Snohomish County summers have gotten hotter. We're seeing more stretches of 85°F+ weather than we used to, and when those heat waves hit, your air conditioner becomes essential — not optional.

The worst time to find out your AC has a problem is on the first 90-degree day of the year. Run through this checklist in spring and you'll head into summer with confidence.

Step 1: Change the Air Filter

We know — we say this a lot. But it's the most important thing you can do for any forced-air system, and it applies to cooling just as much as heating.

A dirty filter restricts airflow, which makes your AC work harder, reduces cooling capacity, and can cause the evaporator coil to freeze up. Check your filter and replace it if it's gray and clogged. For most homes, that means every 1–3 months during active use.

Step 2: Clear the Outdoor Unit

Your outdoor condenser unit needs clear airflow to reject heat efficiently. Over the fall and winter, debris accumulates — leaves, twigs, cottonwood fluff, and general yard debris can clog the fins.

What to do:

• Turn off power to the unit at the disconnect box before doing anything
• Remove any debris from the top and sides of the unit
• Gently rinse the fins with a garden hose (spray from the inside out if possible)
• Trim back any shrubs or plants to maintain at least 18 inches of clearance on all sides

Don't use a pressure washer — the fins are delicate and bend easily.

Step 3: Check the Condensate Drain Line

Your AC removes humidity from the air as it cools, and that moisture drains out through a condensate line. If that line gets clogged with algae or debris, water backs up and can overflow into your home — damaging ceilings, walls, and flooring.

What to do: Find the condensate drain line (usually a white PVC pipe near your indoor air handler) and pour a cup of diluted white vinegar down it once a year to prevent algae buildup. If you notice water pooling near your air handler, call us — the line may already be clogged.

Step 4: Test the System Before You Need It

Don't wait for the first heat wave to turn on your AC. Test it on a mild day in May or early June:

1. Set your thermostat to cool mode, a few degrees below room temperature
2. Listen for the outdoor unit to start within a minute or two
3. Feel the air coming from your vents — it should be noticeably cool within 10–15 minutes
4. Check that all rooms are getting airflow

If the system doesn't cool down, makes unusual noises, or trips a breaker, call us before the heat hits. Appointments are much easier to get in spring than during a July heat wave.

Step 5: Check Your Refrigerant Lines

The insulated copper lines running between your outdoor unit and indoor air handler should be covered in foam insulation. If that insulation is cracked, missing, or deteriorated, you're losing efficiency.

You can inspect this yourself — just look at the lines and see if the insulation is intact. If it's damaged, it's an inexpensive fix. If you notice ice forming on the lines while the system is running, that's a sign of low refrigerant or airflow issues — call us.

Step 6: Schedule a Professional Tune-Up

A professional AC tune-up covers everything above plus the things you can't easily check yourself:

• Refrigerant level check (low refrigerant means your system can't cool properly and can damage the compressor)
• Electrical connections and capacitor check
• Blower motor and fan inspection
• Coil cleaning (dirty coils dramatically reduce efficiency)
• System efficiency measurement

We recommend scheduling your AC tune-up in April or May — before the summer rush. Our diagnostic fee is $69, and we'll give you a written report on your system's condition.

Signs Your AC Needs More Than a Tune-Up

If your system is showing any of these signs, it may be time for a repair or replacement conversation:

• Age: Most AC systems last 15–20 years. If yours is approaching that range and needs a major repair, replacement often makes more financial sense.
• Frequent repairs: If you've had multiple repairs in the last few years, the system may be on its way out.
• Uneven cooling: Some rooms much hotter than others can indicate duct issues or a failing system.
• Skyrocketing energy bills: A sudden increase in your electric bill during cooling season often points to a system that's losing efficiency.

We're always honest with you about what makes sense. If a repair will get you several more good years, we'll tell you. If replacement is the smarter move, we'll tell you that too — with real numbers to back it up.

Give us a call at 425-610-6635 or schedule online. We're your neighbors, and we're here to help.