Spokane doesn’t ease into summer. Temperatures that sat in the 60s for weeks can spike into the 90s within a few days, forcing air conditioners from months of inactivity into full-load operation with almost no warning. During the June 2021 heat dome, Spokane hit 109 degrees and stayed above 100 for four straight days. At least 19 Spokane County residents died during that event. An AC system that hadn’t been checked in a year was asked to perform at its absolute limit. Add Eastern Washington’s wildfire smoke seasons, which clog filters and coat coils far faster than cleaner-air climates, and a professional inspection becomes less of a routine checkbox and more of a practical necessity. We’ve been doing this in Greater Spokane since 1945, and what we see every summer confirms it: the systems that hold up are the ones that got looked at before the heat arrived.
Why Spokane’s Climate Demands More From Your AC
The abrupt shift from mild to scorching stresses compressors, blower motors, and electrical components in ways that moderate climates don’t replicate. Spokane has seen a two-degree annual temperature rise since 1950, with August highs up 3.6 degrees since 1979. Systems designed for a milder regional average are now running harder, longer, and earlier each year.
Wildfire smoke accelerates filter and coil fouling at a rate that shortens service intervals compared to regions without fire season. A coil that’s partially blocked by smoke particulate can’t shed heat efficiently, which drives up energy consumption and compressor strain at the same time. Beyond performance, many AC manufacturers require documented AC maintenance to keep equipment warranties valid. Skipping the inspection doesn’t just risk a breakdown. It can void the coverage you’re already paying for.
How to Prepare Before the Technician Arrives
A little preparation before we show up makes the inspection faster and more thorough. None of it is complicated.
- Clear access to both units. Make sure there’s a clear path to your indoor air handler and that the outdoor condenser unit has at least two feet of clearance from vegetation, debris, or anything stored nearby.
- Note anything that felt off. Unusual sounds, rooms that stayed warm last summer, a spike in your utility bills, or any odors coming from the vents are all worth mentioning. These observations help the technician know where to look first.
- Gather what you know about the system. The unit’s age and any prior service records give useful context. If you don’t have records, that’s fine. Even knowing roughly when the system was installed helps.
What the Technician Checks, Step by Step
A professional AC inspection covers both the indoor and outdoor sides of the system in a logical sequence, moving from visual assessment to mechanical checks to performance testing.
Visual & Mechanical Assessment
The technician starts by examining both units for signs of corrosion, debris accumulation, and refrigerant line insulation condition. Electrical components get close attention here: capacitors (which store the charge needed to start motors) and contactors (the switches that control power to the compressor and fan) are common failure points that show visible wear before they actually fail. Catching a swollen capacitor or pitted contactor during an inspection costs a fraction of what an emergency call during a 100-degree weekend runs.
Functional Checks
With the visual pass complete, the technician runs the system through its operating cycle. This includes thermostat calibration to confirm it’s reading and responding accurately, system startup and shutdown to check for irregular cycling behavior, and refrigerant charge measurement with leak detection. Refrigerant that’s low or escaping affects both cooling performance and compressor longevity. The condensate drain line gets checked for blockage. A clogged line can cause water damage and trigger system shutdowns. Blower motor operation is evaluated for proper airflow delivery through the duct system.
Performance Testing
The final step confirms the system is actually cooling to specification, not just running. Airflow is measured at supply vents, and temperature differential testing compares the air going into the return with the air coming out of the supply. A properly functioning system should produce a difference of roughly 14 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Results outside that range point to refrigerant issues, airflow problems, or a failing evaporator coil, even when the system appears to be running normally.
What Happens After the Inspection
Our technicians walk through every finding in plain language before suggesting any next steps. You understand what was found and why it matters before any decision is required. If something needs attention, we present options organized by urgency and cost. A failing capacitor that’s showing stress but hasn’t quit yet is a different conversation than a refrigerant leak actively reducing cooling capacity. You get that distinction explained clearly so you can decide what to address now and what to monitor. There’s no pressure attached to that conversation.
We also cover between-visit maintenance specific to your home’s conditions. Filter replacement frequency isn’t one-size-fits-all in Spokane. A home near open land during fire season may need filter changes every three to four weeks during peak smoke periods, not the standard 30-to-90-day guidance.
Signs Your AC Needs Attention Before the Next Scheduled Visit
An annual inspection is the baseline. But Spokane summers don’t always wait for the calendar.
Grinding, banging, or squealing sounds during operation point to mechanical stress in the blower motor or compressor. Warm air from vents when the thermostat is set to cool suggests a refrigerant or compressor problem rather than a thermostat issue. Ice forming on the evaporator coil or outdoor unit, short-cycling behavior where the system starts and stops in rapid succession, or a sudden jump in energy bills without any change in usage are all reasons to call before the scheduled appointment.
Odors deserve specific attention. A musty smell from the vents often indicates moisture or mold growth in the air handler or ductwork. A sweet or faintly chemical smell may signal a refrigerant leak. If you notice that, shut the system off and call for service rather than continuing to run it.
Schedule an AC Inspection Before the Heat Arrives
Spokane’s climate has changed enough in the past 40 years that a working air conditioner isn’t a comfort upgrade anymore. It’s a health and safety system. The best time to find out whether yours is ready is before the heat arrives, not during it. Sturm has been serving Greater Spokane since 1945 with honest assessments and no-pressure recommendations. Give us a call at (509) 215-9429 to get on the schedule.