Your AC Survived the Summer. Will It Survive Your Neglect This Fall?

As soon as the cooler weather hits, many homeowners fall victim to the "out of sight, out of mind" syndrome when it comes to their air conditioner.Some tend to overlook the state of their AC system because they’re no longer using it. If this sounds like you, understand that neglecting your AC system when it's not in use can result in some pretty pricey mechanical failures down the road when you try to turn it back on.And there's no time like autumn to do a check. “Fall is a great time to have your cooling equipment inspected and find out what shape it’s in,” advises Jon Graham, HVAC expert and CEO of Element Plumbing, Heating & Air in St. George, UT.AC issues that may appear after a long summerMonths of heavy cooling can really bog down your air-conditioning unit. For instance, your air filter may be extremely clogged, which can lead to airflow issues. When this happens, your system will have to work harder to reach the same temperature that it handled back in June. “I’ve taken filters out in September that looked like they were sheets of felt. Essentially, this means the system is being smothered,” Graham explains.In addition, your outdoor condensing unit is probably full of p...