Air Conditioner Springtime Checklist

Despite our long winter here in Charlotte, we are beginning to see the early signs of Spring. We wanted to share a few tips with you that will help to make sure you have uninterrupted comfort during the upcoming air conditioning season.

1. First and foremost- make sure your air conditioner will turn on. Switch your thermostat to the cooling setting and lower the temperature to create a call for cooling. If your air conditioning system didn’t start at all, some common problems people have are faulty thermostats, improper thermostat settings, blown fuses, and tripped circuit breakers. If you replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker and your system stops working again shortly thereafter, we recommend you call a technician immediately as you may have a problem that should be handled by a trained technician.
2. If you turn on your air conditioner and cold air is coming from the vents but you feel like the air flow is weaker than normal, you might have debris in or around the air conditioning evaporator or condenser coils. It’s a good idea to go ahead and move any objects surrounding the outside A/C unit to another location for optimal air flow. If you feel the air flow coming from your vents is sufficient but the air isn’t cold enough, your system may need cleaning and service from a trained professional.
3. Checking and replacing your filters is a task that should already be on your spring cleaning to do list. If your filters are restricted or clogged, it’s a good idea to go ahead and swap them out so your system can produce cleaner air more efficiently with less stress.
4. Some units have a condensation drip tray. Make sure the tray’s drip lines are clear of debris so it may drain properly. If the drip tray is full of water, your condensate drain may be clogged and will need cleaning and the water in the pan will have to be drained.
5. Inspect your duct work. Leaking duct work or improperly sealed ventilation systems can cause air conditioners to run overtime and in turn, increase your utility bill. It’s a good idea to inspect your ducts inside and out. If your ducts haven’t been cleaned, there could be dust, debris, and even critters stuck inside causing contaminated air to circulate in your home.
6. Change the direction of your ceiling fan rotation so that you feel the air being pushed down on you, this helps you feel cooler by the evaporative effect of the air on your skin.
7. Consider installing a programmable thermostat. By using a programmable thermostat you can set it and forget it. Programmable thermostats will save you money and you won’t have to second guess whether or not you left the system running while no one is home.
8. Make sure doors, windows, and attic doors are properly sealed and insulated.

We hope these simple checks and tips will help keep you comfortable during the warm Charlotte months ahead. And remember, it’s always a good idea to have your air conditioning system inspected annually. Should you need any assistance with your A/C system, please give us a call at 704-366-1661.