Summer HVAC Survival Guide for Colorado Homeowners

Summer in Colorado is a season of sunny hikes, patio dinners, and weekend getaways, but it’s also when your air conditioner gets pushed to its limit.

If you want to stay comfortable and avoid those surprise breakdowns when it’s 90+ degrees outside, now’s the time to make sure your HVAC system is ready for the long haul.

At First String Heating and Air, we work with homeowners across Colorado who want to keep their systems running strong all summer, and we know exactly what it takes.

Whether you just fired up your AC for the first time or it’s been running steadily for weeks, here’s your summer HVAC survival guide.

1. Know What “Normal” Looks (and Sounds) Like

As your AC works overtime in the summer, it’s important to stay alert for signs that something’s off. Unusual noises, longer run times, hot spots in the house, or rising energy bills can all be early warnings that your system needs attention.

What to listen for:

1. Banging or rattling (loose parts)
2. Whistling (airflow issues)
3. Short cycling (system turning on/off too frequently)
4. Ice on the outdoor unit (refrigerant or airflow problem)

If anything seems off, don’t wait; it’s always cheaper and easier to fix a small issue now than a major repair later.

2. Don’t Skip Mid-Summer Maintenance

Even if you had spring maintenance done (gold star if you did), summer is when issues can start to build. Things like clogged filters, dirty coils, or low refrigerant can develop mid-season and affect comfort and efficiency. If your system is struggling to keep up with the heat, or your bills are going up even though usage hasn’t changed, it’s a sign you may need a mid-season checkup.

3. Pay Attention to Airflow

Proper airflow is everything when it comes to staying cool. Blocked vents, dirty filters, or closed-off rooms can reduce circulation and make your AC work harder than it should. That means higher bills and lower comfort.

Quick summer airflow tips:

1. Keep vents open and unblocked by furniture or curtains
2. Change filters monthly during heavy-use seasons
3. Keep doors between rooms open for better circulation

4. Shade and Seal Your Home

The Colorado sun is no joke, especially in the late afternoon. Use blinds or blackout curtains during peak sun hours to reduce heat gain inside. Also, make sure windows and doors are sealed properly so your cooled air doesn’t escape. Planting shade trees or using outdoor shades can make a surprising difference in keeping your home cooler naturally.

5. Watch for Refrigerant Issues

Low refrigerant is one of the most common AC problems during the summer. If your home feels muggy, takes forever to cool down, or you see ice building on your indoor or outdoor coils, low refrigerant could be the culprit. Refrigerant doesn’t get “used up” like gas in a car if it’s low; there’s likely a leak, and it needs to be fixed before a recharge is done.

6. Keep the Outdoor Unit Clean

Your condenser (the outdoor part of your AC) needs room to breathe. Grass clippings, leaves, dirt, and debris can all clog the fins and reduce efficiency.

Keep a clear space of at least 2 feet around the unit, and gently hose it off if it looks dusty or clogged. Just avoid bending the fins!

Beat the Heat with a System That’s Ready to Perform

Your AC isn’t just about comfort, it’s about peace of mind. No one wants to come home to a hot house or deal with emergency repairs when guests are over or you’re trying to sleep.

At First String Heating and Air, we help Colorado homeowners stay ahead of summer breakdowns with expert HVAC service, tune-ups, and honest advice. Whether your system just needs a little TLC or it’s time for a more serious repair, we’re here to keep you cool.

Schedule Your Summer AC Service Today

The best way to avoid mid-season headaches? Get your system checked now before something goes wrong. We’ll inspect, clean, and fine-tune everything so your AC can handle whatever Colorado throws at it this summer.

Call First String Heating and Air today or book online. Let’s keep your home cool, efficient, and stress-free all summer long.