Preparing Your HVAC System for Summer: A Peninsula Checklist

DIY Spring Checklist

Week Before You Need AC:

Replace the air filter - Start the season fresh
Clear outdoor unit - Remove leaves, debris, trim plants
Clean supply vents - Vacuum dust from registers
Check thermostat - Replace batteries, test cooling mode
Inspect visible ductwork - Look for obvious damage

Test Your System:

Set thermostat to cooling mode
Lower temperature 5 degrees below current room temp
Wait 10-15 minutes
Feel air at vents - should be noticeably cool
Listen for unusual sounds

When to Call a Professional

Schedule maintenance if:

AC hasn't been serviced in over a year
Last summer you noticed issues
System is over 10 years old
You hear unusual sounds during testing

Peninsula Summer Insights

Our summers are generally mild compared to inland California, but we do get heat spikes. Homes in Palo Alto, Mountain View, and inland areas can see 90°+ days that really test your AC.

Schedule Early

Don't wait until the first heat wave. HVAC companies get swamped in June and July. Schedule your spring maintenance in April or May for the best availability.

Peninsula Homeowner Takeaway

On the Peninsula, seasonal maintenance matters because mild weather can hide weak parts until the first hot or cold stretch.

The best service window is before peak demand, when there is still time to clean coils, test electrical components, clear drains, and correct airflow issues.

Use the article as a starting point, not a final diagnosis. HVAC symptoms can come from controls, airflow, electrical parts, ducts, refrigerant behavior, or equipment age.

If a simple filter, thermostat, or airflow check does not change the symptom, document what the system does before calling for service.