How to Prepare Your Louisville Home's HVAC for Summer (Spring Checklist)

Louisville summers don't ease in gradually. One week it's 65°F, and the next it's 90°F with 80% humidity. If your AC hasn't run since October, firing it up on the first hot day and hoping for the best is a gamble. Here's what to do now — in spring — to make sure your system is ready.

DIY Spring HVAC Checklist (Free, 30 Minutes)

1. 1Change your air filter. If it's been more than 90 days, it's overdue. Use MERV 11 or higher.
2. 2Clear debris from your outdoor unit. Remove any debris within 2 feet of your condenser. Gently rinse the coil fins with a garden hose.
3. 3Check your thermostat. Switch from heat to cool mode. Set it 5 degrees below room temperature and verify the outdoor unit kicks on.
4. 4Open all supply vents. Open them all before summer to ensure proper airflow.
5. 5Check your condensate drain. Pour a cup of white vinegar down the drain access point to prevent clogs.
6. 6Inspect visible ductwork. Look for disconnected sections, visible gaps, or damaged insulation.

When to Call a Professional

A professional AC tune-up goes beyond what you can do at home. Our spring tune-up includes: checking refrigerant levels, testing electrical connections and capacitors, cleaning the evaporator coil, lubricating motors, testing thermostat calibration, inspecting the condensate pump, checking ductwork for leaks, and verifying system performance. Cost: $89–$150.

Signs Your AC Won't Make It Through Summer

If you notice any of these during your spring check, call us before the summer rush: the outdoor unit makes unusual grinding or banging noises, the system runs but doesn't cool, you see ice forming on the refrigerant lines, the system short-cycles, your energy bills were unusually high last summer, or the system is over 12 years old.

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