If it seems like spring is coming earlier every year—it is.  That means it’s more important than ever to get a jump on planned maintenance, especially if your “planned” maintenance doesn’t always turn into “completed” maintenance.  Hopefully you’ve called in a qualified HVAC technician to make sure everything’s ready to go. 

These steps will help make sure your system is working consistently and efficiently this summer.  Here’s what we recommend checking before you flip the “on” switch:

• Spring cleaning
  It’s common for a lot of dust to accumulate over the winter. Ceiling fans, floors, light fixtures are all good targets for a wipe-down to prevent too much dust from being whipped up and recirculated through your system.
  
• Keep the airway clear
  Dust loves to hang out in crucial ducts and vents. Vacuum up what you can see on, near, or in the vents, and let the pros do the rest to make sure you are getting cool, clean air.
  
• #yesfilter
  Just like cheering at little league, it’s a good idea to make sure you’ve got a clean filter.  Check that the system’s air filter and your uptake filters in the ceiling are all clean. They may need to be cleaned or replaced so you don’t end up sneezing and coughing when you turn the system on for the first time this season.
  
• Stay sane in the drain
  The drain line carries moisture that has accumulated in the unit from condensation out of the house. You don’t want it getting backed up, which can lead to mechanical failure. Most drain lines can be cleaned with a cup of bleach and a drain brush.
  
• Check the Fuse, Dude
  Make sure the breakers for your AC in your electrical panel are not tripped.  If they trip frequently, your system may have a more significant problem that’s causing it to work too hard.
  
• Brush away the underbrush
  It’s not uncommon for leaves, overgrown weeds, twigs, dirt or other debris to accumulate around the condenser unit. Make sure there isn’t accumulated debris or clutter—especially near the coils.
  
• Fans first
  Turn on the system in fan mode only and let it run for a few minutes. Do you hear any strange noises? If so, turn it off, make a note of what you hear, and wait for your HVAC specialist to arrive and check it out. 
  
  If it sounds okay, switch to “cool” mode and conduct a tour of your home to see that rooms are cooling steadily and evenly.

If you’d rather have help safely starting your AC for the first time this season, contact MJ Heating and Air Conditioning at mjheatingac.com