During the peak of a Montana summer, your air conditioner becomes one of the most relied-on systems in your home. But when temperatures rise in Missoula, even the best AC units can struggle to keep up.
Without the right care, your system can overheat, reduce efficiency, and eventually break down when you need it most. Taking a few preventative steps now can go a long way in avoiding costly repairs and keeping your home comfortable all season long.
1. Change Your Air Filter (Yes, Again)
If you’re tired of hearing this tip, it’s only because it really matters! A dirty air filter makes your system work harder to pull in air, which can cause it to overheat. Changing it every 1–3 months (more often if you have pets or allergies) is one of the easiest ways to keep things running smoothly.
2. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clear
Your outdoor condenser unit needs space to do its job. If it’s surrounded by weeds, leaves, or your new gardening project, airflow gets restricted which can lead to overheating. Make sure there’s at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit, and give it a gentle hose-down (with the power off!) to remove dust or debris from the fins.
3. Close the Blinds and Curtains
Close blinds or curtains during peak sun hours to help keep indoor temps down. Less heat coming in means your system doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home cool. Bonus: it helps lower your energy bill too.
4. Use Fans to Circulate Air
Ceiling fans and portable fans are a great sidekick to your AC. They help distribute cool air more evenly throughout your home, which means your system doesn’t need to run as long or as hard to keep you comfortable. Just make sure your ceiling fan is set to spin counterclockwise in the summer.
5. Seal Up the Gaps
Your AC can’t win the battle against heat if all your cool air is escaping through gaps in windows and doors. Check for drafts and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk. You wouldn’t leave your front door open while running the AC, right? (Hopefully not!)
6. Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
If your AC starts making strange noises, blowing warm air, or constantly running without cooling, don’t shrug it off. These are signs that your system might be overheating or heading for a breakdown. Catching issues early can save you from a full-on emergency and a very uncomfortable day at home.
7. Schedule a Summer Tune-Up
Preventative maintenance is the secret ingredient to a happy cooling system. A professional inspection from Garden City Plumbing & Heating can help spot potential problems, clean critical components, and ensure your AC is running efficiently all summer long.
Cooling Experts in Missoula, Montana
At Garden City Plumbing & Heating, we know how important a cool, comfortable home is during Montana summers. Our team of pros is here to make sure your AC stays in peak shape.
Need a tune-up or have questions about your system? Give us a call at (406) 481-3548. We’re here to help you and your AC breathe easy!