As May temperatures begin to rise in Whatcom County, homeowners are starting to think ahead to summer comfort. While air conditioning may not run year-round in the Pacific Northwest, the first warm spell is often when HVAC issues surface. Scheduling maintenance in late spring can help prevent breakdowns, improve efficiency and extend the life of your system.
Local HVAC professionals at Feller say May is an ideal time for a system check because it allows technicians to identify small problems before demand spikes during summer heat.
“Having one of our certified and incredibly knowledgeable technicians come out and spend about an hour cleaning and checking your AC unit or heat pump system to get it prepped for summer is a fantastic way to make sure we are eliminating as many issues as possible. Depending on the issue, we can catch it early to help with any future issues that could cause further damage. When our techs do all of the proper checks and balances of a refrigeration system, it will help increase the efficiency, longevity, and reliability of your system,” Phillip Dye said.
Homeowners can start with a basic maintenance checklist. One of the simplest — and most important — tasks is replacing or cleaning HVAC filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow, reduce indoor air quality and force systems to work harder, increasing energy costs. During allergy season, clean filters are especially critical.
Next, homeowners should inspect vents and registers to ensure they are not blocked by furniture, rugs or dust buildup. Obstructed airflow can lead to uneven cooling and unnecessary strain on equipment.
Outdoor units also need attention. Leaves, grass clippings and debris that collect around condensers can reduce efficiency. Experts recommend clearing at least two feet of space around outdoor units and gently rinsing off visible dirt with a hose — never a pressure washer.
Thermostat settings should also be reviewed. May is a good time to test cooling modes and ensure thermostats are calibrated properly. Programmable or smart thermostats can help reduce energy use by adjusting temperatures when homes are unoccupied.
Professional maintenance goes further than DIY checks. During a spring service visit, technicians inspect electrical connections, test refrigerant levels, lubricate moving parts and examine components for wear. These steps help prevent sudden failures during hot weather and can improve system performance.
For homes using heat pumps — common in the Northwest — spring maintenance is particularly important, as the same system handles both heating and cooling. Ensuring the system transitions smoothly between modes can prevent comfort issues later.
The HVAC experts at Feller recommend annual maintenance even if systems appear to be working well. Small inefficiencies often go unnoticed until energy bills climb or systems stop working altogether.
With summer approaching, May offers a window to prepare without urgency. Homeowners who act early can avoid long wait times, unexpected repairs and uncomfortable days when temperatures rise.
