Summer HVAC Prep

Advantage Air HVAC • June 30, 2023

When the temperature rises, you want your HVAC system to be ready to keep you cool. Fortunately, it's easy to prep your HVAC for summer, and the experts at Advantage Air HVAC can tell you how.

Man Looking at vent in prep for summer cleaning near Lexington, KY

Getting Started

Remove the cover and clear away any debris that has built up on or around your condenser. A condenser needs about two feet of clearance on all sides for maximum efficiency. Check the concrete pad the condenser sits on to ensure it is level and has no cracks. A compromised condenser pad can significantly impact how your system operates.

Your Next Steps

  • Change the filters. You should do this at least twice yearly, but many systems require more frequent changes. Did you know that a fresh filter can increase your HVAC efficiency by as much as 15%?
  • Check to ensure vents are clean and have enough clearance. A minimum of 10 inches is necessary, but more is always better. You should also use your vacuum's hose attachment to clean the vent covers.
  • Inspect the ductwork for leaks, obstructions, and mold. This step is essential because leaky ductwork can increase your energy usage by up to 30%.

Clean the Coils

Your AC has two sets of coils - condenser coils located outside and evaporator coils accessed from inside your home. Ensure power to your HVAC is off before cleaning either set. To clean the condenser coils, carefully remove the unit's housing and spray the coils with a foaming coil cleaner. After allowing the foam to sit for 15-20 minutes, spray the coils with your garden hose. Avoid using a strong spray, as this can bend the aluminum fins. Instead, use a fine or wide-angle spray setting.

To tackle the evaporator coils:

  1. Locate the indoor air supply for your HVAC and remove the access panel.
  2. Gently brush the fins with a soft nylon brush and vacuum the debris. You will use the same foaming cleaner as on the exterior condenser coils, but since the interior setup is smaller, you can rinse the foam off with a hand-pump spray bottle filled with clean water.
  3. After rinsing the coils, use a shop vacuum to remove the dirty water, and leave the access door open for a few hours to allow the interior to dry thoroughly.

Check the Thermostat

During winter, your thermostat should be set at between 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer weather calls for a change to about 76 degrees, and reprogramming your thermostat is the perfect way to accommodate this seasonal switch. This is an excellent time to upgrade if you don't have a smart thermostat.

Time for a Test Run

Once you've finished cleaning and inspecting the necessary components, turn your HVAC on to ensure it's appropriately cooling your home. If everything is working, you're ready to enjoy a fantastic summer. Advantage Air HVAC is only a phone call away if your system has any hiccups and needs service.

Contact Us

The experienced technicians at Advantage Air HVAC are here to answer your questions about summer HVAC prep. We offer various commercial and residential services, including geothermal heating and coolingContact us today for all of your HVAC needs. Advantage Air HVAC is in Lexington, KY, and proudly serves Versailles, Winchester, Georgetown, Paris, Wilmore, Nicholasville, and the surrounding area.

