Getting Your Air Conditioner Ready for Spring and Summer

[Enrique Jevons]

Summer is here, and with it comes increased demand on your air conditioning system. To ensure your home stays cool and comfortable throughout the hottest months, it’s important to verify that your A/C is running efficiently. Proactive seasonal maintenance not only improves performance but also helps avoid costly breakdowns during peak usage. Here are practical steps to get your system ready for the summer ahead:

Understand Your System's Capacity

Most air conditioners are designed to cool your home to approximately 20 degrees below the outdoor temperature. For example, if it’s 100°F outside, the system can reasonably cool your interior to around 80°F.

Consistent Usage Helps Performance

Rather than turning off your A/C while away and blasting it when you return, it’s more effective to keep it running at a moderate temperature throughout the day. This prevents the unit from overworking to compensate for accumulated heat.

Essential Maintenance Tasks

- Check Thermostat Batteries: Weak or dead batteries can prevent your system from operating correctly

- Clear Air Vents: Remove any covers and ensure vents are not blocked by furniture or other obstructions

- Replace the Air Filter: A clogged filter drastically reduces efficiency. Replace it with the correct size refer to the existing filter for specifications or bring it with you to the store

- Test the System: Run your A/C before the first heat wave hits to catch any issues early

Troubleshooting Common Issues

- System Won’t Turn On: Try resetting the circuit breaker and any GFCI outlets before assuming the unit is faulty

- Blowing Warm Air: This could indicate low refrigerant (Freon) levels, though remember the 20-degree cooling limit when evaluating performance

Report Issues Promptly

If you experience any problems, notify your property management team as soon as possible. HVAC technicians are in high demand during the summer, so early reporting increases the chance of prompt resolution.