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Summer AC Survival Guide | Duramax Heating & Cooling OR
Beat the Heat: 8 AC Maintenance Tips for Portland Summers
Portland summers are getting hotter—and longer. A neglected air-conditioning system will run harder, cost more, and may fail when you need it most. Use the eight tips below to keep your home cool, efficient, and worry-free all season.
1. Swap or Wash Filters Every 30 Days
Wildfire smoke and pollen clog filters fast, choking airflow. A fresh MERV-8 or MERV-11 filter can cut energy use by up to 15 %. [ENERGY STAR]
Pro Tip: Mark replacement dates on the filter frame or set a calendar reminder in your phone.
2. Rinse Outdoor Condenser Coils
Turn the power off at the disconnect, then gently spray coils from inside-out to remove cottonwood fluff, dust, and grass clippings. Clean coils shed heat faster, lowering head pressure and extending compressor life.
3. Keep a 2-Foot Clearance Around the Unit
Trim shrubs and relocate patio storage boxes. Obstructions trap radiant heat and force the condenser fan to work overtime.
4. Seal & Insulate Ductwork in Attics & Crawlspaces
Leaky ducts can dump 30 % of cooled air before it reaches your rooms. Consider Aeroseal® duct sealing or mastic + R-8 insulation to reclaim lost BTUs. [DOE]
5. Program a Smart Thermostat Summer Schedule
Set daytime temps to 74 – 76 °F while home and 80 °F when away. Duramax installs Nest, Ecobee, and Lennox iComfort® models that adjust automatically and qualify for Energy Trust rebates.
6. Check Refrigerant Lines for Sun-Baked Insulation
Cracked insulation lets refrigerant lines super-heat, stealing capacity. Replace with closed-cell foam sleeves (⅜- or ¾-inch wall) and secure with UV-resistant tape.
7. Shade South-Facing Windows
Close blinds or install reflective film to block solar gain. Less heat load means the AC cycles less and humidity stays lower indoors.
8. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up Before the First Heat Wave
A Duramax NATE-certified technician will:
Verify refrigerant charge & superheat
Test capacitors, contactors & amp draw
Inspect blower wheel & indoor coil
Flush condensate drain & add algaecide tab
Provide a detailed health-report card
Bonus: Tune-ups keep manufacturer warranties valid and spot issues before they become weekend emergencies.
Warning Signs You Need an AC Pro—Now
SymptomLikely CauseActionAirflow suddenly weakClogged filter or blower issueReplace filter; call Duramax if no changeAC runs nonstopLow refrigerant, dirty coil, or undersized unitPro diagnostics requiredIce on refrigerant linesLow charge or airflow restrictionShut unit off; schedule serviceUtility bill spikesShort cycling or leaking ductsBook an energy-efficiency audit
Need Fast AC Help?
Hot house, no airflow, or weird noise? Our 24/7 dispatch has you covered.
Call/Text: (503) 969-3432
Request Service: duramaxhvac.com/contact
Duramax keeps Portland homes cool, efficient, and comfortable—even in record-breaking heat waves.
