How to Turn On the AC for the First Time After Winter

With summer just around the corner, we’re nearing your air conditioner’s first day of work. Like any seasonal change, it seems like the first hot day arrives unexpectedly. When it does, your AC needs to be ready.

However, if your air conditioner has developed issues over the winter months, you may end up living with the sweltering heat while you scramble to schedule AC repairs. If you’ve experienced a heat wave without the benefit of air conditioning, you know just how miserable it can be.

In this guide, we’ll discuss how to turn on your AC unit for the first time and what maintenance you’ll need to perform before summer rolls around.

When to Turn on the AC

In most cases, you should switch on your AC when the indoor temperature reaches 75 degrees. However, you shouldn’t wait until the first hot day of the year to test your AC system. Waiting means you may miss problems that have developed over the winter months.

Instead, turn on your cooling system in the spring when you know you’ll be home for the day. If you have an AC cover, make sure to remove it before turning your system on. This will give you a chance to test your HVAC system and catch any problems that require repairs.

Better yet, schedule an AC maintenance appointment! During this appointment, a certified HVAC technician thoroughly inspects your system, changes your air filter, and makes recommendations for cooling repairs. This service is quick and easy, and it ensures your system will be up to the task of keeping your home cool.

What to Do Before Turning on My AC After Winter

Before you turn on your air conditioner after the winter, it’s important to schedule an annual maintenance appointment. This appointment isn’t a luxury, it’s an important part of extending the life of your system! Here are the main tasks a professional HVAC technician will complete during your maintenance appointment.

1. Inspect the Outdoor Unit

The technician will likely start by checking over your outdoor unit. They’ll remove any leaves, dirt, or other debris that could be blocking airflow. This step is important, as any obstruction to airflow can put a strain on the compressor and shorten the AC’s overall lifespan.

1. Examine Coolant Lines

Next, they’ll check the refrigerant in your air conditioning unit. They’ll carefully inspect the refrigerant lines for cracks or holes and check connections to make sure nothing is loose.

If the refrigerant has leaked during the off-season, your system will work, but it won’t be able to produce cold air.

1. Check Drain Lines

The drain line is an essential part of your AC system. The technician will check the drain line and ensure no clogs are preventing proper operation. If there are any obstructions, the technician will take steps to remove them.

1. Check Visible Wires

Remember that your AC unit is an electrical system. If the flow of electricity is disrupted, your whole system may stop working. For this reason, technicians always examine visible wires for signs of wear. If they find anything suspicious, they’ll safely turn off the power and make recommendations for repair.

1. Inspect Condenser Unit

Before turning on your air conditioning system, a technician will visually inspect the outdoor condenser unit. They’ll check for debris and damage on the condenser coils. They’ll also make sure there are no missing external panels.

1. Check Blower Fan

It’s important to ensure that your blower fan’s blades are clear of any debris and in proper condition. If the technician notices any visible debris on the blades of the blower fan, they’ll wipe it clean. Additionally, they’ll tighten the mounting bolts and lubricate the motor if needed.

1. Change your AC Filter

Regularly changing your air conditioner’s filter is the easiest way to lower energy costs and extend the life of your system. High-quality filters also capture allergens, removing them from the air that you and your family breathe each day. During your maintenance appointment, the technician will change your air filter. They may also recommend you change it every 3 months while it’s in use.

How Do I Turn the Air On?

To turn on the AC, you’ll first need to locate your home’s wall thermostat. For most central air systems, the process is easy. Simply move the switch on your thermostat from “Heat” to “Cool”. If your system was off entirely, you may need to move the switch from “Off” to “Cool” instead.

If your system doesn’t start up right away, it’s likely because the temperature is set to something higher than what’s in the room. Turn the thermostat to 5 degrees below the indoor temperature and wait a few minutes to ensure your system is working properly.

Once you turn your system on, be sure to close any open windows to conserve energy. Additionally, if you have a programmable thermostat, you should set a cooling schedule to save energy while you’re away from the house.

Switching From Heat to Air Conditioning

With unpredictable weather on the rise, it’s not uncommon to wake up chilly only for it to be stuffy by the afternoon. In these cases, you may need to switch directly from heat to air conditioning. While it’s perfectly fine to switch your thermostat from heat to air conditioning, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to protect your HVAC equipment.

Before switching from heat to cool, let your system complete its heating cycle. Once the cycle is done, and your HVAC unit is quiet, switch your thermostat to “Off” and wait five minutes. This will give the refrigerant in your unit the chance to return to a normal pressure, which can prevent compressor issues and blown fuses. After a few minutes, you can safely move the switch from “Off” to “Heat”.

Keep in mind that it’s better to adjust the temperature a few degrees at a time. Drastic temperature changes can cause your system to overwork itself, leading to issues and breakdowns.

Keep Your Air Conditioning Running Strong

If you want your air conditioner to treat you right, you have to treat it right first! A well-maintained air conditioner will provide clean, comfortable air while saving you money and avoiding preventable breakdowns.

Roth Home is here to help you make your system as efficient, effective, and affordable as possible. Before summer arrives, contact our team to schedule your annual AC maintenance in Portland!