How To Prepare Your AC for Summer: Step-by-Step Guide

This summer is going to be different. Instead of sweltering in the summer heat, you’ll pass the hours in comfort. By completing AC maintenance before summer arrives, you can prevent unexpected breakdowns and performance problems. 

From timely tune-ups to consistent filter changes, a few simple tips can help you prepare your AC for summer. To learn more, read on.

Why Preparing Your AC Before Summer Is Important

Completing your AC pre-season checklist doesn’t just save you money. It helps you avoid the stress and hassle of emergency repairs. Breakdowns tend to occur during periods of peak use, which is why they often happen during the hottest days of the year. When you are proactive about your AC maintenance, you can avoid unexpected AC failures.

Besides convenience and comfort, a well-maintained AC can also enhance your home’s energy efficiency. A poorly maintained unit has to work harder to reach the same temperature, which leads to shorter lifespans and higher energy bills. 

When Should You Start Preparing Your AC?

To keep your AC functioning at its best, you shouldn’t wait to perform routine maintenance. We typically recommend completing your AC pre-season checklist during the early spring. This allows you to wrap up all of your maintenance tasks before you need to consistently use your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in the summertime. 

Additionally, it’s also important to note that peak-season maintenance and repairs may be harder to schedule. Air conditioners are more likely to break down during periods of peak use, so you don’t want to book your HVAC maintenance during the summertime rush. By planning ahead, you can avoid peak-season delays.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Your AC for Summer

As the weather starts to warm up, it’s important to be proactive about your HVAC maintenance. By using the following tips, you can take the first step in learning how to get your AC ready for summer.

Step 1: Replace or Clean Air Filters

One of the most important things you can do to protect your HVAC system and prevent unnecessary repairs is to clean or replace your air filter. Most HVAC manufacturers recommend changing the air filter every one to three months, so check your user guide to see how frequently your filter replacements should be. During peak usage, these replacements should occur more frequently.

Air filters are responsible for keeping airborne particles from getting into your HVAC system. If they become clogged, it can lead to poor airflow and dirty evaporator coils. Proper filter changes will help you achieve adequate airflow, better performance, and optimal energy efficiency.

Step 2: Clean Around the Outdoor Unit

To keep your AC functioning at its best, you should periodically clean around your outdoor unit. Remove any dirt, debris, and leaves that are within 2 to 3 feet of the unit. By doing so, you can ensure good airflow and prevent debris from clogging your AC system.

Step 3: Inspect and Clean Air Vents

Another one of the most important air conditioner maintenance tips is to inspect and clean your air vents. If they are dirty, you can remove the vent cover and vacuum inside the dirty vents. Then, make sure the vent is open and unobstructed to boost airflow throughout your home.

Step 4: Test Your Thermostat

Before summer arrives, it’s a good idea to test your thermostat’s functionality. As a part of your HVAC maintenance in spring, you should turn on your thermostat to cooling mode and set it a few degrees lower than your home’s temperature. If the thermostat is working properly, the AC should kick on right away.

If the thermostat is not functioning properly, first troubleshoot by cleaning the sensors and replacing the battery. For more serious issues, you may need professional thermostat repairs and replacements. You may also want to replace any older thermostat because today’s smart thermostats offer enhanced energy efficiency and better convenience.

Step 5: Check Refrigerant Lines and Insulation

Refrigerant levels should not decrease under normal operation. Because AC refrigerants run through a closed-loop system, low refrigerant levels mean there is a leak. As you prepare your AC for summer, pay attention to any damage or visible leaks on your refrigerant lines. The insulation should also be intact. If there are any problems with the lines, they must legally be repaired and recharged by a licensed technician.

Step 6: Clear the Condensate Drain Line

If you are mechanically inclined, you can flush your condensate drain line. Using basic vinegar, you can clear the line of clogs. Besides ensuring the smooth operation of your AC, this step can also help you prevent water damage and rust.

Step 7: Inspect Electrical Components (Visual Only)

While you should never tighten or repair electrical components on your own, you can visually inspect for signs of problems when you perform AC maintenance before summer. If you notice any signs of wear or corrosion, you should schedule professional AC repairs.

Step 8: Run a Test Cooling Cycle

Before summer begins, you need a fully functioning air conditioner. By running a test cycle, you can verify that your system is working. After turning on the AC and setting it to cooling mode, monitor the airflow and temperature. Note any unusual noises or performance issues. Later, you can ask an HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the problem.

Common AC Problems You Can Catch Early

By carrying out your summer HVAC preparation, you can detect common problems before they spiral out of control. If you notice the following symptoms, you should schedule professional AC repairs right away.

• Poor airflow
• Rising energy bills for no obvious reason
• Unusual noises
• High humidity
• Warm air blowing from the vents

What Homeowners Should NOT Do

As a homeowner, there are certain tasks you should avoid for the safety of your home and AC.

