Do I Really Have to Service My AC Before Turning It On this Season? 

How to Service Your AC for Spring

As the frost of winter gives way to spring, we all welcome the warmer temperatures, longer days, and magnificent blossoms that come along with it. This is also the time of year when you’re likely to start using your air conditioner again. But after months of inactivity, it’s important to get your AC ready before turning it on full blast. 

Here are 5 tips to make sure your AC is ready for the incoming heat.

Replace Your Air filter

Getting your AC ready for the warmer weather means you might have to get your hands dirty. After being inactive for the winter, your air filter is likely in need of a replacement. By replacing your air filter, you ensure that the particles and pollutants that have accumulated during the months of inactivity are not released into your home, resulting in a decline in air quality that may be harmful to the health of your home’s occupants. Changing your air filter also ensures that your HVAC system can cool your home in an efficient manner. A clean air filter means a healthy home and a well-functioning AC. It is ideal to change your air filter every 30 to 90 days, depending on your unit. If you have fur babies that shed a lot, you may need more frequent filter changes.

Examine Your Outdoor Unit

Before turning on your AC, you need to examine your outdoor unit. It is important to be aware of your outdoor unit’s condition and to make sure there is no debris that can obstruct airflow. Be sure to clean up anything that may be crowding your unit, such as overgrown bushes, leaves, or dirt. Another area of importance is your outdoor unit’s electrical panels. Examine the panels to ensure that nothing is amiss. The electrical panel houses all the important wiring for your unit and needs to be handled with care. If you notice something is off, contact your  local HVAC technician to assess the damage.

Remove Winter Protection

You may have used waterproof covers, blankets, or other winter protection on your unit to shield it from the elements.  It’s important to remove these protections before firing up your AC, because failure to do so can lead to long-term damage to the unit.

Perform a Trial Run 

After you’ve followed the tips above and you feel that your AC is ready to be turned on, you can perform a trial run to test its functionality. A trial run will help you evaluate whether or not you need to call an HVAC technician to service your AC. If you experience issues such as strange noises, weird odors, or hot air, call your HVAC technician immediately.

Make a Service Call 

Your air conditioner needs to be in top condition for the warmer weather of spring and the hot, humid days of summer. This means an annual service call should be made to make sure you’re prepared for the oncoming heat. A certified HVAC technician in your service area can help your home stay cool as the weather heats up.

If you’re interested in learning more about servicing your air conditioner for the season, our expert HVAC technicians at Comfort Solutions can assist you. 

Please call us at 610-438-9300 or send us a message online to set up an appointment.