AC technician shares tips to keep your system running smoothly

News 12 spoke to veteran technician Dan McKernan, of MK Mechanical in Middletown, where he says the majority of emergency calls could be avoided with a little routine maintenance.

Stephen O'Leary

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Jul 28, 2025, 9:47 PM

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Updated 8 hr ago

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With temperatures soaring across the region, air conditioning units are working overtime and so are the technicians who service them.

News 12 spoke to veteran technician Dan McKernan, of MK Mechanical in Middletown, where he says the majority of emergency calls could be avoided with a little routine maintenance.

“They always fail on the hottest day, the most inconvenient time possible for the customer,” McKernan said.

So what can you do to keep your AC running efficiently this summer?

McKernan recommends starting with the basics:

Change your air filters regularly—ideally once a month. Dirty filters restrict airflow and force your system to work harder.

Keep the outdoor unit clear of debris, leave
Don’t block air vents inside your home. Make sure furniture or curtains aren’t obstructing airflow.
Set your thermostat wisely. Experts recommend keeping it at 76 degrees to balance comfort and efficiency.

While some maintenance can be done yourself, McKiernan warns that not everything should be do-it-yourself.

“There are a lot of dangerous parts moving in here,” he said. “We recommend having a technician take a look instead of doing it on your own.”

With many HVAC companies booked solid during heat waves, MK Mechanical says it always prioritizes health-related emergencies first.

“Anything that’s going to be health-related—we’ll absolutely prioritize them first and foremost,” McKiernan added.

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