Late summer is the perfect time to schedule AC maintenance or repairs — before minor issues turn into expensive surprises next spring.
As summer winds down in St. Louis, your air conditioner has worked hard to keep your home cool and comfortable through sweltering heat and sticky humidity. But just because cooler weather is on the way doesn’t mean you should forget about your AC until next year.
A quick end-of-season tune-up now can mean fewer repairs, lower energy bills, and a cooler, more comfortable home when St. Louis heat returns.
Here are five clear signs your air conditioner needs attention now, so it’s ready to run efficiently next summer.
- Your AC Struggled to Keep Up This Summer – If your AC ran almost nonstop on hot days and still couldn’t cool your home, that’s a red flag. It may be due to a low refrigerant level, worn components, or a system that’s undersized for your home. Getting it checked now means you won’t start next summer already behind on comfort.
- Higher Energy Bills Than Last Year – When cooling costs creep up without any significant lifestyle changes, your AC may be losing efficiency. Dirt buildup, clogged filters, or failing parts force your system to work harder — and drive up your electric bill. A tune-up can restore efficiency and help you save.
- Strange Noises or Smells – A healthy AC should run quietly and emit no odor. Grinding, banging, or squealing sounds could mean loose or failing parts. Musty odors may signal the presence of mold or mildew in the system, especially in our humid Missouri climate. Addressing these now prevents damage and protects your indoor air quality.
- Uneven Cooling Throughout Your Home – Do some rooms feel like a refrigerator while others never get cool? Uneven cooling can be caused by duct leaks, poor insulation, or an improperly balanced system. Our technicians can pinpoint the cause and restore comfort to every room.
- Frequent or Costly Repairs – If you’ve had to call for AC repairs more than once this summer, it might be a sign your system is nearing the end of its lifespan. We can help you weigh the costs of ongoing repairs against the benefits of a newer, more efficient model — before you’re stuck without cooling during the next St. Louis heatwave.
Why Schedule Service Now?
Waiting until next spring to address AC problems can result in longer wait times, higher repair costs, and increased stress when you need your system the most. By tackling issues in late summer or early fall, you can:
- Lock in seasonal maintenance specials
- Avoid the spring rush for AC repairs
- Ensure your system is clean, efficient, and ready to go when the first hot day hits
Schedule Your End-of-Summer AC Checkup Today
At Thomas Hoffmann Air Conditioning & Heating, we’re proud to be locally owned and operated — not a corporate chain with a national call center. That means you get personalized service, honest recommendations, and experienced local technicians who know St. Louis weather inside and out.