After a long winter, residents of Boston are ready for warm weather to move into the area. And when this happens, it won’t be long before you’re turning on your air conditioner and hoping that your house cools down as expected. If you want your AC to provide you with many months of efficient service, there are a few important steps you can take before the hot summer season arrives.
Here’s a spring AC checklist for homeowners:
- Inspect the Compressor
- With snow and super-cold temperatures in the past, head outdoors to check on the condition of your compressor.
- Does it visibly appear to be in good working order? Do you notice anything that’s changed since you last laid eyes on it? Do you see any debris inside the unit? Is there any overgrown vegetation to clear?
- If everything checks out, you can move on to the next points on your checklist.
- Change the Air Filter
- As a general rule of thumb, you should change the air filter – typically located next to your furnace – every 90 days to ensure efficient operation of your air conditioner.[i] Many people assume that the filter only comes into play when using the furnace, but that’s a myth. It also cleans your air when your AC is running. Tip: keep track of how often you change your filter so you never let more than 90 days pass by.
- Check the Thermostat
- It doesn’t matter if you have one thermostat or several, you should check these for proper operation before turning on your air conditioner for the season.
For example, this is a good time to change the batteries and adjust timer functions. Tip: don’t forget to change your thermostat from heat to cool. Without this, your AC won’t work. It sounds like a silly mistake, but it’s one that many people make.
Check the Electrical System
- To start, make sure your air conditioner is turned on at the compressor. You may have turned it off before winter.
- This is also a good time to check the breaker for your AC in the panel box.
- Once you’ve done those two things, inspect all wiring, contactors, and fuses. If you come across a loose connection, tighten it before doing anything else.[ii]
- Tip: don’t touch any electrical components until you’re 100 percent sure that all power is shut off to the AC system.
When You Need Us, Boston Standard is Here for You
This spring checklist will help you get your air conditioner up and running when Spring arrives in Boston this year. It’s critical to inspect all components for proper operation before turning your system on. Should you run into any issues, such as loud noises or warm air coming from your vents, turn off your AC.
From there, contact us to explain the problem and schedule an air conditioning service appointment. We can visit your home, diagnose your problem, and ensure that your AC is functional in no time. We’ll do whatever it takes to keep you cool this summer!
Categories:
DIY Air Conditioning
