6 Things To Do Before Turning On Your A/C This Summer

Prepping Your Air Conditioning System

In most cases (and beyond the occasional heat wave in San Diego), your air conditioning sits idle during the winter months. So before you start the system running again in the spring and summer months, it’s important to check for any signs of wear and tear. The last thing you want is to find out that your HVAC is malfunctioning and is stopping you from staying cool.

The following tips will offer you insight on items you should investigate, check, or clean before you turn your air conditioning on for the first time this summer season.

Change your Filters

It’s crucial that you change your HVAC filters every few months depending on their use, quality, and manufacturer requirements. But if it has been a while since you last changed your filters, then the spring season is the perfect time to do so. The winter months generally cause debris and dust to build up in your filters. Changing your filters can help ensure your system is clean and ready for summer.

Be sure to purchase the right type and size of air filter for your system. If you’re not sure what kind of filtration you need, speak to our experts.

Clear Outdoor Overgrowth

There is also some work you can do outside the home to help prep for the summer months. Examine the exterior of the air conditioner unit and remove any overgrown plants, branches, or debris that may be blocking the unit. Keeping this area clean can make sure your air conditioning is performing at its best.

You should get in the habit of cleaning the space around your exterior unit all year round. It’s a good rule of thumb to maintain an open space of around 2 feet around your HVAC unit.

Clean Registers and Supply Vents

Your vents and registers can gather dust and other particles during the off months, too. When you’re cleaning for the spring season ahead, also make sure that you are paying close attention to the supply vents for any dirt or debris. You can easily vacuum them to remove any pet hair, dust, or other particulates that may have accumulated.

If you’re not sure how to conduct a thorough cleaning of your system, then it might be a good idea to schedule some annual maintenance. A professional duct cleaning can improve the overall airflow of your HVAC and may even enhance the indoor air quality in your home, too.

Test the Thermostat

In the home, thermostats are used year-round, and often are one of the most used devices in an HVAC system. But if you haven’t used yours in a while, then you should test it ensure that it’s working properly. To test your thermostat, run and monitor your thermostat control system.

If you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, now might be the perfect time to make the upgrade and potentially reduce your energy bills in the months ahead.

Turn Your System On

Once your HVAC system is properly cleaned and prepped, you’re ready to turn your air conditioning on. Don’t be alarmed if you can’t feel cold air immediately coming through the vents after turning it on. However, if you don’t notice any change after a few minutes, then you should call an HVAC technician to come and evaluate your system.

If you do notice that your air conditioning isn’t working properly, don’t keep it running because this could potentially overheat the system and cause damage.

Watch out for Signs of Damage

Even if your HVAC works fine after initially turning it on, it’s important to keep an eye on the system over the course of the next few weeks. The more the temperature rises, the more stress your machine will be under to keep a cool environment in your home. Take notice of the following:

• Unusually high utility bills, which could indicate that your system is working too hard
• Problems with achieving the correct temperature from your thermostat
• Water gathering on top or beneath your furnace

The best thing you can do to set yourself up for summer is to arrange for a professional to visit your home and perform routine maintenance. This will ensure that your unit is ready to run at its best for the months ahead. Call our team at Bob Jenson to schedule an appointment today.