At Mountaineer Heating & Cooling, we specialize in keeping your home cool, clean, and efficient across Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and West Jefferson, NC. And let’s be honest—summer in the mountains doesn’t always mean a gentle breeze. When temperatures climb, your air conditioner needs to be ready to respond fast and run efficiently. So how can you get ahead of the heat? These seven summer prep tips will help you maximize comfort, avoid breakdowns, and cut down on those energy bills.

At Mountaineer Heating & Cooling, we believe in giving simple proposals, affordable pricing, and 24/7 service on a range of services. We’ve serviced northwestern North Carolina and eastern Tennessee for over 40 years. See a list of services and contact us today: 828.373.3260.

1. Schedule a Professional HVAC Checkup

This one’s first for a reason. A spring or early summer inspection is the simplest way to avoid big problems when the temperatures spike. During a seasonal tune-up, our technicians check refrigerant levels, test electrical components, calibrate your thermostat, and ensure the entire system is operating safely.

Why it matters: Catching issues early keeps your system from running inefficiently or failing in the middle of a heat wave.

2. Clean or Replace Your Air Filters

Dirty filters are the number one cause of airflow restriction in HVAC systems. This makes your unit work harder, increasing wear and tear while decreasing performance. If you haven’t changed your filter in the past month or two, now’s the time.

Here’s what a clean filter does:

Improves indoor air quality
Helps reduce utility bills
Extends your system’s lifespan
Prevents dust buildup in ductwork

Your AC shouldn’t have to fight to cool your home. Clean filters help it do its job the way it was meant to.

3. Clear the Area Around Your Outdoor Unit

Pine needles, leaves, weeds, and grass can block airflow around your condenser. That can cause overheating and reduce your system’s cooling power. Take a few minutes to gently clean the area around the unit and ensure there’s at least two feet of clearance on all sides.

A few quick actions to take:

Avoid placing anything heavy on or near the unit

Trim back nearby bushes and shrubs

Sweep away dirt, sticks, or leaves

4. Check Your Thermostat Settings

You’d be surprised how often a system runs inefficiently because of incorrect or outdated settings. If you’re still using a manual thermostat, upgrading to a programmable or smart model can help you control temps when you’re away and save on energy.

Need help? Mountaineer Heating & Cooling installs and sets up smart thermostats—including Trane and Honeywell—so you can take the guesswork out of your cooling schedule.

5. Inspect Your Air Ducts

Your AC system can lose up to 30% of its efficiency through leaky or poorly sealed ductwork. If your home feels unevenly cooled, your ducts may be to blame. Look for signs like:

Hot spots in rooms far from the system
Visible gaps or disconnected joints
Whistling or whooshing sounds

Duct inspection and sealing services can improve airflow and system performance while reducing energy waste.

6. Test the Drain Line & Condensate Pan

A clogged condensate drain line can lead to water damage or even system shutdown. To check it, find the drain line (usually near the indoor unit), and ensure it’s draining properly. If water is pooling or you notice mildew, it may be partially blocked.

We’ll flush the line and inspect the pan as part of our seasonal AC checkups, so you don’t have to worry about hidden leaks.

7. Don’t Ignore Strange Noises or Smells

Grinding, banging, or buzzing? A burning smell? These are early warning signs that something’s wrong. Even if your system seems to be working fine, those little signs can quickly turn into big repair bills if ignored.

At Mountaineer Heating & Cooling, we service 99% of AC brands—whether we installed it or not. So if your system is talking, we’ll listen.

Why Locals Choose Mountaineer Heating & Cooling

In the mountains of North Carolina, weather can change fast. You need a team that’s just as reliable as your system. For over 40 years, Mountaineer Heating & Cooling has served families and businesses with honest service, straightforward pricing, and top-quality installations. We treat your home like it’s our own.

We’re not just nearby—we’re part of your community. And we take pride in offering fast, thorough service you can count on, every season.

We proudly offer:

Emergency service
Expert maintenance and repair on all major brands
Energy-saving maintenance plans
Geothermal, ductless, and traditional systems
Indoor air quality upgrades for year-round comfort

Ready to Prep Your AC for Summer?

Call us today or book your summer check online. Let Mountaineer Heating & Cooling make sure your system is tuned up, cleaned out, and ready for the warmer days ahead. You’ll feel the difference—and you’ll be glad you didn’t wait.

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