Preparing Your AC for Summer
Summer AC failures happen most often during the first heat wave of the season -- when systems that sat idle all winter are pushed to full capacity before any problems have been caught. A 30-minute pre-season check prevents most of these failures.
Step 1: Visual Inspection
- Check the outdoor condenser unit for winter damage -- ice, debris, bent fins, or physical damage to the casing
- Confirm the disconnect box on the outdoor unit is in the ON position
- Check for nesting animals that may have sheltered in the unit during winter -- birds, rodents, and wasps commonly nest in outdoor units
- Ensure there is 2 feet of clearance around the unit on all sides
- Inspect the refrigerant lines (copper pipes with insulation) for damage or insulation deterioration
Step 2: Filter and Airflow Check
- Replace the air filter -- start summer with a fresh filter regardless of how long the current one has been in
- Walk through the house and confirm all supply vents are open and unobstructed
- Confirm return air grilles are clear of furniture, rugs, or stored items
- Check that the condensate drain is clear (pour water into the access port to test)
Step 3: First Start-Up Test
- Set the thermostat to COOL and lower the setpoint 5 degrees below current room temperature
- Listen for abnormal sounds -- grinding, squealing, rattling, or loud clicking from the outdoor unit
- Go outside and confirm the outdoor fan is spinning and the compressor is running (you will hear it operating)
- After 15-20 minutes of operation, hold your hand near a supply vent -- air should feel noticeably cool, ideally 16-22 degrees F cooler than return air temperature
- Note any issues: warm air, system that starts and immediately shuts off, or unusual sounds. These warrant a service call before peak heat season.
Step 4: Schedule Professional Service
If your system passed the startup test, a professional tune-up is still recommended annually. Refrigerant pressure, capacitor condition, and coil cleaning are best handled by a technician with proper tools. Schedule in March-May before peak demand.
If the startup test revealed problems (not cooling, unusual sounds, short-cycling), schedule a diagnostic call promptly -- before summer demand makes wait times longer and emergency calls more likely.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I prepare my AC for summer?
- Key steps: replace the air filter, clear the area around the outdoor condenser, check that all vents are open, test the system by running it for 15-20 minutes and confirming cool air output, and schedule a professional tune-up if you have not had one in the past 12 months.
- Should I turn on my AC before it gets hot?
- Yes -- test your system on a moderately warm day (75+ degrees F) before the first heat wave. Running the system for 20-30 minutes lets you identify problems while wait times for service are still short. A system that fails in April is easier to repair than one that fails during a heat wave in July.
- Why does my AC not work after winter?
- Common causes: the circuit breaker tripped over winter and needs to be reset, the condensate float switch is stuck (pour water to free it), a capacitor or contactor failed over the off-season, or animals nested in the outdoor unit and caused damage. Test the breaker and thermostat first, then call a technician if the system still does not start.
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