14 Steps 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 your system in months, you may wonder how 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 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 perform 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 inspect your drain lines and clear any blockages before turning on the unit.

5. Check the 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, a professional should inspect it to determine whether there’s a problem.

6. Remove the Outdoor Unit Cover

If your AC unit was covered with plastic for the season, the covering should be removed before you turn it on. It should be inspected for any signs of damage, such as cracks or holes, which can indicate that extra dirt or debris may have made its way to your unit over the winter.

7. Inspect the Condenser Unit

The condenser unit is the most important part of your air conditioner and needs to be inspected before you turn it on. Ask your HVAC professional to check the unit’s fins and coils to 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 proper flow.

9. Check Blower Fan Blades

Blower fan blades should be debris-free. If you notice traces of debris on the AC’s blower fan blades, you should vacuum and wipe the blades clean. Additionally, the blade mounting hardware should be tightened regularly.

10. Clean the System’s Exterior

HVAC contractors will clean the system’s exterior as part of the startup process. They will clear away any dirt or debris accumulated over the offseason, as well as 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 airflow around the unit. This can include cutting back tree branches or tall grass, which helps ensure optimum 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, damaged connections, or any signs of corrosion — all of which 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 it 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.