Sierra Vista’s hot, arid desert climate can be especially taxing in the summertime, so you’ll want to ensure that your HVAC system can handle the heat. Since temperatures in the area can exceed 100°F, scheduling an HVAC tune-up with One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® is key to maintaining your indoor comfort. Preparing your air conditioner for rigorous use will keep your home cool and help you save energy all season long.

Why Are Arizona Summers Hard on HVAC Systems?

HVAC systems that operate in hot, dry, and dusty high-elevation areas frequently experience excessive wear and tear that can lead to breakdowns. Air is less dense at high altitudes, so your HVAC unit has to work harder to cool it. Thinner air can also make it harder for an air-cooled condenser to release heat. In areas with lower air density, your air conditioner’s motor may work less efficiently, and its fan may move less air per hour, putting your system at greater risk of overheating. Likewise, operating your air conditioner in extreme temperatures can cause it to work too hard and overheat, leading to system failure. If you run your air conditioner continuously for extended periods of time, its parts, like its motors, belts, and electrical components, can wear out more quickly. When dust clogs your air filters, it can block airflow and reduce the system’s performance. Taking proactive care of your HVAC unit can extend its lifespan, so it's important to schedule an annual service call to maintain it. To prevent efficiency losses in desert climates, your technician needs to inspect, adjust, calibrate, and clean your AC to keep it running smoothly. If your unit is outdated or constantly experiencing problems, your technician may also recommend that you install a more energy-efficient HVAC system, like a specially designed ductless mini-split, that can handle lower air pressures. You can also increase your comfort and potentially save money by upgrading to a smart thermostat. These advanced devices can improve temperature control in areas where cooling needs vary from hour to hour. If you’re dealing with issues like static electricity or dry skin, installing an HVAC system with a built-in humidifier can improve your quality of life.

Tips for Maintaining Your AC in Arizona’s Desert Climate

Sierra Vista residents who take steps to keep their air conditioners running smoothly are more likely to get through the hot summer months without interruptions in service. Following the tips below can help keep your equipment in top shape.

Change Your Air Filters

If your air conditioner’s filters get clogged with dust, you may experience a reduction in airflow. You may also end up overworking your AC unit and reducing its efficiency. To optimize system performance, you should check your filters every month and replace them if they're filled with dirt or debris.

Make Sure the Outdoor Unit Is Clean

Outdoor HVAC units need to be cleaned to release heat effectively. To prevent your AC unit from overheating and keep it running efficiently, have your technician clear debris and dust from the outside of the unit. You can also ask them for tips on keeping dust out of the unit.

Get Your Coolant Levels Checked

At higher altitudes, there's less air available to cool an air conditioner’s condenser. Ensuring your AC unit has enough coolant will reduce stress on the system.

Inspect and Clean Your Ductwork

To optimize airflow, your ductwork must be free from dust and debris. Your technician can deep-clean your ductwork, ensure your vents are open, and seal your crawl space or attic to prevent cool air from escaping your house.

Insulate Your Ductwork

If your ducts are uninsulated, cool air can warm up as it travels through them, which makes it harder for your AC to maintain your desired temperature. Insulation creates a thermal barrier that can prevent heat from entering your ducts in the summer and help reduce wear on your system.

Check Your Thermostat

A qualified HVAC technician can ensure that your thermostat is measuring the temperature correctly and optimize your AC’s efficiency. Consider upgrading to a programmable thermostat that will adjust the temperature to save energy while you’re away from home.

Schedule a Complete Seasonal Tune-up

Hiring a licensed HVAC technician to inspect and maintain your air conditioner and ductwork can help you optimize your system’s efficiency and reduce the risk of mechanical issues as the summer continues.

What's an HVAC Tune-Up?

An HVAC tune-up is a complete maintenance session that involves inspecting, cleaning, and troubleshooting your air conditioner and ductwork; checking your thermostat; and assessing the unit’s performance. A technician will examine your AC unit's parts to find wear or damage and ensure that they operate correctly. They may clean its condenser and evaporator coils, its blower and fan assembly, and its condensate drain before moving on to your vents and ducts. They may also test the system’s electrical connections, wiring, switches, and safety controls; fix faulty components; and lubricate the unit's moving mechanical parts to minimize wear and tear. Scheduling a professional HVAC tune-up before the weather gets hot can improve your indoor air quality and prevent mechanical malfunctions. Skilled HVAC technicians can make small adjustments that can keep your AC unit from short cycling, reduce overall strain on the system, and lead to lower energy bills. They can also address small issues before they cause unexpected, catastrophic failures. A tune-up will also freshen your air by clearing away dust and pollutants from your blower assembly so that you can breathe more easily.

FAQs

What maintenance does my AC need before summer in Sierra Vista?

If you live in Sierra Vista, AZ, it’s important to have a technician clean your AC's condenser unit, check its refrigerant level, and inspect its electrical connections before the temperatures rise.

Can dry desert air cause AC wear and tear?

Dry desert air can be harder to cool, which can cause your system to work harder, put more stress on its components, and increase the risk of static shock to its electrical components.

How early should I schedule my tune-up?

Arizona residents should schedule their annual AC tune-ups in early spring to ensure that their units run reliably and efficiently during the hot summer months.

Stay Cool This Summer With a Professional HVAC Tune-Up

When it’s time to schedule your annual HVAC tune-up in Sierra Vista, you’ll need to find an experienced and trustworthy company before the peak heat hits to ensure your air conditioner is ready for summer. Fortunately, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® can provide the service you need to handle Arizona’s desert climate. We train our technicians to thoroughly clean, troubleshoot, and repair systems to optimize their efficiency. We can also recommend and install upgrades, including smart thermostats and advanced, energy-efficient HVAC systems, to make sure you stay comfortable year-round. To request an appointment with our experienced team, call our experts today!