• Don’t Handle Refrigerant: Refrigerants are hazardous to the environment and human health, which is why they are strictly regulated. For the safety of your family and yourself, you should never deal with refrigerants on your own.
• Don’t Open Electrical Panels: When electrical panels are opened, they expose high-voltage components. This can lead to a fire, electrocution, and arc flash explosions. Unless you are a trained HVAC technician or electrician, you should never open panels.
• Don’t Ignore Warning Signs: If you notice unusual noises, higher energy bills, odd smells, or performance issues, don’t ignore them. Get a professional HVAC inspection to diagnose the problem before summer arrives.
• Don’t Skip Maintenance: Your AC tune-up guide is an essential part of preparing your unit for summertime. Skipping maintenance can result in unexpected breakdowns, higher energy bills, and more frequent repairs.

DIY vs. Professional AC Maintenance

As a homeowner, you can safely handle all of the tasks we listed in our AC pre-season checklist. Any activity that involves refrigerants, mechanical components, or electrical systems should be left to the experts. For example, an HVAC technician should be in charge of the following maintenance tasks.

• Refrigerant checks
• Evaporator and condenser coil cleaning
• Electrical testing 
• System calibration

What’s Included in a Professional AC Tune-Up

If you’re struggling to figure out how to get an AC ready for summer, our skilled technicians can help. During a professional AC tune-up, we’ll tackle the following tasks.

• Full System Inspection: We’ll carefully check each component for signs of wear, from your electrical wiring to your condenser coils.
• Refrigerant Check: Our team will measure the refrigerant levels in your AC. If they are low, we’ll find where the leak is occurring, repair it, and recharge the refrigerant levels.
• Coil Cleaning: To keep your system operating as efficiently as possible, our technician will clean your evaporator and condenser coils.
• Electrical Testing: Through our tests, we can verify that all of your electrical systems and wiring are functioning safely.
• Performance Optimization: Before we leave, we’ll perform tests to ensure the optimal airflow, calibration, and performance. Then, we can make precision adjustments to optimize your AC performance.

Is your AC not cooling properly? Schedule your AC tune-up today.

Benefits of Scheduling AC Maintenance Early

By performing your AC maintenance before summer, you can enjoy a few important benefits. Because many people wait until the last minute to get their tune-up performed, you can take advantage of better appointment availability. Plus, timely maintenance appointments offer peace of mind before the first heat wave arrives.

Over the long run, scheduling your AC maintenance will help you prevent unexpected, costly repairs. In the short term, they can improve your system’s efficiency and lead to lower energy bills.

Signs You Should Schedule Service Immediately

If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should arrange for your next AC appointment right away. 

• Your AC isn’t cooling your home evenly or at all.
• You noticed strange odors or sounds.
• The AC unit cycles on and off frequently.
• Your energy bills have jumped inexplicably. 

Concerned about performance issues? Book your AC inspection before summer starts.

Why Choose Priority One Heating & Air Conditioning for AC Maintenance

From reliable services to certified technicians, Springfield and Eugene residents trust Priority One Heating & Air Conditioning for a few key reasons.

• Local Expertise: Thanks to our local team, we know exactly what type of HVAC setups thrive in Eugene’s unique climate.
• Certified Technicians: At Priority One Heating & Air Conditioning, we hire certified, experienced technicians so that residents can enjoy better peace of mind.
• Reliable Service: Our team is ready 24/7 to help with emergency situations. We are committed to delivering 100% customer satisfaction and long-lasting results.
• Preventative Maintenance Plans: Through the Savings Club, you can take advantage of complimentary tune-ups, repair discounts, and special promotions. Our goal is to make caring for your HVAC system as easy as possible.

FAQs

How often should I service my AC?

We recommend servicing your AC twice per year. To prepare the AC for summer, you should schedule your tune-up in the spring. Later, a second tune-up can take place in the fall to prepare your heating system for winter.

Can I prepare my AC myself?

Yes and no. While you should perform AC maintenance before summer, certain tasks should be left to the experts. The technician should handle anything involving refrigerants, mechanical work, or electrical systems. As a homeowner, you can safely take care of simple tasks, like replacing the air filter and cleaning around the outdoor unit.

How long does an AC tune-up take?

It generally takes just one to two hours to complete an AC tune-up. If we find any problems during our inspection, we’ll recommend the best course of action and schedule repairs for a different time.

When should I replace my AC system?

Most well-maintained air conditioning systems will last for around 15 to 20 years. If you have an older AC that requires frequent repairs or causes high energy bills, it is probably time for you to consider a replacement.

Final Thoughts

If you live in Springfield and Eugene, it’s important to be proactive about preparing your AC for summer. By completing your AC pre-season checklist, you can avoid unexpected breakdowns and performance issues.

Don’t wait for the heat! Schedule your AC tune-up today.