Your May AC Maintenance Checklist: Stay Cool and Efficient in San Ramon

Your May AC Maintenance Checklist: Stay Cool and Efficient in San Ramon


As the warmer months approach in San Ramon, ensuring your air conditioning system is ready for the summer heat becomes a top priority. May is the perfect time to prepare your AC unit before the real demand begins. 

A little early-season maintenance can go a long way toward improving energy efficiency, preventing mid-summer breakdowns, and keeping your home comfortable all season long. Here’s a clear and actionable May AC maintenance checklist to help San Ramon homeowners get their cooling systems in top shape.

1. Replace or Clean the Air Filter

Your AC system’s air filter traps dust, allergens, and debris, keeping your indoor air cleaner and protecting your system from buildup. Over time, that filter can get clogged, which restricts airflow and forces your AC to work harder.

Tip: Replace the filter every 1–3 months depending on usage and household factors like pets or allergies.

Benefit: Improves airflow, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality.

2. Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit

Your outdoor condenser unit needs space to “breathe.” Over the spring, weeds, leaves, or even ant mounds can accumulate around it, blocking airflow and reducing performance.

Tip: Clear at least two feet of space around the entire unit. Remove grass clippings, leaves, sticks, or plant growth. Also, gently rinse off any dirt from the exterior fins.

Benefit: Helps prevent overheating and improves system efficiency.

3. Inspect Your Thermostat

A properly functioning thermostat helps maintain comfort while minimizing energy waste. If your thermostat is outdated or inconsistent, it may be time to upgrade.

Tip: Test your thermostat to ensure it’s accurately reading room temperature and activating the AC when needed. Consider installing a smart thermostat to manage cooling schedules more efficiently.

Benefit: Better temperature control and potential savings on your energy bill.

4. Check Your Air Vents and Registers

Blocked or dirty vents can restrict airflow and make your system work harder than necessary.

Tip: Walk through your home and inspect all vents and registers. Remove any furniture or rugs blocking airflow. Wipe off dust and debris.

Benefit: Ensures consistent cooling throughout your home and reduces system strain.

5. Listen for Unusual Noises

Strange noises during startup or operation – like banging, rattling, or screeching – may be early signs of mechanical issues or loose components.

Tip: Turn on your AC and listen closely to how it operates. If you hear anything unusual, call a professional for an inspection.

Benefit: Early repairs can prevent larger, more expensive breakdowns.

6. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up

Even if your system seems to be running fine, a professional AC tune-up is the best way to ensure everything is working as it should.

What’s included: Checking refrigerant levels, tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving parts, inspecting coils, and testing system performance.

Benefit: Extends the life of your system, ensures optimal efficiency, and gives you peace of mind heading into summer.

7. Check for Signs of Leaks or Water Around the Unit

Excess moisture or puddling near your indoor unit may indicate a clogged condensate drain or refrigerant issue.

Tip: Look for damp spots or water collecting near your AC system. If found, contact a technician for further inspection.

Benefit: Prevents water damage and ensures safe operation.

Stay Ahead of the Heat in San Ramon

With San Ramon’s summer temperatures regularly climbing into the 90s, now is the time to get your air conditioner in peak condition. Following this May AC maintenance checklist can help prevent surprise breakdowns, keep your energy bills in check, and ensure your family stays cool and comfortable all summer long.

It’s time to schedule maintenance with the experts at Comfy Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.

Whether you require installation, repair, or maintenance, our technicians will assist you with top-quality service at any time of the day or night. Take comfort in knowing your indoor air quality is the best it can be with MOE heating & cooling services Ontario's solution for heating, air conditioning, and ventilation that’s cooler than the rest.
Contact us to schedule a visit. Our qualified team of technicians, are always ready to help you and guide you for heating and cooling issues. Weather you want to replace an old furnace or install a brand new air conditioner, we are here to help you. Our main office is at Kitchener but we can service most of Ontario's cities


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