How to Get Your Air Conditioner Ready for Summer

Published on June 26, 2025

The months of June & July are extremely hot in New York and this heat can cause significant risks to residents. The humidity and temperature are much higher than normal, often 10 degrees or more above the seasonal average. During these days your air conditioner becomes essential for comfort and it’s important to make sure your cooling system is prepared to handle the load. A well-maintained air conditioner not only cools your space more efficiently but also prevents mid-season breakdowns and reduces energy bills.To help you get your home ready for the season, we have put together a practical summer prep checklist. While some basic maintenance tasks like replacing filters or gently cleaning around your outdoor unit can be done by homeowners, many others require technical knowledge, specialized tools, and safety precautions. That’s why we strongly recommend scheduling a repair or maintenance service. Our certified technicians have the expertise to detect potential issues before they turn into high-cost complications, optimize your system’s performance, and ensure your home stays reliably cool all summer long.

1. Program Your Thermostat for Smart Cooling

Installing and programming your thermostat is a simple but effective way to stay comfortable and save money. A smart or programmable thermostat can automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule.

These settings help your AC work smarter, not harder keeping you cool when it counts while conserving energy when you don’t need it.

2. Replace or Clean the Air Filter

Your AC filter is the system’s first line of defense against dust, dirt, and allergens. You might be wondering why your system isn’t cooling properly, and the simple reason could be that the air filters are clogged which is restricting the airflow. This strains the system and drastically reduces cooling efficiency and that most likely is the reason why your room isn’t cooling as it should.

To avoid this all you need to make sure is that the air filters are cleaned frequently and replaced twice a year or more often if you have pets or allergies.

3. Inspection of Coolant Lines

Coolant lines are also known as refrigerant lines that carry refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units. These copper pipes must be properly insulated and leak-free to ensure optimal performance. Our technicians inspect the conditions for any missing or damaged insulation and will replace it as needed to prevent energy loss. They will also check signs of any refrigerant leaks as the leak can cause the coils to freeze, it can also restrict the airflow, making the system work harder than required. We also make sure to measure refrigerant pressure and assess whether the system is running efficiently.

Why it matters: Low refrigerant levels can cause serious damage and result in costly repairs. Only certified HVAC technicians should handle refrigerant diagnostics and recharging. If you suspect a leak, schedule a service with MR. AIR NYC for a thorough inspection.

4. Professional Cleaning of the Indoor Unit

Your indoor unit plays an important role in maintaining air quality and system efficiency. Specially if your air conditioner unit has been turned off and sitting idle for a few months. It may have collected dust and debris, which can reduce the air supply and forcing it to work harder to supply cool air to your home. A professional cleaning ensures carefully wiping down the evaporator coil and internal components, vacuuming around vents, registers, and blower assembly, inspecting and clearing the drain pan and condensate line to prevent clogs, mold, or overflow. Expert care ensures your indoor unit stays clean and functional without damaging sensitive components. 

5. Comprehensive Outdoor Unit Cleaning

The outdoor condenser unit is exposed to harsh weather and airborne pollutants, which can lead to dirt buildup and corrosion if not properly maintained. Our team will clear all the unnecessary obstructions like leaves, twigs, etc. from around and inside the unit. The technicians will carefully remove the protective panels, accounting for fan wires and weight. They will make you sure the coil is cleaned properly using specialized coil brushes and vacuums from both the inside and outside of the condenser coils. At the end, a low-pressure rinse to wash away remaining debris and any dust particles.

6. Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit

Proper airflow is essential for your AC to function at peak performance. A blocked condenser unit can overheat and reduce system efficiency.

What you can do:

·       Trim surrounding plants: Ensure at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit.

·       Clear base and drainage: Remove clippings and leaves. Check that your unit’s

drainage system is clear to prevent water buildup and mold growth.

·       Clean blower blades: Use a vacuum or damp cloth to remove dust. Be sure to wipe any standing water to prevent corrosion.

Pro Tip: Consider low-maintenance landscaping around your AC unit to reduce future debris and promote good airflow.

Make Preventative Maintenance a Priority

If you need some help getting your air conditioning unit ready for summer, MR. AIR NYC has your back! Contact us today to learn more about our maintenance plans, where we’ll send one of our highly trained service technicians to your home to make sure your furnace and air conditioning unit are functioning at optimal efficiency.

Doing preventative maintenance year-round is crucial to keeping your air conditioning unit working properly all summer long. Small changes like replacing the filters more frequently can help you prolong the life of your unit and lower your energy bills. Plus, regularly inspecting your air conditioning unit can help you catch small issues before they become a much more expensive problem.

And on the off-chance you find yourself waking up on the hottest day to discover your air conditioner has gone out, we can help you with that too! Our certified technicians are experts at troubleshooting and repairing any type of air conditioning related issue. When you’re ready to beat the heat, give us a call and we’ll get your home back to a comfortable temperature in no time.