Summer in Illinois has a way of putting air conditioners through a stress test. One minute your AC is keeping everyone comfortable; the next, it’s blowing warm air, running nonstop, and making noises that sound suspiciously like it’s filing a formal complaint.

When your AC stops keeping up or your energy bill suddenly looks like it’s training for the Olympics, it’s usually more than just the summer heat.

Summer is right around the corner—and you know what that means: blazing sun, rising temps, and your air conditioner working overtime. The last thing you want is for your AC to sputter out on the first truly hot day. That’s where a little pre-summer TLC comes in.

The good news: with a few simple steps, you can improve your indoor air quality and keep your home feeling fresh, comfortable, and sneeze-free.