How to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Summer in Mesa, AZ

When the Arizona heat rolls in, you want an air conditioner that works reliably and efficiently. Waking up to a hot home or realizing your AC is cooling inconsistently is a stressful experience.

Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to take control of the summer with some basic Tucson and Mesa air conditioning maintenance and preventative care.

The Tucson air conditioning and Mesa air conditioning experts at Western Home Services are here to keep your home cool and comfortable. Give us a call anytime for air conditioning maintenance in Tucson and Mesa, or AC repair and AC installation.

In the meantime, here’s our professional guide on how to prepare your air conditioner for the Arizona summer.

Quick Summer AC Maintenance Checklist

• Inspect and clean your outside AC unit
• Clean your indoor air handler and evaporator coils
• Replace your AC filters
• Vacuum and wipe your vents and duct covers
• Test your system with the thermostat
• Listen for strange AC noises
• Reprogram your thermostat for summer hours
• Schedule a professional AC tune-up in Mesa, AZ or Tucson, AZ

Now let’s dive into these items a little deeper!

1) Check Your Outside AC Unit

Your outside condenser unit takes the brunt of the Arizona sun, wind, and dust storms. First, shut off the circuit breaker for safety. Remove leaves, sticks, or debris from around the unit, and use a garden hose to gently rinse off built-up dirt and dust.

Mesa’s dry desert climate, especially during monsoon season, can clog coils and reduce your AC’s efficiency. A clean unit helps your system cool more efficiently during extreme heat.

2) Clean Your Inside Unit

Your indoor air handler or evaporator coil also needs some attention. Carefully remove the access panel and use a soft brush or vacuum with a bristle attachment to remove dust. Wipe coils with a mild detergent and water solution.

Dirty coils reduce airflow and can cause your system to overwork — especially in homes with older duct systems, which are common in many Mesa neighborhoods.

3) Change Your AC Filter

Your air filters should be replaced every 1–3 months, depending on usage, allergies, and indoor air quality. In dusty areas like Mesa, you may want to change them more often — even monthly — to keep your air clean and your system running efficiently.

Neglecting this step is one of the top causes of uneven cooling and higher utility bills.

4) Check Your Air Vents

Remove vent covers and wash them with warm, soapy water or wipe them down with a microfiber cloth. Use a vacuum with a small nozzle or soft brush to clean deeper into the ducts.

In homes near construction zones or desert open space, this helps reduce dust buildup and improves indoor air quality.

5) Run an AC Test

Lower your thermostat to a cooler temperature and give your AC a test run. If your home doesn’t start cooling within a few minutes, or if the system short cycles, call our team to inspect the unit.

Mesa summers are no time for a malfunctioning system — and early testing helps avoid last-minute emergencies.

6) Listen for Odd Noises

Buzzing, grinding, or popping sounds are often early signs of electrical issues, loose parts, or motor wear. It’s normal to hear a click or whoosh when the system kicks on, but anything persistent or loud should be checked out.

7) Check Your Thermostat

Check your thermostat’s settings and make sure it’s programmed for summer energy efficiency. Set your cooling schedule around peak usage hours and double-check that your AM/PM settings are accurate.

Replace batteries if needed, and consider upgrading to a smart thermostat to manage your home’s cooling more efficiently — especially helpful during Mesa’s high-demand periods.

8) Optimize Your AC for Energy Efficiency This Summer

In Mesa, where summer temperatures can regularly exceed 110°F, energy bills can skyrocket. Here are a few expert tips to reduce your costs:

• Set your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home for the best balance of comfort and efficiency
• Use ceiling fans to help circulate air and reduce AC strain
• Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and ductwork
• Schedule professional AC maintenance to keep your system tuned and efficient
• Use blackout curtains during the day to reduce solar heat gain

9) Schedule Your Air Conditioning Maintenance

Even with a solid DIY routine, professional care keeps your system running at peak performance. Western States Home Services offers full-service air conditioner maintenance in Mesa, AZ, from tune-ups and filter replacements to full system diagnostics.

A pre-summer tune-up can help you avoid costly breakdowns during the peak of the season.

Schedule Your Tucson or Mesa AC Maintenance Today!

Ready to schedule your Tucson or Mesa AC maintenance? Call Western States Home Services, your local air conditioning experts in Mesa, AZ, and Tucson, AZ. We’ll make sure your air conditioning is ready to cool down your home during those hot Arizona days. Schedule your next AC service appointment today!

Call us today to schedule your next AC maintenance service and enjoy peace of mind knowing your system is in expert hands!