If you need any final confirmation that summer’s just around the corner, it’s when you flip the switch on your home’s thermostat from ‘Heat’ to ‘Cool’ and turn on your AC.
It’s also a great time to check your entire air conditioning cooling system and do some AC maintenance. If you keep your air conditioner in good working order, you’ll save money on lower energy bills and increase your chances of enjoying a trouble-free cooling season.
Your To-Do List Before Turning on Your Air Conditioner After Winter
Inside the Home
- Check Your Ductwork and Air Vents – They’ve just spent the entire winter carrying warm air to wherever you need it in your home. It’s good to regularly check the visible ductwork and air vents for signs of damage, leaks and/or blockages.
- Check the AC Drain Line – Your furnace has a drain line that allows the condensation that forms due to air conditioning to drain away. If the drain line is clogged, it could damage your furnace or cause water damage elsewhere in your home. Look for moisture or water around the base of your furnace. If you see any, and there is no other explanation for it, you should have your drain lines professionally checked and cleaned.
- Change the Air Filter – You should change your air filter every 3 months, so now’s as good a time as any. Be sure to properly replace the panel that covers your furnace filter so that it doesn’t turn off your system.
- Check Your Thermostat Settings – Make sure it is set to “Cool” and at the desired temperature.
Outside the Home
- Check the Outdoor Condenser Unit – Make sure there is nothing blocking the radiator-like grills around the sides of the unit or the fan grill on top of the unit. Clear vegetation and debris for about half a metre all around the unit.
- Check the Connections to the House – Look at the refrigerant lines and check that all the insulation is in place. Also, check the outdoor wiring for signs of damage or wear and tear. If you suspect there are any issues with the refrigerant lines or electrical connections, they should be inspected by professional air conditioning specialists.
To learn more about keeping your entire HVAC system running well, check out our article “5 HVAC Maintenance Tips for Spring”.