HVAC Mistakes You May Be Making This Summer

The #1 Mistake Homeowners Make That Can Destroy Their AC This Summer

It’s Not the Heat—It’s the Neglect

Every summer, HVAC units across the country wave their little condenser arms in defeat because their owners forgot to show them love. The #1 mistake we see at Charlie’s Air Conditioning & Heating? Skipping regular AC maintenance.
Sure, it’s not glamorous. But neither is sweating through your shirt at 2 a.m. while Googling “emergency AC repair near me.”

Let’s break down why this one mistake can ruin your summer—and your system—and what you can do about it.

Why Skipping AC Maintenance is a Recipe for Disaster

Just like your car needs oil changes, your AC needs tune-ups. Without it, it’s not a matter of if things will break—it’s when.

Here’s what can go wrong if you skip maintenance:

• Reduced airflow:
  Dirty filters and clogged coils choke your system, forcing it to work harder to cool your home—and costing you more.

• Overheated components:
  Dust, debris, and grime act like a fur coat on your coils. Not ideal in 95° weather. Parts overheat, and before you know it, your system gives out.

• Refrigerant leaks go unnoticed:
  Without a tech checking your refrigerant levels, small leaks become big problems. You might not even realize it until your house feels like a sauna.

• Shortened system lifespan:
  An overworked AC unit is like a stressed-out intern—bound to quit early. Regular tune-ups can add years to your system’s life.

• Void your warranty:
  Yep, some manufacturers require proof of maintenance to keep the warranty valid. Forget a tune-up and you might be footing the bill for a new compressor.

What Does an AC Tune-Up Actually Include?

At Charlie’s, a maintenance check is more than just a glance at your filter. We get in there like HVAC detectives.

Typical AC tune-up tasks:

• Check refrigerant levels and inspect for leaks

• Clean condenser and evaporator coils

• Inspect and tighten electrical connections

• Measure airflow and temperature differential

• Calibrate thermostat

• Replace or clean air filter

• Lubricate moving parts to reduce wear

These aren’t “nice-to-haves”—they’re musts for keeping your system humming.

The Best Time to Get a Tune-Up? Right Before Things Go Boom

Okay, we’re being dramatic… sort of. Truth is, prevention beats repair every time. A quick visit from Charlie’s Air Conditioning & Heating can:

• Lower your energy bills

• Catch problems before they spiral

• Keep your home consistently cool

• Extend your system’s lifespan

• Save your summer from an AC meltdown

Don’t Be That Neighbor

You know the one—windows wide open, fans working overtime, and still not a breeze in sight. Everyone’s trying to stay cool while the AC sits broken and forgotten.

Be proactive. Be prepared. Be chill.

Call Charlie’s Air Conditioning & Heating today (618) 985-2502 for your AC tune-up and give your system the attention it needs—before the heat takes over.