Your AC Survived the Summer. Will It Survive Your Neglect This Fall?

# Overview Many homeowners put their air conditioners out of mind once the weather cools. That can lead to mechanical failures when the system is needed again. Fall is a practical time to inspect cooling equipment and address issues before winter and next summer.

# What goes wrong after a heavy cooling season

Watch for these clear signs of trouble:

• Air blowing into the home that feels warmer than earlier in the summer at the same thermostat setting.
• Ice forming on the AC coil or refrigerant lines, which indicates airflow or refrigerant problems.
• Unusual intermittent loud noises.
• Thermostat error messages and rising energy bills.

# Simple DIY checks and maintenance you can do now Perform these tasks if you are comfortable doing basic home maintenance:

• Replace disposable air filters or wash reusable types every few months.

TJ Laury of Ben's ProServ recommends these homeowner actions and adds that they are safe and helpful. These steps restore airflow and reduce stress on the system.

# When to call a professional Call an HVAC technician if you notice performance problems that you can't fix with filter changes or debris removal. Specific triggers for professional service include:

• Failure to cool the home despite correct thermostat settings.

• Visible ice on refrigerant lines or evaporator coils.
• Thermostat error codes or unexplained spikes in energy bills.

A professional inspection in the fall can identify refrigerant leaks, compressor wear, electrical issues, and other faults that DIY maintenance will not fix.

# Practical fall maintenance checklist

• Replace or clean the air filter.
• Clear the outdoor unit of debris and trim surrounding vegetation.
• Confirm vents and registers are unobstructed inside the house.
• Note any warm air, ice on lines, strange sounds, or thermostat errors and schedule a technician if they appear.

Brief seasonal attention reduces the chance of a pricey repair and helps the system start the next cooling season in better condition.