What to do Before Turning on AC in Summer?

As winter starts to fade away and the days get longer and warmer, many people’s thoughts turn to their air conditioners. After all, who doesn’t love the cool, crisp air that AC can provide on a hot summer day?

Turning on AC in Summer

But before you go ahead and turn on your AC for the first time this summer, there are a few things you should do first to make sure your system is running at its peak efficiency. Here are some tips on what to do before turning on your AC in summer, to help ensure you get the most out of it this season:

Inspect The Outer Unit And Clean it if Necessary

Your task begins outside where you should inspect your AC’s outdoor unit. If you covered it, now is the time to remove the cover and carry out a visual inspection. Are the panels protecting the electrical connections in place? Are the refrigerant lines fully insulated? Remove any objects from around it, such as leaves or small twigs. You can also use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum to do this job more effectively.

Inspect The Indoor Unit

After inspecting the outer unit, move indoors and examine your indoor AC component. Check for any signs of damage or wear and tear such as rust, corrosion, and broken parts. If you notice any issues it’s best to have a professional HVAC technician repair them before turning on your AC system. You should also check the programmable thermostat setting and the circuit breakers. Finally, inspect the refrigerant lines for ice build-up. The presence of ice indicates that the evaporator coil is frozen, which is bad for your equipment. You should contact your HVAC contractor at once.

Clean Or Replace The Air Filter

The air filter in your system is responsible for trapping dust, dirt, and other particles and keeping them away from the condenser coil and your home. A dirty filter will reduce the efficiency of your system significantly, so you should clean or replace it before turning on your AC. Dirty filters are also bad for the health of your family, as they can spread allergens throughout the house. This step is more important if you have pets in your home or have someone with asthma or other forms of allergies living with you.

Check The Ducts And Vents

For cool air to be delivered evenly throughout the house, your air filters, ducts, and vents need to be in good condition. Check for any signs of obstruction, tears, or holes that could block airflow or allow heated air from outside to enter your home. You should also examine the exposed part of your ductwork. If you find any issues, have them corrected at once by a professional HVAC contractor.

Test Run As The Last Step

Once you have checked and cleaned all the components of your AC system, you can go ahead and turn it on. Set the temperature to a comfortable level and leave it running for a few minutes to ensure everything is working as expected. Stay close to the thermostat and check if it is responding. If everything is fine, you can now start enjoying the cool air of your AC system throughout the hot summer days! If you find any problems, don’t hesitate to contact your HVAC contractor immediately.

Schedule Professional Maintenance

Finally, consider scheduling an annual professional maintenance visit with your HVAC contractor. This is a great way to ensure that all components are in good condition and working properly. It is also an opportunity to take care of any minor issues before they become major problems. A routine inspection can help you save money in the long run as it ensures your AC system runs at peak efficiency all summer long!

These are some of the important steps to take before turning on your AC in the summertime. Following these tips will help ensure that your system works efficiently and keeps you and your family cool and comfortable throughout the summer. 

However, if you’re unable to complete any of the above steps or you feel uncomfortable doing any of the work, it is best to contact a professional HVAC contractor for help. They have the expertise and experience needed to diagnose and repair your AC system properly. Plus, they know what steps to take to ensure that you get the most out of your cooling system all year long! 

Schedule an Annual Maintenance With The Experts at Robert B. Payne

For your air conditioning system to run effectively during the hot summer months, it is important to keep your system well-maintained. The professionals at Robert B. Payne have the expertise and experience to ensure that all components are in good condition and running properly. Contact us today at 540-373-5876 for a free consultation or for more information about our maintenance services! We look forward to helping you keep your AC system running smoothly for years to come.