulate freely and helps every room reach a comfortable temperature.
5. Invest in Preventative Maintenance: Stay Ahead of Potential Problems
Even if you stay on top of your own checklist, professional maintenance is essential. At Air Quality Mechanical, we offer preventative maintenance plans that make things easy. We handle the scheduling and reach out when it’s time for a tune-up—so you don’t have to remember the last time your AC was checked.
Routine service catches small issues before they turn into big problems, helps your system last longer, and keeps it running at peak efficiency. I’ve seen firsthand how a well-maintained unit can make it through the toughest summers without breaking a sweat.
Stay Cool and Comfortable All Summer Long
Preparing your air conditioner now can save you from discomfort, expensive repairs, and sky-high energy bills later. Simple steps like changing your air filter, clearing your outdoor unit, optimizing your thermostat, and keeping airflow balanced all add up.
And when it comes to professional air conditioning repair in Missoula MT or ongoing maintenance, we’re always here to help. At Air Quality Mechanical, we treat your home like our own. Book your service today and make sure your AC is ready to keep you cool when you need it most.