Spring AC Maintenance Checklist

0% Interest and $0 Down For 12 Months

Spring is finally here! Soon the sun will be shining, flowers will bloom, and the weather will get warmer. When you start your Spring cleaning this season, don’t forget to think about your Air Conditioner. It’s important for you to make sure it’s working properly – before you need it. You should always have your AC professionally serviced before it gets hot, but there are a few things you can do on your own as well. Here’s an AC maintenance checklist to help get your cooling system ready for Spring:

Inspect your AC

Before you turn on your cooling system for the first time in a while, there are a few things that you should do. Start by removing the cover and taking a peek at the outdoor unit’s panel. It’s designed to keep the electrical connections safe and hidden and must be in place to protect both you and the system. If you notice any loose or broken connections, don’t mess with it any further. Call a Gold Star Service professional.

Look for Damages

Look for any obvious signs of damage or wear and tear. For instance, the suction line, a large copper pipe on the outdoor unit that provides a refrigerant to the compressor. If the suction pipe has damaged insulation, there could be a loss of required coolant to the outdoor unit. If you can see any areas of concern, call a Gold Star Service professional to fix it for you.

Remove Built-Up Debris

Any system with an outdoor component should be kept clean and free of any debris. Remove dirt and leaves that may accumulate over time. It’s also important to keep your AC free of obstruction or blockages- both inside and out. To get the best possible performance from your system, remove debris often.
If you plan on gardening or mulching, don’t pack or plant anything around the base of the unit. This is especially true for heat pumps as there’s likely a space under the unit and this should always be kept open to allow good air-flow.

Change the Air Filters

Whenever the season changes, you should replace your indoor air filters. Especially after a long, cold winter where it’s likely that your indoor air filter will have gathered a lot more debris and dust than normal, you should be sure to change the filter before you need to use your AC.

Check the Drainage Hose

This hose is also called the “condensate line”. Since the coil’s temperature is lower than the air, water can lead to condensation. This water needs to drain, or the tray will fill up and flood the unit or potentially spill water into your basement. This can lead to water damage and mold or mildew growth, so it should be taken care of immediately.

Turn on the Power!

After going through these steps, turn on your AC and see how it works! Check the air coming out of the vents for the first few minutes, and then every few hours throughout the day. A few minutes after startup, you should feel cool air coming out of the registers. If no air comes out, or the air isn’t cool, turn it off and call us to figure out the problem.
These are a few things that you can do on your own, but you still need to schedule professional maintenance before the weather gets hot. Call Gold Star Service to schedule your AC maintenance and inspection today!