woman using a fan to her body because her AC in New Jersey home broke down

5 Steps to Prepare Your NJ AC for Summer Heat

Summer is just around the corner here in New Jersey, and you know what that means hot, humid days that leave you sweating and desperate for relief. As your trusted local HVAC company, we at Stashluk Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Generators want to ensure your air conditioner is in tip-top shape and ready to keep you cool all summer. After many years serving NJ homeowners, we’ve learned the secrets to avoiding dreaded AC breakdowns during the dog days of summer. Follow these five crucial steps and count on us as your reliable AC repair near me to ensure your AC is ready when that first heat wave hits.  

Contact E.J. Stashluk & Sons Inc. at 908.277.6200 immediately to schedule expert air conditioner repairs and ongoing maintenance services that keep your family cool and safe all season.

 

Step 1: Schedule Your Annual AC Maintenance 

The #1 way to prevent AC problems and the need for major AC repairs is getting annual maintenance from a qualified HVAC technician. Don’t wait until your AC is broken and you’re frantically searching for “air conditioner not working” on a 95°F day. We recommend scheduling AC maintenance in the spring before you regularly use your air conditioner. 

During a maintenance visit, our expert techs will:

  • Thoroughly inspect your entire AC system 

  • Clean the coils, fins, and other components

  • Check the refrigerant level and test for leaks

  • Lubricate all moving parts 

  • Tighten electrical connections

  • Inspect the condensate drain for clogs

  • Check thermostat settings and controls

  • Change the air filter if needed

“I used to skip annual maintenance, but after needing expensive repairs two summers in a row, I finally wised up,” said a customer from Madison, NJ. “Now I get AC maintenance every spring from Stashluk. It’s such a relief knowing my AC will be reliable on those brutal summer days. I won’t make that mistake again!”

Booking your AC maintenance can save you from a major hassle and a hefty repair bill later. Trust us, you’ll be so glad you did when your home is a calm, comfortable oasis in the middle of a Jersey heatwave.

Step 2: Check and Change Your Air Filter

One super simple AC maintenance task you can handle is regularly checking and changing the air filter. A clogged, dirty filter restricts airflow, which makes your AC work harder, use more energy, and wear out faster. It can even lead to costly compressor failure.

We recommend checking your filter monthly and changing it whenever it looks dirty or at least every three months. Make sure you have the right size and type of filter. What do you need? Give us a call. We’re always happy to help.

“I thought the weak airflow from my AC vents meant I needed a major AC replacement in New Jersey. It turns out the filter was just really clogged! The Stashluk tech showed me how to change it myself. Such an easy fix!” said our customers from Marlboro.

Set a reminder on your phone to check the filter every month. Your AC (and your wallet) will thank you! And if you need an air conditioner fixer, we’re the AC technicians you can count on.

Step 3: Test Your AC Early in the Season

Don’t wait for that first sweltering day to crank up the AC; just cross your fingers that it works. Before you need it, turn on your air conditioner early in the season to see if it’s running correctly. 

Check for any unusual noises, odors, or poor performance. Make sure it’s blowing cold air and cooling your home evenly. Test it out for a few hours during the day and at night.

Call us to schedule an AC repair visit immediately if you notice any issues. Catching problems early can prevent more significant, more expensive breakdowns later. 

Signs Your AC Needs Repair:

  • Blowing warm air

  • Making strange noises 

  • Giving off odd smells

  • Weak airflow from vents

  • Frequent cycling on and off

  • Leaking or excessive condensation

  • Higher than-average energy bills

We’ve seen it all as a top-rated air conditioner repairman in New Jersey. Every AC issue is manageable and handled by our skilled techs. We’ve covered you, from AC compressor failure to refrigerant leaks and everything in between.

Step 4: Clean Around Your Outdoor Unit

Your AC condenser unit sits outside, where it’s exposed to the elements all year long. Before summer arrives, take some time to clean up the area around your outdoor unit. 

Clear debris like leaves, grass clippings, or twigs collected on or around the unit. Trim back any plants, shrubs, or trees so there is at least 2-3 feet of clearance on all sides. This allows for proper airflow.

