When your grill is going, your guests are arriving, and the sun is turning up the heat, the last thing you want is a broken AC on the 24th of July. Utah’s dry summers can strain older cooling systems, especially with holiday crowds inside.
That’s why it pays to do a quick check now instead of scrambling when something goes wrong later. At Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing in American Fork, UT, we help Utah homeowners stay cool during high-demand weekends with practical HVAC tips.
Replace Your Air Filter Before Guests Arrive
When your home fills with people for a summer holiday, your AC has to work harder. Extra bodies generate more heat, and if your air filter is clogged, your system won’t push cool air through properly. That small blockage can make the whole house feel stuffy even when the thermostat is set low.
Before July celebrations, grab a fresh filter and replace it. This step only takes a minute, but it helps your system breathe easier. A clean filter also cuts down on pollen, dust, and pet dander. If you have family staying over or kids with allergies running in and out, that makes a noticeable difference.
Check the Thermostat for Accuracy
If your AC keeps cycling without reaching the temperature you set, or if the house never feels quite right, your thermostat may be off. Use a basic room thermometer and place it near the thermostat to compare readings.
If the numbers are off by more than two degrees, you may need to recalibrate or replace the unit. Now is also a good time to change the batteries if your thermostat uses them. Weak batteries can cause fluctuating readings or even cause your AC to shut off during a hot day.
Schedule a Tune-Up Maintenance Visit
Before July celebrations is when HVAC companies start filling their appointment books. If your system hasn’t had a tune-up yet this season, schedule one now. A technician can catch issues early, such as worn belts, dirty coils, or sensors that aren’t working right.
They will also test airflow, check refrigerant levels, and verify that voltage and safety switches are operating as they should. Getting ahead of these issues now helps prevent mid-party breakdowns later.
Inspect the Outdoor Unit for Obstructions
Your AC system relies on its outdoor unit to release heat pulled from inside. If anything blocks the airflow around it, the entire system struggles. Walk around the unit and clear away overgrown plants, lawn furniture, or any other clutter.
Look through the top grille. If you see debris, gently hose it out using low pressure to avoid damaging the coil fins. The cleaner this area stays, the better your AC will handle the extra load during the holiday.
Check Refrigerant Lines for Signs of Trouble
The copper lines that run from your outdoor unit into the home carry refrigerant. These lines should be covered in insulation to help the refrigerant stay cool. If the insulation looks worn, missing, or deteriorated, your system may lose efficiency.
Watch for grease spots, pooling moisture, or signs of frost on the lines. These may indicate a refrigerant leak or a system that’s overworking. If you notice ice buildup, call a technician. That’s a sign the refrigerant isn’t flowing properly and could lead to coil freezing.
Listen for Strange Sounds
Your AC should hum quietly in the background. If you start to hear rattling, clanking, buzzing, or hissing, it could mean something is wrong. Clicking might point to a bad relay or loose wire. Rattling could mean debris in the fan cage.
Buzzing or loud humming could suggest electrical issues, while hissing might point to a refrigerant leak. Catching these sounds early gives you time to fix problems before they interrupt your 24th of July plans.
Cool Your House Ahead of the Party
Cooling a hot house takes more effort than maintaining a comfortable temperature. If your party starts in the evening, don’t turn off your AC during the day. Running it consistently is more efficient than letting the home heat up and trying to cool it all at once.
Keep blinds or curtains closed on windows that get direct sun, and remember that cooking with ovens or stoves adds more heat to the home. Cooling early and steadily helps your system stay ahead of the curve.
Keep Interior Vents Clear and Open
Many people close off vents in unused rooms, but doing so can unbalance the airflow in your home. Your system was designed to push air throughout the entire duct network. Blocking vents or placing furniture in front of them adds resistance and can reduce overall cooling performance.
Walk through your home and make sure all vents are open and unobstructed, especially in areas where guests will gather. This simple step helps distribute cool air evenly and reduces system strain.
Keep Pets and Kids Away From Thermostat Battles
Thermostat settings can become a quiet point of tension during large gatherings. Some guests will feel too cold, while others feel too hot. If children or pets accidentally bump the thermostat, it might change your settings without you knowing.
To keep things simple, consider locking the thermostat or setting a fixed schedule for the day. With a smart thermostat, you can manage everything from your phone and avoid temperature swings that strain the system.
Stay Cool This 24th of July
Celebrations in July should be about fun, not fixing an AC emergency. A little prep can make a big difference when temperatures rise. At Gunthers Heating, Cooling, and Plumbing, we provide AC tune-ups, emergency HVAC repair, system installation, air quality upgrades, drain cleaning, water heater service, and solar attic fan installation.
Call today to get your home ready for the heat and enjoy a cooler, more comfortable Independence Day.
