When Spokane summers heat up, your air conditioner gets put through its paces. While we don’t deal with the triple-digit scorchers that other parts of the country see all season long, we do get sudden heat waves — and those sharp changes in weather can take a real toll on your AC.
At Hurliman Heating & Air Conditioning, we’ve been keeping Spokane families comfortable since 1957. And after all these years, one thing we’ve learned is this: most AC problems we see in July and August don’t just come out of nowhere. They build up slowly, over time, thanks to stress and wear from the weather.
If you want to keep your system running strong all summer, it helps to understand how our local climate affects your equipment — and what you can do to protect it.
1. Rapid Temperature Swings Can Stress Your System
Spokane has a habit of going from cool to hot almost overnight. One week it’s mild and breezy; the next, we’re pushing into the 90s with full sun.
That sudden heat means your AC can go from sitting idle to running full-blast, day and night. It’s like asking a runner to sprint a mile without warming up. Compressors, blower motors, and electrical components don’t always handle that change gracefully — and that’s when things break down.
That’s why the first heat wave of the season is often the busiest time of year for AC repair calls.
2. Dust, Pollen, and Smoke Add to the Strain
Eastern Washington summers bring more than just sunshine. Dust, pollen, and even wildfire smoke can all clog your system’s filters and reduce airflow. When airflow drops, your AC has to work harder to cool your home — which drives up energy use and increases the risk of breakdowns.
Dirty filters are one of the most common causes of AC problems, and they’re also one of the easiest to fix. If your system hasn’t had a fresh filter recently, it’s a good idea to take care of that before the heat sets in.
3. Long Run Times Wear Out Parts Faster
When the weather stays hot for several days in a row, your AC runs almost constantly — especially if your home isn’t well insulated or your system is undersized. Long run times speed up wear on key parts like capacitors, contactors, fan motors, and thermostats.
Most of these are small, affordable components — but when they fail, your whole system can go down. Regular tune-ups can catch these problems before they turn into emergencies.
4. Spokane’s Cool Nights Can Hide a Failing AC
Spokane is lucky in that even our hottest summer days often come with cooler nights. But that can be a double-edged sword.
If your system starts struggling during the day, the cool evening air might help mask the problem — for a while. That false sense of security means many homeowners wait longer than they should to call for service. By the time the next heat wave rolls through, the problem has usually gotten worse.
Proactive Maintenance Is Your Best Defense
The good news? Most of the wear and tear caused by Spokane’s summer weather can be managed with simple, proactive care. A seasonal tune-up helps ensure:
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Clean filters and coils
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Proper refrigerant levels
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Strong airflow
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No loose or failing components
At Hurliman Heating, we don’t believe in hard sells — just honest advice, quality work, and fair prices. If you want peace of mind heading into another Spokane summer, now’s a smart time to get your system checked over.
Need AC Maintenance in Spokane? We’re Here to Help.
We’ve been keeping Spokane cool since 1957, and we’re proud to carry on that tradition. Whether your system just needs a tune-up or something more, we’ll give you a straight answer and get the job done right. Call today to schedule your AC Tune up.
