It’s a bit hard to believe with the spell of cold weather we’ve had, but it’ll soon be time to turn on the air conditioner here in Peachtree. One thing about it, our winters don’t tend to last all that long, while summer just goes on and on.

And that’s why, before you turn on your air conditioner, you need to take steps to ensure it’s going to run reliably all during the cooling season. Do not skimp on annual maintenance. An HVAC tech can catch little problems before they turn into bigger, more expensive ones.

Here are some things you can do before you call for your annual maintenance.

Spring Homeowner Air Conditioner Maintenance Checklist

1. Check the outdoor condenser. Look for leaves and other debris that may have blown up against the unit. Remove them so that air flow will not be restricted. Also, make sure all vegetation is cleared away from the unit for a distance of at least 2 feet.

2. Check the fins and coils. If they are dirty, you can spray the unit with a hose at a 45-degree angle, or else alert your HVAC tech when you schedule maintenance that the unit needs cleaning.

3. Change the air filter. The change of seasons is a good time to change the air filter. If you’re not already doing so, upgrade to a good quality, pleated air filter, which will improve your home’s indoor air quality.

4. Check vents for obstructions and debris. Make sure supply and return vents are clear of obstructions and dirt. Vacuum grilles if necessary.

5. Turn the A/C on to test it. Turn the control to cool and make sure the cooling comes on. Set your thermostat to 68 degrees. Go outside and make sure the compressor is coming on and that the fan is spinning. Also, touch the copper refrigerant line to see if it is cold. It should be.

6. Schedule your spring A/C maintenance.

For more on what to do before you turn on your air conditioner, contact Powers Heating and Air of Peachtree City.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 770-487-2040.