Tips to Prepare an AC System for Warm Weather

The Importance of Preseason AC Prep

Imagine planning a road trip without checking your car first. You might end up stranded on some lonely highway in the blazing sun. Your air conditioning works similarly—it needs attention before its big performance season begins.

Preseason maintenance helps catch small issues before they grow into expensive problems. A dirty air filter or clogged drainage hose might seem minor, but these issues can cause your system to work harder, use extra energy, and eventually break down when you need cooling most.

Replace or Clean Air Filters

Your air filter acts like the lungs of your entire heating and cooling system. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your air conditioning unit to work overtime. This extra strain increases energy consumption and can lead to overheating.

Most homeowners should replace standard 1-inch filters every 1-3 months during the active cooling season. If you have pets or allergies, you might need more frequent changes. For thicker filters (3-5 inches), replacement every 6-12 months typically works well.

Inspect and Clean the Outdoor Unit

Your outdoor condenser unit faces a lot of wear and tear. Leaves, twigs, grass clippings, and debris can collect around it, blocking proper airflow. This restriction makes your compressor work harder, potentially causing it to fail prematurely.

Before cleaning, make sure to turn off the power to the unit. Then, gently remove debris from around the unit, maintaining about two feet of clear space on all sides. Hose down the unit’s exterior gently to remove dirt buildup, and check the refrigerant lines running from your house to the outdoor unit.

Check Thermostat Settings

Your thermostat serves as the command center for your entire heating and cooling system. Programming it correctly saves significant energy while keeping your home comfortable.

Spring is the perfect time to reprogram your seasonal settings. Consider setting temperatures slightly higher when nobody’s home—each degree above 72°F can help you save big on cooling costs.

Test the System Before Peak Usage

Nobody wants to discover issues on the first 90-degree day! Taking your AC for a test drive before summer arrives helps identify problems early. Turn on your system and let it run for at least 30 minutes.

During this time, listen for unusual noises like grinding, scraping, or excessive vibration. Check all vents and registers throughout your home, and feel for cool air flowing evenly. Weak airflow from some vents might indicate duct problems or obstructions.

Schedule Professional AC Maintenance

While DIY maintenance helps tremendously, professional service catches issues homeowners often miss. A certified air conditioning repair technician can clean your evaporator and condenser coils, check refrigerant levels, inspect electrical connections, and clean the condensate drainage system to prevent water damage. This small investment prevents costly breakdowns and extends equipment life substantially!

When to Consider Upgrading Your AC

Sometimes, maintenance alone can’t solve efficiency or reliability problems. If your system shows warning signs like age over 15 years, frequent breakdowns, steadily increasing energy bills, or inconsistent cooling, replacement might make more sense than continued repairs. Modern air conditioning systems offer dramatically improved efficiency ratings.

Need Help Getting Your AC Geared Up for Summer? Call Us!

Getting ahead of AC maintenance means fewer headaches when the heat arrives. If your system needs a tune-up, repair, or replacement, EMCO Tech Heating & Cooling has experts ready to help.

The team at EMCO Tech Heating & Cooling has seen it all—the good, the bad, and the uncomfortably hot. When it’s time to schedule professional AC maintenance, AC repair, or AC installation, do not hesitate to give us a call.