When winter is still in full swing, air conditioning is usually the last thing on your mind. But in Ohio, that “in-between” period at the end of winter is one of the best times to plan ahead—because most summertime AC breakdowns start as small issues that were building for months.

A little planning now can mean fewer surprise repairs, better comfort on the first hot week, and an AC system that runs more efficiently all season. Here’s what Elite Climate Control recommends doing now to reduce the odds of summer breakdowns.

Why plan AC maintenance before summer?

Once the first stretch of warm weather hits, HVAC schedules fill up fast. Planning early helps you:

• Catch worn parts before they fail under summer workload

• Improve efficiency (lower electric bills when you need cooling most)

• Avoid “no cool” emergencies during heat and humidity spikes

• Start the season with stronger airflow and more consistent temperatures

1) Replace (or confirm) your air filter setup

Your AC depends on steady airflow. A filter that’s too dirty—or too restrictive—can reduce airflow, ice up the coil, and strain the blower.

What to do now:

• Replace your filter and note the correct size

• If you use high-MERV filters, make sure your system is designed for them

• Mark a reminder to check it monthly once cooling season begins

A good sign: Airflow feels strong and consistent from supply vents.

2) Make sure supply vents and returns are unobstructed

Blocked vents and returns force your system to work harder and can cause uneven temperatures or coil freezing.

What to do now:

• Move rugs, furniture, or curtains away from supply vents and return grilles

• Confirm every major room has decent airflow

• Avoid closing many vents at once—your system is designed for balanced airflow

3) Clear space around the outdoor condenser

Your outdoor unit needs breathing room. Leaves, overgrowth, and clutter can reduce heat transfer and increase wear.

What to do now (weather permitting):

• Remove debris around the base of the unit

• Trim plants to give it space on all sides

• Avoid storing items against or on top of the unit

Tip: If you use a cover in winter, make sure it’s removed before the season and that nothing is trapped inside.

4) Check your thermostat settings and programming

Small thermostat issues can look like major AC problems in the summer—especially with smart thermostats, scheduling, or incorrect equipment settings.

What to do now:

• Replace thermostat batteries if applicable

• Review schedules so cooling won’t turn on unexpectedly

• Confirm the system type is set correctly (especially after thermostat replacement)

If your home has hot/cold spots, this is also a good time to plan a comfort evaluation before peak season.

5) Inspect and clean condensate drain basics (to prevent leaks)

AC systems pull moisture from the air. A clogged condensate drain can cause water damage, musty odors, or system shutdowns.

What to watch for:

• Past water stains near the indoor unit

• Musty smells when the system runs

• A history of drain clogs

A professional maintenance visit can clear and test drainage safely and thoroughly.

6) Consider a ductwork check if you have uneven cooling

If certain rooms are always warmer, ducts may be leaking, disconnected, undersized, or poorly balanced. In Ohio homes—especially older construction—duct issues are a big reason AC struggles in summer.

Clues you might have duct issues:

• Upstairs is consistently warmer

• One room barely gets airflow

• Dust buildup near registers

• You hear rattling or whistling when the system runs

Fixing ducts can improve comfort more than turning the thermostat down ever will.

7) Plan a professional AC tune-up before the first heat wave

A maintenance visit isn’t just “cleaning.” It’s about preventing failures by testing the system under safe conditions before heavy summer demand.

A typical AC maintenance appointment may include:

• Checking refrigerant system performance (pressures/temperatures)

• Testing capacitor(s), contactor, and electrical connections

• Cleaning critical components (as accessible and appropriate)

• Inspecting the indoor coil/blower for airflow restrictions

• Verifying safe drainage and overall operation

Why it matters: Many summer “no cool” calls come down to a capacitor failing, low airflow icing the coil, or minor electrical wear—things that are often detectable early.

8) Know the early warning signs (and don’t ignore them)

If you notice any of these when the AC first runs, it’s worth addressing early:

• Warm air or weak airflow from vents

• System runs constantly but can’t reach set temperature

• Clicking, buzzing, or humming near the outdoor unit

• Musty odor at startup

• Higher-than-normal electric bills compared to last season

Small symptoms in spring often become urgent breakdowns in July.

9) If your system is older, plan proactively (don’t wait for an emergency)

If your AC is aging or has required repeated repairs, end-of-winter planning is the perfect time to:

• Evaluate repair vs. replacement logically (without pressure)

• Consider efficiency upgrades

• Address comfort issues (hot rooms, humidity control, airflow)

Even if you don’t replace anything, having a plan beats facing decisions during a breakdown.

Your “Do This Now” AC Readiness Checklist

• ✅ Replace the air filter (correct size/type)

• ✅ Clear and open all vents and returns

• ✅ Clean up around the outdoor condenser

• ✅ Review thermostat settings/schedules

• ✅ Schedule a pre-season AC tune-up

• ✅ Address uneven cooling with a duct/airflow evaluation

Get ahead of spring and summer with Elite Climate Control

If you want fewer cooling surprises this summer, planning now is the smartest move. Elite Climate Control helps Ohio homeowners prepare their AC systems for reliable, efficient performance—before peak heat arrives.