14 Steps HVAC Contractors Take for Turning On the AC After Winter
As the weather starts to change and it begins to get warmer outside, it’s time to start thinking about kicking the air conditioner on. If you haven’t used this system in months you may wonder how you need to prep for turning your AC on again. In general, there are 14 steps an HVAC contractor will recommend prior to turning on your AC after winter.
1. Clean the Air Vents
The first step in turning on your AC after winter is to clean your air vents. An a/c repair professional like these plumbing & HVAC services in Englewood, CO will start by removing all registers and cleaning them thoroughly using a vacuum and a brush attachment to loosen any dirt or debris.
2. Check Ductwork for Damage or Leaks
After cleaning out the air vents and ductwork, your heating and cooling technician will likely inspect the system for any signs of damage or leaks and do air conditioning repair. They’ll be checking for any visible holes or cracks in the ducts, and making sure there are no loose connections at joints or elbows.
3. Change the HVAC Filter
A clean air filter is important to keep your AC running smoothly. A clogged or dirty filter can disrupt airflow and cause your AC unit to work harder. Make sure to ask your HVAC technician to replace your HVAC filter at least once every two months, or as needed.
4. Check Drain Lines
The drain lines of an AC unit can become clogged or blocked by debris, preventing the flow of condensation. An experienced HVAC professional will your drain lines and clear any blockages before turning on the unit.
5. Check Circuit Breaker
Before turning on your AC unit in the spring it is important to check the circuit breaker to ensure it’s functioning properly and is set to the correct power level. If the breaker trips frequently, an expert should inspect it to see if there’s a problem.
6. Remove Outdoor Unit Cover
If your AC unit was covered with plastic for the season the covering should be removed before you turn it on for the season. It should be inspected for any signs of damage, such as cracks or holes, which can be an indicator that extra dirt or debris could have made its way to your unit over the winter.
7. Inspect Condenser Unit
The condenser unit is the most important part of your air conditioner and needs to be inspected before you turn it on. Request for your HVAC professional to check the unit’s fins and coils and ensure they’re clean and free of dust and dirt buildup, as well as any signs of corrosion.
8. Inspect Refrigerant Lines
Refrigerant lines are a crucial part of your AC unit and must be properly inspected before turning on the system. A professional HVAC technician will ensure the pressure from the refrigerant lines is correct and check for any blockages that could interfere with the flow of coolant, as well as any kinks or bends in the lines that could disrupt the proper flow.
9. Check Blower Fan Blades
Blower fan blades are supposed to be debris-free. If you notice traces of debris on the AC’s blower fan blades, you should vacuum clean and wipe the blades afterward. Also, the mounting blades should be tightened regularly.
10. Clean the System’s Exterior
As the first step in turning on your AC after winter, HVAC contractors will clean the system’s exterior. They will clean away any dirt or debris accumulated over the offseason and any leaves or other foliage that may have gathered around the unit to keep the AC in good, working condition.
11. Prune Any Surrounding Landscaping
After cleaning the system’s exterior, the HVAC contractor will prune any landscaping that may hinder the airflow around the unit. This can include cutting back tree branches or tall grass, which helps ensure optimum unit ventilation and improves efficiency.
12. Check for Electrical Wiring Damage
Electrical wiring is a critical component of your AC unit, and HVAC contractors take the time to inspect it carefully for any damage. This includes frayed wires or damaged connections, or any signs of corrosion. All of these can greatly reduce the safety and efficiency of your system.
13. Check Your Thermostat
A thermostat controls how much energy the AC unit uses at any given moment, and the thermostat must work correctly for optimal performance. HVAC contractors will carefully check your thermostat to ensure it is in good working order.
14. Schedule Your Annual AC Tune-Up
An HVAC tune-up is important because it helps ensure the AC unit runs smoothly and efficiently. During the tune-up, the contractor will check the system and ensure all its components are working properly.
