Prepare Your HVAC System for Summer Heatwaves

When it gets hot in the Pacific Northwest, it’s no joke. Unfortunately, we here in Vancouver, WA, are no strangers to summer highs soaring into the high 80s. When a heat wave hits, having a functioning HVAC system can be a lifesaver. 

The catch is that those same hot summer days that make you reach for the thermostat in the first place are often the ones that push your AC to the brink. And when repair calls spike during the first major hot spell, it can take days to get someone out to your house. 

That’s why it pays to prepare your HVAC for summer before the mercury rises. Early maintenance means fewer surprises and more peace of mind when the swelter kicks in.

How Heatwaves Affect HVAC Performance

When temperatures are high for days or weeks, your air conditioning unit doesn’t get time to reset. Beyond the fact that the constant runtime is incredibly expensive, it can also accelerate wear and tear and make weak parts more likely to fail..

Here are some of the downsides of constantly running your system:

• Increased energy usage – The longer your unit runs, the harder it is to maintain a stable indoor temperature, especially during peak daylight hours.

• Strain on older systems – If your AC is over 10 years old or hasn’t had regular service, heatwaves can expose hidden issues quickly.

• Higher risk of breakdowns – Heat and pressure don’t mix well with aging equipment. We in the business always equate it to a recipe for failure, especially if the filters are dirty or the refrigerant is low.

That’s why homeowners who follow our heatwave HVAC tips before summer hits are usually the ones who don’t end up stuck sweating it out waiting for emergency repairs.

4 Essential Summer Prep Tips

Getting your cooling system summer-ready doesn’t require a major overhaul. You just need to follow a few key steps to make sure everything’s in top shape before it starts getting hot.

1. Book a Professional Tune-Up in Advance

A quick call today can save you hundreds down the line. Scheduling an AC repair in Vancouver, WA, before the first 80-degree day gives your system the fighting chance it needs.

During a tune-up, a technician will:

• Check refrigerant levels

• Clean condenser and evaporator coils

• Tighten electrical connections

• Inspect capacitors and motors

• Calibrate the thermostat

• Check for duct leaks

An inspection is basically a full system check to make sure your unit can handle the demand. 

2. Replace or Clean Air Filters

This one's basic but important. Clogged air filters reduce airflow, forcing your system to work harder than necessary. This means higher energy use and potential overheating. In extreme cases, your unit could shut off as a self-protection measure.

Replace your filters every 1–3 months, or more often if you have pets or allergies. It’s one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your system and help it function better. 

3. Check Your Coils and Refrigerant

Dirty coils reduce efficiency and trap heat, making it harder to lower indoor temps. The same can be said for low refrigerant levels. If your system doesn’t have enough coolant, it simply can’t do its job.

During a tune-up, the tech will clean the indoor and outdoor coils and inspect refrigerant levels. If they’re low, it could indicate a leak that needs repairing.

4. Test Your Thermostat

If your thermostat is giving you incorrect readings, short-cycling, or not responding to setting changes, then your system isn’t cooling like it should.

First, make sure it’s set to “cool.” If that doesn’t work, replace the batteries and test that it’s accurately reflecting the room temperature. Smart thermostats use features like scheduling, geofencing, and remote access to manage energy, which is why we recommend upgrading if you can.

Consider Upgrades or System Replacements

If your HVAC system is pushing 15 years, or if you’ve been band-aiding issues year after year, it might be time for something more reliable.

Here’s when to start thinking about HVAC system repair or replacement:

• Your energy bills are significantly higher

• Rooms aren’t cooling evenly

• Your unit runs constantly, but still can’t keep up

• You’re calling for service more than once a year

One upgrade we highly recommend calling about is heat pump installation in Vancouver, WA. Heat pumps are efficient systems that heat and cool the home by transferring heat from one location to another. They’re especially popular in the Pacific Northwest, where winters are mild and summers are increasingly hot.

Modern units also come with better SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings, meaning they cool your home using less electricity. Hear that? That’s money back in your pocket!

Join a Maintenance Plan for Peace of Mind

Think of a maintenance plan like HVAC insurance. When you have an automated plan, you never have to worry about forgetting annual tune-ups, and you’ll usually get perks like:

• Priority service

• Discounts on repairs

• No overtime charges

• Automatic reminders when it’s time for service

At Miller’s Heating & Air, our Comfort Club is designed to make maintenance stress-free. When all your neighbors are scrambling for appointments, you can sit back and soak in the cool air you planned for months before. 

Final Tip: Don’t Wait for the Forecast

Once the weather turns, appointments fill up fast. Even if your system seems fine today, you never know what tomorrow holds. 

Schedule Your AC Tune-Up Before the Heatwave Hits

 If you’ve been Googling “HVAC service near me,” you’ve found the right place. 

Here at Miller’s Heating & Air, we offer everything from quick check-ups to professional installations. We’ve helped hundreds of Vancouver homeowners prepare their HVAC for summer with fast, honest, and high-quality service.

Call today or schedule your tune-up online.