Summer in the Pacific Northwest brings more than just sunshine, it also brings higher temps, wildfire smoke, and a heavier demand on your HVAC system. That’s why now is the ideal time to schedule a professional summer HVAC inspection. Whether you rely on a heat pump, ductless mini-split, or traditional AC system, your cooling unit works hard to keep your home comfortable through rising temperatures and smoky air.
Too often, homeowners wait until their AC system shows obvious signs of failure, like not blowing cold air or breaking down on the hottest day of the year. But by then, you’re already facing emergency repair costs, longer technician wait times, and unnecessary stress. A seasonal inspection not only helps you avoid system failures, but also improves energy efficiency, extends your unit’s lifespan, and keeps your indoor air cleaner during peak allergy and smoke season.
At Harts Plumbers, Electricians & HVAC Technicians, we encourage proactive maintenance to help PNW homeowners stay ahead of problems. In this guide, we’ll cover the benefits of summer HVAC inspections, signs your system might be underperforming, and what to do if it completely fails, plus a few local tips to get your cooling system ready for summertime heat.
Signs Your HVAC Is Underperforming
You assume that your air conditioning is doing its job, until suddenly it isn’t. Subtle signs of an underperforming HVAC system often go unnoticed until they lead to bigger problems like system failure, poor air quality, or a sky-high energy bill. If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s essential to schedule your summer HVAC inspection.
Don’t Sweat It Later: Early Signs Your HVAC Needs Help
Inconsistent Cooling
- If some rooms in your home are too warm while others are a little chilly, uneven cooling can signal airflow issues, blocked ducts, or a system that’s struggling to keep up.
Weak Airflow
- Little to no air coming from your vents could mean a clogged air filter, failing blower motor, or leaky ductwork, each issue is reducing your system’s performance.
Warm Air from Vents
- If your AC is running but the air feels lukewarm, low refrigerant or a failing compressor may be the culprit.
Unusual Noises or Odors
- Buzzing, rattling, squealing, or burning smells are red flags. They may point to loose parts, electrical issues, or overheating components.
High Energy Bill
- A sudden spike in your electricity usage (without any change in your daily habits at home) often means your HVAC is working harder than it should.
Short Cycling
- If your system turns on and off frequently, it’s likely inefficient and under stress. This behavior wears down the unit and significantly shortens its lifespan.
Ignoring these signs could lead to costly repairs or a full system replacement down the road. Catching them early through a seasonal inspection can help restore comfort, improve efficiency, and give you peace of mind all summer long.
What to Expect During Your Inspection
A professional summer HVAC inspection is more than just a quick glance at your air conditioning system, it’s a comprehensive maintenance tune-up designed to ensure your system is ready for the heat of the season. At Harts, our HVAC technicians perform a thorough evaluation of your entire cooling system to fix the small problems before they become big costly breakdowns that all homeowners fear.
What Happens During a Summer HVAC Inspection
Critical Components
- A Harts HVAC technician will begin by checking your thermostat settings to ensure accurate readings and proper calibration. From there, they’ll inspect and replace your air filter if needed, which helps improve airflow and indoor air quality. Critical components like the condenser coils, evaporator coils, and refrigerant levels are also inspected to maintain efficient cooling performance.
Electrical Elements
- The capacitors, contactors, and wiring connections are tested to ensure safety and proper function. The condensate drain line is checked and cleared to prevent water damage, and the fan motor and blower assembly are evaluated for signs of wear and imbalance.
Ductwork
- A thorough inspection of your ductwork is performed, looking for leaks, cracks, or obstructions that could impact airflow and system efficiency.
Detailed Report
- After the inspection is completed, you’ll receive a detailed report (with pictures) and any recommended maintenance or repairs.
Scheduling a professional HVAC inspection ensures your system is ready for the summer weather, minimizing the risk of unexpected breakdowns, optimizing energy usage, and keeping your home cool and comfortable.
Learn more about our full range of HVAC services in Tacoma, Seattle, Renton, and Olympia service areas.
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Why HVAC Systems Struggle in PNW Summers
While the Pacific Northwest is known for its temperate climate, heat waves in the Puget Sound region are becoming more common and more intense. Homes built for cooler, rainy conditions often lack the insulation or system upgrades found in hotter climates. Combine that with rising summer temps and increasing wildfire smoke, and HVAC systems across Tacoma, Seattle, and Olympia face unique seasonal challenges:
Unique HVAC Challenges in the Puget Sound Area
HVAC Strain During Sudden Heatwaves
- PNW summers can swing from mild to scorching almost overnight. This fluctuation forces systems that have been idle all spring to ramp up quickly, often without the pre-season maintenance they need to run efficiently.
Homes Not Built for A/C
- Many older homes in Puget Sound weren’t built with central air conditioning. As a result, ductwork may be outdated or improperly sized, leading to uneven cooling and reduced efficiency.
Salt in the Air, Dust in the Vents
- In coastal cities like Tacoma and Gig Harbor, salty air can cause early corrosion on outdoor A/C units. Inland areas like Puyallup or Renton often deal with dry summer dust clogging filters and coils faster than expected.