April 30, 2026
Kentucky is notorious for its seasonal temperature ranges and for how quickly the temperature can swing within a span of 24 hours. According to the National Weather Service, Lexington sits in a humid subtropical climate zone where winters can drop below 26 degrees Fahrenheit and summer heat can easily push past 85 degrees. Because of the rapid temperature swings in the region, an HVAC system could be working flat out to cool your property in the afternoon. By the following morning, it might need to switch to heating mode. Because of the year-round demand that this places on HVAC equipment, the system is under higher-than-average strain and uses more energy. According to Energy Star, HVAC systems account for roughly 50% of your home's total energy use, so a failing system can quickly drive up your bills and leave you uncomfortable in your home. Let's explore some of the most common heating and cooling problems that could require HVAC repair. 1: There's Uneven Temperature Between Rooms There are a few common telltale signs that your system is struggling to keep up. If your room feels significantly warmer or cooler as you walk between them, it suggests that your system isn't distributing the air correctly. This could indicate problems like: Ductwork issues A failing blower motor A problem with the refrigerant You shouldn't ignore such things, as none of these issues will resolve without intervention. 2: Your HVAC System Running Constantly Another sign to look out for is that your system is running nonstop. While your HVAC system needs to work harder than average in Lexington, that doesn't mean the system should be running flat out 24/7. A constantly running system suggests it might be undersized for your property. It could also have a dirty condenser coil, or it might be low on refrigerant. A system that runs constantly is more likely to develop further problems, so it's best to call in professionals to diagnose the issue. 3: Poor Indoor Humidity Control Summers here in Lexington are incredibly humid, but your home should be a reliable refuge from the summer heat. If you can still feel the summer stickiness and dampness when you're inside with the doors and windows closed, it suggests the system is losing cooling capacity. 4: You Can Hear Unusual Noises Coming From The Unit A well-functioning HVAC system should make nothing more than a gentle hum. If you're hearing a significant amount of noise coming from the unit, such as grinding or scraping, it could indicate worn-out mechanical components. Homeowners sometimes ignore these sounds and hope that they'll go away, but generally, a noisy unit will fail eventually. When your HVAC unit starts making unusual sounds, it's best to get help from a qualified pro. 5: You Notice Burning Smells From The System You also shouldn't be able to smell anything coming from your unit. A burning smell from the system indicates overheating or an electrical fault, and if you even suspect that such a smell is coming from your HVAC unit, you should switch the system off immediately. 6: There's a Musty Smell or Noticeable Mold Growth A musty smell coming from the system isn't an immediate emergency, but the consequences could also be severe, as it might indicate mold or mildew growth inside the ducts. This can cause mold to be distributed everywhere in your home, potentially causing health problems for you and your family. This is a massive concern for anyone with respiratory conditions, so don't hesitate to call a HVAC repair company. 7: You're Seeing Rising Energy Bills When do rising energy bills signal an HVAC problem? Your HVAC system is probably your most significant energy expense, but the energy use should be reasonably consistent. A higher bill sometimes just means that your habits have changed, for example If you recently started working from home, you have a reasonable explanation for a higher cost. However, if your routine and habits are fairly consistent but the bill just keeps getting higher, it could indicate system degradation. A modest drop in efficiency in your HVAC unit should be clearly visible on your monthly bills. If you notice your utility bills slowly creeping up, it's worth contacting an HVAC technician to inspect your system and perform HVAC maintenance. Frequently Asked Questions How Do You Know Whether You Should Repair or Replace Your HVAC Unit? Generally speaking, HVAC units that are more than 10 years old should always be considered for replacement, particularly if they develop problems. According to the Citizens Utility Board, a good rule of thumb is multiplying your HVAC system's age in years by the estimated repair cost. If the resulting figure surpasses $5000, you should probably replace the system rather than repair it. An older system will likely fail again in a short time frame, and you'll just face repeated repair costs. You'll likely be forced to replace the unit anyway. If you've noticed the telltale sound of a failing HVAC unit , as discussed here, you shouldn't wait for a full failure. The sooner you address the problem, the simpler and cheaper it will be to address it. A professional diagnostic will identify exactly what the problem is, and the HVAC technician will provide you with an estimate before any work begins. When Should You Schedule HVAC Repairs and Inspections? Here in Lexington, it's best to schedule repairs and inspections before the peak season in spring and early fall. If you wait until the summer or winter, you'll find that during heat waves and cold snaps, technicians tend to be much less available. Looking for Reliable HVAC Repair? HVAC systems will rarely fail without warning, so by knowing the warning signs, such as uneven temperatures, unusual noises and smells, and rising utility bills, you can address the problem early and call out a technician before the system fails completely. Are you looking for a reliable and honest professional HVAC repair service here in the greater Lexington-Fayette Metropolitan Area? Advantage Air HVAC has been serving the community for over 32 years, and during that time, we've built up a loyal customer base. Advantage Air HVAC always tells our customers what needs to be done, how much it will cost, and how long it will take. This is why they keep coming back.  Contact us today , and let's diagnose your air conditioning issues.
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Lexington homeowners can expect furnace installation to follow a clear, predictable timeline that moves from planning to heat-on with minimal disruption. The process usually spans several days, depending on system choice, home layout, and inspection needs. Knowing the sequence upfront helps you avoid delays, surprises, and cold nights.  Across the United States, upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace can cut fuel use and lower emissions significantly when compared to older units, helping households reduce energy waste and lower bills , according to the U.S. Department of Energy Energy Saver program. Homeowners often worry about how long furnace installation will take and how it might disrupt their day. Ultimately, you'll feel more confident when you know the stages involved and how professionals plan the work, so you can plan your schedule with peace of mind.
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This time of year in Central Kentucky, winter is at its peak and can put more strain on heating systems than any other time of year. When temperatures start to drop, furnaces often run longer cycles with fewer breaks. Your system quietly runs in the background to keep your home comfortable, safe, and at a consistent temperature all winter long. Most homeowners expect their heating system to perform without interruption until one cold morning in the middle of winter, when it suddenly does not.
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Scheduling routine maintenance and installing smart controls keep HVAC for office buildings running efficiently. Regular upkeep, system upgrades, and proper vent placement improve air flow and temperature consistency. Monitoring indoor air quality ensures a healthier workspace while training staff on energy-saving practices reduces unnecessary costs.
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As a homeowner wondering if agreements for HVAC service in Lexington, KY, are worth it, the answer is yes; they are. They can help ensure your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system undergoes regular tune-ups, which can help keep it efficient, reduce its odds of suffering from premature failure, and extend its lifespan.
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Commercial HVAC maintenance involves regular care of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. This measure ensures optimal performance, prevents breakdowns, and extends the equipment's lifespan. Regular preventative maintenance can reduce energy costs while improving indoor air quality. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, commercial buildings consume 13.6 quads of electricity . Your HVAC system is the biggest energy consumer in your building. This makes proper maintenance essential for your bottom line.
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As the colder months approach, every homeowner in Lexington, KY needs to ensure their heating system is functioning efficiently. However, if your furnace has an issue, there are various mistakes you're likely to make when trying to repair it.
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When your home suddenly feels like an oven in summer or an icebox in winter, panic can set in quickly. But before picking up the phone for emergency HVAC repairs, there's a smarter way to respond. This isn't just about convenience - it's about saving time, avoiding unnecessary expenses, and protecting your system from further damage. Acting calmly and using a strategic checklist puts the power in your hands, even during an HVAC emergency. You don't need to be a pro - you just need to know what steps to take. Here's how you can troubleshoot effectively and know exactly when to call for help.
A brand-new, modern, high-efficiency AC unit outside of a residential home near Lexington, KY
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