HVAC Maintenance Checklist for Summer: DFW Homeowners' Guide

Summer in North Texas is no joke. With temperatures soaring well into the 90s and beyond, your air conditioning system becomes the heart of your home’s comfort. But is your HVAC system ready for the heat?

At Tarrant Mechanical, we’ve helped hundreds of DFW homeowners prepare their systems for peak performance during the hottest months. Below is your go-to HVAC maintenance checklist for summer, so you can stay cool, save on energy bills, and avoid costly breakdowns.

✅ 1. Replace or Clean Your Air Filters

This is the most overlooked—and most important—step on the list. A clogged or dirty filter restricts airflow, forces your system to work harder, and increases your energy costs.

Tip: Check your air filter monthly during the summer. Replace it every 1–2 months, or clean it if you have a reusable version.

✅ 2. Check the Thermostat Settings

Make sure your thermostat is set to cool and your temperature settings are optimized for efficiency. If you don’t already have a programmable or smart thermostat, now’s the time to consider upgrading.

Smart thermostats can help reduce your energy usage by automatically adjusting temps when you're away.

✅ 3. Clean Around the Outdoor Unit

Your outdoor A/C condenser needs space and airflow to work properly. Clear away any leaves, dirt, branches, or weeds that may have accumulated around it.

Tip: Leave at least 2 feet of clearance around the unit and gently hose off the coils to remove dust buildup.

✅ 4. Inspect Ductwork for Leaks

Leaky ducts can waste up to 30% of your cooled air—raising your bills and lowering your comfort. Check for loose connections, visible holes, or insulation issues in your attic or crawl spaces.

Tarrant Mechanical can perform a professional duct inspection and sealing service if you suspect airflow loss.

✅ 5. Test Airflow from Vents

Walk around your home and check each supply and return vent. Make sure they’re fully open, clean, and free from blockages like furniture or rugs.

Weak airflow may signal a clogged filter, blocked duct, or fan issue—something we can diagnose and fix quickly.

✅ 6. Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-Up

There’s no substitute for a certified technician performing a complete system inspection. At Tarrant Mechanical, our summer HVAC tune-up includes:

• Coil cleaning
• Refrigerant level check
• Electrical connection tightening
• Fan and motor inspection
• Thermostat calibration
• Safety control testing
• Drain line cleaning

Preventive maintenance now can save you from emergency calls when your system fails in the middle of a heatwave.

✅ 7. Check and Clean Condensate Drain Lines

Your A/C unit pulls humidity out of the air—and that moisture has to go somewhere. If the condensate line gets clogged, it can back up into your unit or your home.

We recommend flushing the drain line with a mixture of water and vinegar, or scheduling a cleaning with our team if it hasn’t been serviced in a while.

✅ 8. Listen for Unusual Noises

Grinding, buzzing, or rattling sounds often mean something’s loose, failing, or obstructed. Strange noises are early warning signs that you shouldn’t ignore.

If something doesn’t sound right, call us before it turns into a full system failure.

✅ 9. Evaluate Your System’s Cooling Performance

Even if your system is running, it should be keeping your home evenly cool. If you notice hot spots, high humidity, or longer cooling times, your system may be struggling.

This could be a sign of aging components, refrigerant leaks, or improper sizing—all of which we can help assess and resolve.