Air Quality Challenges from Wildfire Smoke
- During wildfire season, smoke from Eastern Washington often drifts into the Puget Sound area. If your HVAC system isn’t clean, clogged filters and dirty coils can worsen indoor air quality. Your HVAC system acts as your first line of defense, so maintenance is key to keeping your home’s air clean and breathable.
What to Do If Your AC Stops Working
If your air conditioner quits during the middle of a heatwave, before out technician arrives, don’t panic, start with these basic troubleshooting steps to rule out common issues first.
Quick Fixes Before Calling Harts
Check the Thermostat
- Make sure it’s set to “cool” and that the temperature is set lower than the current room temperature. Replace the batteries if the screen is blank.
Inspect the Breaker
- Locate your electrical panel and check if the AC breaker has tripped. Flip it fully off, then back on.
Replace the Air Filter
- A clogged filter can cause airflow problems and system shutdowns. Check and replace it if it’s dirty.
Examine the Condenser
- Clear leaves, grass, dirt, debris, and obstructions from the top and sides of your outdoor unit. Blocked airflow can reduce efficiency, increase energy use, and lead to overheating or breakdowns. If the unit is iced over or making loud noises, shut it down and call for service.
Still Not Working? Call Harts!
- If your AC still isn’t running after these checks, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a Harts HVAC Technician for professional emergency AC repair. Attempting DIY fixes (especially on refrigerant lines or electrical components) can be dangerous and may void your unit’s manufacturer warranty. Most warranties require repairs to be completed by a licensed HVAC technician. Our HVAC Technicians will diagnose the issue safely and restore your home to a comfortable temperature.
Even if you’re able to get your system running again, it’s still important to schedule a professional HVAC inspection. Temporary fixes might restore cooling for now, but they could be masking deeper issues that lead to bigger problems down the road. Delaying expert service can worsen damage or even void your system’s warranty. When in doubt, call the trusted technicians at Harts.
The Benefits of Preventative Maintenance
Scheduling a summer HVAC inspection isn’t just about preventing a system malfunction, it’s a smart investment in your home’s comfort and long-term savings. A well-maintained system is more efficient, which means it uses less energy to keep your home cool. That efficiency can translate into lower utility bills, especially during the hottest weeks of the year.
A Small Price to Protect Your Investment
Extend the Life of Your System
- Catching small issues like worn belts, dirty coils, or low refrigerant before they escalate can prevent major repairs, or even a complete system failure requiring a full replacement. The cost of routine inspections is minor compared to replacing a compressor or an entire AC unit.
Critical for Washington homeowners
- Systems in the Pacific Northwest may go unused for long stretches, so regular checkups are key to ensuring performance when it matters most. Plus, some manufacturer warranties, as well as the Harts Forever Warranty™ require annual maintenance to stay valid. Skipping it could void your coverage.
When you schedule a summer inspection with Harts, our certified technicians make sure your system is safe, clean, and ready to handle anything the season brings. It’s a simple way to protect your investment, avoid costly breakdowns, and enjoy consistent comfort all summer long.
Why Schedule Early
As the summer heat kicks in across the Puget Sound, HVAC companies start booking up fast. Waiting until the first heatwave to schedule your inspection or repair could mean longer wait times, or limited appointment availability.
Beat the Seasonal Rush
Book in Late Spring or Early Summer
- Scheduling your HVAC inspection early gives you a major advantage when it comes to part availability and peace of mind. As summer heats up, suppliers often run low on common replacement parts due to increased demand. By booking your inspection ahead of the rush, you avoid delays if your system needs repairs, ensuring it’s running at peak performance before the hottest days of summer arrive. You’ll also have more flexibility in choosing a convenient appointment time that fits your schedule, instead of being limited to what’s left during the busy season. It’s a simple step that helps you stay cool, comfortable, and prepared all summer long.
Don’t wait for a heatwave to find out your HVAC system needs help
Scheduling a summer HVAC inspection now ensures your system is running efficiently, keeps your home comfortable, and helps prevent costly emergency repairs. At Harts, our licensed technicians are ready to give your system the expert care it needs, before the summer surge.
Want even more peace of mind?
- Our Harts Home Care Plan includes seasonal inspections, priority scheduling, exclusive discounts, and the long-term protection of our Forever Warranty on qualifying equipment. It’s the easiest way to stay ahead of unexpected issues and maximize the life of your home’s HVAC system.
Book your summer HVAC inspection today and ask about becoming a Harts Home Care Plan member, because comfort, savings, and reliability should be year-round.
Your Home Will Love Harts
At Harts, we do more than just keep your A/C running. As a full-service home solutions provider, we offer expert plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and sewer services to help Pacific Northwest homeowners stay safe and comfortable year-round. Whether it’s a seasonal HVAC tune-up, a water heater needing flushed, or a needing help understanding what sewer repair method is best for your home, our licensed professionals are ready to help before small problems turn into major headaches.
