Don’t Sweat It: Late-Summer HVAC Tips for Salt Lake Homes

Because a cool home = a happy you. ❄️

Salt Lake City summers aren’t just hot—they’re dry heat hot. By the time August rolls around, your A/C has been working overtime to keep things comfortable. The last thing you want is for it to quit right when you need it most—or worse, just before the first chilly fall night sneaks in.

The good news? A little late-summer TLC can extend the life of your system, lower your energy bills, and keep your home feeling just right.

Here’s how to show your HVAC some love before the season changes:

1. Swap Out That Air Filter (Yes, Again)

Your filter has been catching dust, pollen, and pet hair all season. A clogged filter makes your system work harder (and costs you more on your bill).

Hack: Replace or clean it every 1–2 months during heavy use. If you have pets or allergies, monthly is best.

2. Clear the Area Around Your Unit

Take a quick walk around your outdoor condenser unit. If it’s surrounded by weeds, grass clippings, or even a wayward patio chair, it can’t “breathe” properly.

Pro Tip: Keep at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit and rinse off dirt with a gentle hose spray.

3. Check Your Vents

Blocked or dirty vents can cause uneven cooling (hello, hot upstairs bedrooms). Vacuum the grilles and make sure furniture isn’t blocking airflow.

Salt Lake Bonus: If you live in an older bungalow with quirky ductwork, consider having a pro inspect your system’s balance before winter heating season.

4. Listen for Strange Noises

Your A/C should hum, not clank, grind, or squeal. If you hear anything weird, don’t ignore it—it could be a sign of a worn-out part. Catching it early saves you from an expensive repair.

5. Schedule a Pro Tune-Up

Even if everything seems fine, an end-of-summer tune-up is like an oil change for your car—it keeps things running efficiently. A tech will:

• Check refrigerant levels

• Inspect electrical connections

• Clean coils

• Spot issues before they become emergencies

Hack: Book now—HVAC pros get slammed during the first cold snap when everyone flips on their heat at once.

6. Prep for the Switch to Heat Mode

It’s not quite sweater weather yet, but fall is coming. Testing your heat before you actually need it gives you time to address problems early (and avoid waking up to a cold house in October).

Final Thoughts

Your A/C has worked hard all summer—give it a little love now, and it’ll return the favor with a few more years of cool comfort. Plus, your heating system will thank you when it’s time to switch gears.

Need a recommendation for a solid HVAC tech in Salt Lake City? I’ve got a list of trusted locals I’m happy to share.

See you next Wednesday for another Hump Day Home Hack!

Love you, mean it.

– Annie