5 Smart Tips for Late Summer AC Maintenance in Madison, WI

Is it worth doing a little maintenance when summer is almost over? In our experience, this last-minute maintenance goes a long way toward protecting your system and keeping you comfortable.

Even better, a quick inspection is affordable and offers long-term benefits. You can extend your equipment’s lifespan, keep your energy bills manageable, and reduce the risk of a breakdown.  

If you need a few tips for AC maintenance in Madison, here are some simple tasks you can start today. At Southport, our goal is always to make sure homeowners get the most out of their heating or cooling system, no matter the time of year!

5 Tips for Late Summer AC Maintenance in Madison, WI

It’s not too late to touch up your system and enjoy peak performance as you head into fall. Try these simple maintenance tasks to keep your system working well.

1. Change Your Filters

Your filters will be chock-full of dust, dirt, and pollen after running throughout the summer. If you live with children or pets, that’s even more dirt and dander to deal with. 

We recommend swapping out your filters every three months. Not only will your indoor air quality be fresher, but you’ll also ensure your system has steady airflow. Without good airflow, you risk overheating and accidentally shutting down your system.

2. Wipe Down Vents

Like your filters, your vents are likely showing grime after months of hard work. Take a dry or moist rag to wipe the inside and outside of your vents. The cleaner they are, the less contaminants will blow back into your home. 

3. Review Thermostat Settings

You’ll still have another few (if not several) weeks of warm weather, so make sure your thermostat is set appropriately. We recommend setting it between 75 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. 

If your thermostat is outdated, calling for AC maintenance in Madison can help you decide whether to install a new model.

4. Check Your Monthly Energy Usage

Review your energy usage monthly so you can quickly spot anything that looks out of the ordinary. While it’s normal for your energy usage to go up during the summer, it shouldn’t be higher than the previous years. 

An unusual increase compared to previous years, despite similar usage rates, might point to an outdated air conditioner. Your unit may be old or need more frequent maintenance. 

5. Schedule an Inspection

An AC or HVAC inspection in Madison, WI, is a low-effort way of keeping your system in great condition. Similar to a maintenance appointment, an inspection involves inspecting, cleaning, and testing your system to make sure it’s operating at peak performance.

Has your AC been blowing warm air lately? That’s one of many signs you should add more inspections to your yearly maintenance plan. Even last-second summer maintenance can give you benefits that last for years.

Why Should You Get AC Maintenance in Late Summer?

What perks will you enjoy by proactively cleaning and checking your system before fall? Check out these main benefits of getting late summer AC maintenance in Madison.

Hold Up to Leftover Summer Heat

Wisconsin still gets pretty hot on the tail end of summer, even into September. A quick maintenance check can make sure you stay comfortable until the leaves change. 

Prepare for Summer Next Year

Have you ever gone into summer with the realization you haven’t had your AC checked in a long time? Instead of enjoying the sunshine, you might constantly have the fear of a shutdown in the back of your mind. Doing a little maintenance as summer wraps up is a great way to stay prepared.

A quick maintenance check can cover useful tasks like refilling low refrigerant, cleaning dirty condenser coils, or calibrating your thermostat. 

Extend Your System’s Lifespan

Well-maintained cooling systems last longer than neglected units. When one worn-out part can cause the entire system to fail, keeping everything running smoothly reduces strain on your equipment and saves you money.

Higher Chance of Discounts

Late summer is entering the traditional off-season for cooling-related services. Since fewer people are calling for cooling maintenance or repair, you’re more likely to get a good deal.

Southport offers ongoing discounts on all kinds of cooling system appointments, including inspections and repairs. We also offer a yearly AC maintenance plan in Madison that handles savings and scheduling for you.

How Does Southport Perform Late Summer Inspections?

An inspection is like visiting the dentist for a check-up or hiring a contractor to check your roof before winter. Instead of actively fixing an existing problem, it’s a proactive approach to catch small problems early and maintain your unit’s health.

If you’re too busy to perform a few DIY tasks or just want a deeper inspection, an inspection is the way to go. After you reach out to us, our process looks like this:

• Sharing our latest deals and financing options so you can stay within your budget
• Scheduling an in-person appointment that works with your schedule 
• Inspecting your unit for any potential warning signs, like leaks, worn-out parts, or strange odors
• Performing general tasks like cleaning condenser coils, calibrating thermostats, changing filters, checking refrigerant levels, and lubricating parts. 
• Testing your system to make sure everything is working 

Save Even More Money With Our Shield Maintenance Plan

If you’re thinking of scheduling regular maintenance to keep your heating and cooling system working for as long as possible, we have the plan for you. We designed our Shield Maintenance Plan to help homeowners enjoy steady discounts on regular heating, cooling, and plumbing services.

For an affordable monthly price, you get access to three regularly scheduled visits to cover several key areas of heating and cooling. We offer perks like:

• Priority service for faster appointments 
• 15% off all appointments and 5% off new equipment
• $100 loyalty bonuses per year (and up to $1,000 toward home upgrades) 

Whether you need an inspection or AC repair in Madison, Southport is ready to give you a great deal. We’ve been serving homeowners in the greater Madison area for several years. 

Schedule Your Inspection Today With Southport

One inspection can make the rest of the summer more comfortable and save you money next summer. When you’re ready for an AC inspection or AC maintenance in Madison, we’re only a phone call away.

Call us today to get a free estimate. We’re also happy to sign you up with our Shield Maintenance Plan so you can keep saving for years!