Those of us in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora and Plainfield (IL) know how pleasant spring in the region can be. We can start to crack the doors and windows open to let the sun and temperate air inside. We’re also not yet sweating – literally and figuratively – because of our air conditioners.
If you follow us long enough, you’ll soon figure out that we’re die-hard community advocates for enjoying greater air comfort and quality with lower costs. A big step toward achieving that goal is scheduling a system inspection and tune-up before you need your AC to kick in.
Spring is always a great time for maintenance because of the mild weather. Plus, here at Air Dynamics, our schedule isn’t yet filling with the peak-season service visits that increase with the summer heat.
In addition to encouraging annual AC inspection, we also like to remind you of basic best practices you can follow to support your mission to stay comfortable and cool all summer long.
Weather Patterns & AC Best Practices: Your Area
The spring weather in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora and Plainfield tends to be as follows:
| April: Cool and breezy with increasing daylight | |
| Average high | ~60°F |
| Average low | ~38°F |
| Mean temperature | ~48°F |
| Humidity | ~65% |
| Daylight | ~13.3 hours |
| May: Warmer temps, increasing rainfall/humidity, longer days | |
| Average high | ~71°F |
| Average low | ~48°F |
| Mean temperature | ~59°F |
| Humidity | ~68% |
| Daylight | ~14.5 hours |
| June: Warm, humid, year’s longest days, continuing rainfall | |
| Average high | ~81°F |
| Average low | ~58°F |
| Mean temperature | ~69°F |
| Humidity | ~68% |
| Daylight | ~15.2 hours |
We can see the gradual-warming pattern through June, along with the increasing humidity. With that in mind, it’s easy to recognize why April and May are ideal months for system preparation and testing.
The following are some smart things you can do to make sure your AC is ready when the heat starts climbing in June.
Change or clean the air filter. This is a big one. After sitting unused for months, the filter can collect dust, pet hair and allergens, especially in Illinois where the furnace blower runs all winter. To ensure the best system airflow, replacing the filter every 90 days is typically recommended. Proactive homeowners can aim for every 45-60 days in keeping with the AC’s boost in activity during the heat. High-quality pleated filters can help with better filtration of regional allergens such as pollen and mold.
Clean around the outdoor condenser unit. Move away leaves, twigs and other debris that may have gathered over winter and early spring. The unit should have at least 2–3 feet of clearance around it. If possible, for better energy efficiency also consider shading the unit from direct sunlight without blocking airflow.
Test the thermostat and the AC. Make sure the switch is set to “cool” mode and then test the AC for proper functioning. The system should start, cool and cycle properly. If you haven’t already, you might also consider upgrading to a smart or programmable thermostat to save even more on energy costs. Just give us a call at Air Dynamics!
Inspect ductwork and vents. Check for dust build-up, leaks or obstructions. Seal any duct leaks with foil-backed tape or mastic sealant. If you are unsure of how to do these things, simply call us and we can walk you through them.
Check drain lines and pans. Ensure condensate lines aren’t clogged and pans are draining correctly. Flush lines with a vinegar solution to prevent mold and algae growth.
Clean indoor vents and registers. Vacuum and dust the supply and return vents. Make sure they’re open and not obstructed by curtains or furniture.
Be alert to strange noises or smells. Musty odors or grinding noises can indicate mold growth or mechanical issues that require attention.
Because of the increasing humidity, you’ll also want to set your AC to comfortably adapt to the extra dampness. You might find that a whole-home dehumidifier could be of meaningful use to you too. This is another area where the pros at Air Dynamics can answer your questions and offer ideas. Ask us about air purification as well!
Following AC Best Practices: Why It’s Smart
When you take the suggested steps to help your system perform, you:
avoid peak HVAC repair costs
reduce allergy symptoms with cleaner filters and ducts
ensure your AC is ready before surprise hot days hit
Implementing best practices during the mild weather in April and May lets you safely spot any issues without straining the system before you’ll need to rely on it daily.
Plus, as we’ve mentioned, it can often be easier to schedule a service visit before the late-spring/summer rush.
AC Best Practices: The Other Side of the Coin
Well-tuned air conditioning will run more efficiently, keeping you in greater comfort while going easier on your energy bills. It also helps you avoid inconvenient and costly repairs.
Now that we’ve reviewed AC best practices, let’s also further identify what they – in addition to a seasonal inspection – can help save you from. The following are some of the common AC problems that can appear for homeowners in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora and Plainfield this time of year.
AC doesn’t turn on. This can often be caused by a tripped breaker, a blown fuse or a thermostat still set to “heat” or “off” from winter. In some cases, AC that won’t activate might also involve a blown capacitor or failed contactor that needs replacement.
Strange noises. Rattling or buzzing may result from debris such as leaves or sticks in the outdoor unit. Grinding or squealing also can suggest a worn-out fan or bad blower-motor bearings.
Bad odors. Mold or mildew in the ducts or on the evaporator coil might emit a musty smell. Dust build-up on components dormant since fall might create a burning smell.
Weak airflow. A clogged air filter is a leading factor, especially after being an afterthought all winter. Other culprits could be duct leaks or a failing blower fan.
No cool air. Common causes can be a dirty evaporator coil, low refrigerant (due to a leak) or a thermostat that is miscalibrated or has setting errors.
Water leaks. Condensate drain lines can be clogged after months of disuse. Water that backs up can overflow into your furnace area or drip pan.
High indoor humidity. The AC may properly cool but not dehumidify your spaces if the blower runs too fast or the indoor coil is dirty.
Keep in mind too that your air conditioning contains a complex electrical network. A power surge or a motor start-up overload may result in a blown fuse or tripped breaker. A system that isn’t maintained might also have capacitors, contactors or wiring connections that have degraded over months of disuse.
Once again, these are all issues you can potentially bypass by scheduling maintenance and being a proactive AC system owner who follows best practices.
Home Cooling Built on Best Practices: Contact Us Today
Our air conditioners will soon be ramping up for their busy season, and the best we can do is help make sure they succeed in doing their job for us. You can always take comfort in knowing that we are here to help you ensure they do just that. If you’d like to further discuss AC best practices or schedule a system inspection in Oswego, Yorkville, Naperville, Aurora or Plainfield (IL), just give us a call at (630) 731-1550!
