Change Your Air Filter
Before you fire up the AC, make sure it’s running on a fresh air filter for a fresh new season. We recommend choosing a high quality air filter rated to remove both allergens and microorganisms. Find your old air filter in the slot above, below, or beside your AC unit. Remove the old filter and fold it into a trash bag without releasing too many of the particles it has captured. Your will need a new air filter anywhere from one a month to one every six to nine months.
When you place the new air filter, make sure the arrows are pointing in the right direction. Indications on the cabinetry and the filter slot should line up. If you’re not sure, point the arrows on the filter toward the AC unit, assuming air is flowing inward.
Give Your AC a Test Run
Before that first hot day, give your AC a test run. Turn it on and set the temp so that it starts cooling. Hold your hand up to one of the room vents to make sure it is blowing cold air. Use the sniff-test to tell you if anything tried to grow in your ductwork. Listen to the sounds and pay attention to any smells. In most cases, you will perceive nothing but a low, steady roar from the HVAC, a soft whoosh from the vents, and otherwise nothing at all. If all has gone well, then your AC should be in good condition and will be ready for the new season. And if there is a perceptible concern, this gives you plenty of time to arrange for repairs.
Test Your Home Air Quality
Once you run the AC have your home air tested for dust content and microbiology. From spores to bacteria, it’s important to know what’s coming through your vents. Especially since some of the machinery hasn’t been functional for a few months. Home air quality testing can ensure that your HVAC is blowing safe, clean air, that your filters are in good shape, and that your home will be safe when you switch on the AC in the upcoming warm days.
You can get a home testing kit – that is then sent to a third party lab – or work with your HVAC repair and maintenance service. An HVAC team can connect you with air testing and many offer air testing which is then sent to a third-party lab. When the results come back, you can see if you have an abnormal amount of dust, mold spores, and so on – or if your air quality at home is nicely clean.
Have the Entire Unit Inspected
It’s a good idea to call for an AC inspection before you fire up the unit for full-time cooling. Make sure the coolant is topped up, the fans are in good condition, and the thermostat is ready to go. They may offer cleaning services if you don’t want to be careful about cleaning the coils. Have an inspector take a look at your AC unit and give you a health-check. They will either tell you that the AC is clean and in great condition or they will explain and enact the right steps to get your AC in ship shape. If you need repairs, they will repair your AC – something great to have taken care of before Spring officially begins.
Clean the Ducts and Vents
The last thing before starting your AC is to take a little time for your vents and ducts. The first gust of air from your AC vents will be awfully dusty if it’s been down all winter. Take a duster to your vents and if you feel it, take off your vents and clean out your ducts as well. A quick and thorough dusting will significantly reduce the dust in your air on that first warm Spring day when it’s time to turn on the AC.
During cold weather is the perfect time to get your heater tuned up for winter performance and your AC prepared for the next seasonal change. Contact us today to schedule your HVAC maintenance service for optimum performance all year long.
The guys in the yellow booties are here for all your air conditioner repair needs, along with expert swamp cooler conversions. Look to the pros if you have any questions about converting to refrigerated air conditioning with SoBellas Home Services of El Paso, Texas. Call us with questions like, how much does refrigerated air cost or anything about El Paso refrigerated air conversion.
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