6 Things to Do Before You Turn on Your Air Conditioner

Summer is quickly approaching and those warm summer days are on their way. This means in the next few weeks, you’re going to be turning on your air conditioner for the first time this year.

Before you turn on your air conditioner, in order to stay safe and save money, you need to complete this checklist first.

1. Clean up your yard, especially around your condenser unit

After the winter we’ve endured, your outdoor space is going to need some cleaning up, particularly around the outdoor condenser unit of your air conditioner. There should be approximately 18 inches of clearance around it so you and our technicians can safely navigate around it.

2. Clean your condenser unit

We highly recommend to everyone that at the beginning of fall, you should be covering up your condenser unit. If you have covered up your condenser unit, make sure you remove the cover before you turn on your air conditioner.

Whether you used a condenser cover or not, the outdoor unit should still be cleaned. This way you can look for any apparent damage that may have occurred to your unit during the winter months. To clean your condenser unit, use a bucket of water and gentle soap, or carefully spray it down with a hose.

Once your condenser unit is clean, make a note of any visible problems such as any noticeable leaks or cracks. These are issues that should be addressed by one of our service professionals right away.

Tip: Knowing how your air conditioner works is a big help when you are catching or preventing problems to your unit. You’ll also know what to look for come spring time.

3. Replace or Clean the Air Filter

Your furnace filter is an essential part of your central heating and cooling system. When you replace or clean your air conditioner or furnace, it allows for the unit to run more efficiently. It is important that you change your air filter before you turn on your air conditioner.

A simple thing that homeowners can do on their own is depending on the kind of air filter you have, you may either need to replace it (you can get replacements at your local hardware store), or may just need to gently clean your air filter with soap and water.

Remember: If you have a reusable air filter, make sure it is completely dry before you put it back in your furnace.

4. Inspect Your Indoor Unit for Any Visible Problems

It’s always a good idea to do a visual inspection of the indoor component when it’s time to use the unit again.

If you have a central air conditioner this will be connected to your furnace, because it uses your furnaces air handler to push the cool air through your ducts and into your home. If you have a ductless air conditioner, the indoor unit–or units–will be in the individual rooms of your home, mounted on the wall or ceiling.

Like your outdoor unit, look for things like cracks and leaks, and write down your findings.

5. Book Your Air Conditioner Tune Up Appointment

This is the most important step to take before you turn your air conditioner on. An air conditioner that isn’t properly cared for is at greater risk of failing, which could cost you a lot more in repairs than an annual tune up would.

An air conditioner tune-up won’t just save you money on repairs and time in discomfort: a tune up will actually increase your air conditioners efficiency, eventually decreasing your energy costs.

Home Tip: Spring is a great time to get all your home repairs done, including yard work and plumbing maintenance.

6. Ask a Pro if it’s Time to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Air conditioners are made to last a long time with the right care, but even the best and most loved air conditioner will have to be replaced eventually. If you’ve had your central or ductless air conditioner over 10 years, talk to us about whether or not it’s time to have it replaced.

Be 100% Ready for Warmer Temperatures

Once you completed this checklist, you’ll be completely ready for the warmer temperatures, and you’ll have beaten the summer rush. Talk to us about getting your air conditioner serviced, or book an installation consultation today.