Your air conditioner has been working hard all summer, and when it thinks it’s getting a break, September throws it a curveball…
Welcome to September in Iowa, where Mother Nature seems undecided, and your cooling system gets caught in the middle. Here’s why September might be your air conditioner’s hardest month, and what you can do about it!
Why September is Sneaky Hard on Your AC
As you know, those temperature swings from 50°F mornings to 80°F+ afternoons force your system to work in ways it’s not designed for.
Think about it: your AC was built to maintain a steady temperature, not to go from “off” to “full blast” multiple times in one day. It’s like asking someone to sprint, then walk, then sprint again all day long.
By September, your system has already put in months of heavy lifting. Components are showing wear, filters are clogged with summer’s worth of dust, and everything’s just a little more tired than it was in June.
The “Almost There” Problem
Here’s where many homeowners make a mistake. You think, “We’re almost to October, we can tough it out.” However, September breakdowns are some of the most frustrating because you were so close to no longer needing AC.
Plus, HVAC companies get swamped in September. Everyone who has been ignoring their AC problems all summer suddenly needs help when the system fails during an unexpected heat wave.
Don’t be that person sweating it out while waiting for a repair tech who’s booked solid for the next week.
Warning Signs Your AC is Struggling
Keep an eye out for these red flags that mean your system is having trouble with September’s demands:
Your AC takes forever to cool the house down in the afternoon. It runs constantly but never quite gets to the temperature you set. Some rooms stay warmer than others even when the system is running. You hear weird noises that weren’t there in July: grinding, squealing, or banging sounds.
Higher electric bills, even though you’re not using the AC as much. Warm air coming from the vents, or air that doesn’t feel as cold as it used to.
Any of these issues indicates that your system requires attention from a professional AC repair team before it fails completely.
The Smart September Strategy
Instead of crossing your fingers and hoping your AC makes it through, be proactive. September is actually perfect timing for maintenance. Your system isn’t running constantly, but you might still need it for a few more weeks.
A September tune-up catches problems before they turn into expensive emergencies. Your tech will check refrigerant levels, clean coils that have been collecting dust all summer, and make sure electrical connections are tight.
Fresh filters are crucial, too. After months of pulling pollen, dust, and who knows what else out of your air, your filter is probably working overtime. A clogged filter causes your entire system to work harder and can potentially damage components.
Our AC maintenance service prepares your system for whatever September brings – and ensures it starts fresh next summer.
Don’t Get Caught Off Guard
The worst AC failures happen in September and early October. Families think they’ve made it through summer, then get hit with an 85°F day and no working air conditioning.
But you never know when summer might decide to stick around for one last hurrah. Make sure your AC is ready for whatever September has in store.
Ready to help your AC handle September’s surprises? Don’t wait for a breakdown to call for help. Contact TMI at 563.900.8788 or schedule an appointment on our website to keep your system running smoothly through Iowa’s unpredictable fall weather.