Also, make sure the unit is sitting at a level. An unlevel unit can cause issues like improper drainage or extra strain on the compressor. Place a level on top of the unit to check. If needed, use rot-resistant shims to level it out.

A little outdoor maintenance can go a long way in boosting your AC efficiency. Of course, if you need any help, we’re always available for AC repair near me and for all your air-conditioning repair needs in NJ. 

Step 5: Consider Upgrading Your Thermostat

If you still have an old manual thermostat, now may be the perfect time to upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat. Newer thermostats give you much more control to maximize comfort and energy efficiency.

With a programmable thermostat, you can set a schedule to automatically adjust the temperature when you’re away or asleep. No more wasting energy cooling an empty house! Some smart thermostats can even learn your preferences and create a custom schedule.

Many smart thermostats also offer remote access through an app so that you can monitor and control your AC from anywhere. Specific models can even analyze your energy usage and provide personalized tips for savings.

“Upgrading to a smart thermostat was a game-changer for me. I love being able to adjust my AC from my phone, whether I’m at work or on vacation. It’s so convenient, and it’s cut my energy bills too,” raved Bill M. from Morristown.

As your trusted HVAC New Jersey experts, we can help you select and install the ideal thermostat for your needs and budget. Say goodbye to that dated dial thermostat and hello to the ultimate AC control!

FAQs About Prepping Your NJ AC for Summer

  1. How Often Does My AC Need Maintenance?

We recommend annual AC maintenance, preferably in the spring before heavy usage begins. Regular maintenance keeps your system clean and catches minor issues before they become significant problems.

  1. What If My Air Conditioner Is Not Working On The First Hot Day? 

Don’t panic! First, check for common culprits like a tripped breaker or clogged filter. If you can’t find an apparent cause, call us for fast AC repairs. We know how miserable it is when your AC quits in a heatwave. We’ll send a technician out ASAP to get your AC up and running again.

  1. How Can I Improve My Ac Efficiency And Lower My Energy Bills?

Some quick tips: upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat, change your air filter regularly, keep the area around your outdoor unit clean, and use fans to help circulate cool air. Having annual AC maintenance can also keep your system running efficiently. Consider an AC replacement in New Jersey for the latest energy-efficient technology if you have an older unit.

  1. How Do I Know If I Need An AC Repair Or An AC Replacement in New Jersey?

If your AC is under ten years old, a repair is usually the most cost-effective solution unless you’ve had repeated breakdowns. But if your AC is older than 10 years, needs frequent repairs, makes excessive noise, or isn’t keeping you comfortable, it may be time for an upgrade. Our AC fixer experts can assess your system and help you weigh the pros and cons of repairing vs. replacing.

  1. Why Should I Choose Stashluk For My Air-Conditioning Repair NJ?

With decades of experience and a team of certified technicians, we are the AC fixer New Jersey trusts for reliable, honest service. We’re committed to your complete satisfaction and back all our work with a guarantee. Whether you need a quick diagnostic visit, emergency repairs, or a complete AC replacement in New Jersey, we’ll treat you and your home with the utmost respect. See why your New Jersey neighbors count on us for all their HVAC needs!

Don’t let the scorching summer heat make your home feel like an oven. Following these five essential steps, you can ensure your AC is prepped and ready to keep you calm, cool, and collected all season long. And you need expert help along the way.

Work With an HVAC Technician Today

We’re ready to be your trusted partner for all your home cooling needs. Whether your AC is broken, your air conditioner is not working, or you need routine maintenance, we’ve got your back. Let us give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your AC will be there for you when you need it most. Bring on the summer heat with Stashluk on your side; you’ll be ready to take on even the hottest days in a relaxed, comfortable style. Contact us today to schedule your AC maintenance or repair visit and experience the Stashluk difference for yourself!

If you encounter any issues or need expert advice, don’t hesitate to contact 

Stashluk Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Generators, your local New Jersey 

AC repair team immediately at 908.277.6200. We’ll dispatch our licensed HVAC experts to diagnose issues when you contact us. With their knowledge and experience, they can help you navigate any AC challenges and ensure your home stays relaxed and comfortable all summer long.