Spring HVAC Checklist: Tips to Prepare Your A/C

There is less than one month until the first day of spring! Is your HVAC system prepared? New England homeowners often focus all their attention on their heating system during winter and can forget about the air conditioner come springtime. If your A/C unit needs maintenance, get a head start with our checklist for spring HVAC care.

The arrival of spring does not mean an automatic switch to air conditioning, but it does signify that it’s time to inspect your equipment.

Remove the Cover

It’s smart to protect your outdoor unit from winter snow and ice and homeowners should invest in a cover. However, running an A/C unit with an insulated cover on the condenser or coils can cause damage to the system. Before starting up the air conditioning, be sure to take the cover off and properly store it until snowflakes fly again.

Check the Outdoor Condenser Unit

The panels that cover the electrical work can become misaligned or misplaced during the winter season. If you discover panels are missing and the condenser unit is exposed, do not start the A/C until the system has been inspected by a professional.

Clean the Condenser Coils

Before you give up on your unit for underperforming, make sure no mulch or debris is surrounding the condenser coils. A condenser coil works to convert heated gas to liquid, which is released into the outside air. Debris from winter storms can clog the A/C coils and negatively affect this heat transfer.

Change the Air Filters

This is a process that should be done on a regular basis, about once a month. When the unit has been sitting unused for several months, it likely gathers more dust than usual. Rather than a quick cleaning, completely switch out the filters before the warmer seasons arrive.

Trim Overgrown Shrubbery

To maximize your air conditioner’s airflow, keep a two-foot distance between the unit and any surrounding shrubbery. If bushes, weeds and other plant life are crowding the system, leaves and dirt could seep into the outdoor coils or filter, blocking airflow into the home.
 
Finally, turn on the A/C unit to test its efficiency! If you notice the system is not operating to its full potential, we are a phone call away. M.J. Fahy & Sons has been in business for over 100 years. Contact our expert team of technicians to schedule an assessment today!