You probably know how vital air conditioning in Charleston, SC, is. The hot and aggressive summers, averaging in the high 80s, demand a working HVAC system. While you might be inclined to turn on the air conditioner on the first day of summer, hold that thought. The system might have developed some complications during winter.
Instead, turn on the air conditioner before this summer to ensure your space stays cool and comfortable when needed. Read on to learn why turning on the HVAC before summer matters and how to get it right.
How to Prepare Your Air Conditioner for Summer
If you don’t know what to do before turning on your AC after winter, the following steps will guide you:
Mind the Timing
It matters when to turn on the AC in your house. It’s easy to turn it on immediately after summer dawns. That shouldn’t be the case. Instead, we recommend turning it on before summer to reap several benefits that you’ll soon find out.
Switch Off the Power
Over 4,000 people suffer non-fatal electrocutions annually. Before assessing or performing any maintenance work on your AC unit, switch off the power or unplug the electric cords. You’ll work peacefully knowing you’ve eliminated the risk of electrical shocks or accidents.
Assess the Air Filters
When your AC unit lies dormant over the winter, dust, dirt, allergens, and other debris, collect in the air filters. If left unchecked, these accumulations can affect the performance of your unit. Not to mention they’ll cause poor air quality throughout your space.
Before summer starts or before turning the AC on, check and replace your air filters to improve airflow and air quality in your home. Under normal circumstances, you should replace your AC unit’s air filter every 90 days. However, in this case, you should replace the air filters before using the unit.
Check Your Outdoor Unit
Assessing your AC unit also includes checking the outdoor unit. The entire unit must work harmoniously for efficient and optimal performance.
- Check and clear any debris, leaves, or twigs that may have accumulated around the outdoor unit over the winter.
- Assess the general condition of the system.
- Check visible cables, wires, and coolant lines that might have frozen and been damaged during the cold season.
- Ensure that the unit doesn’t have any loose or worn-out components.
- Proceed to reattach or realign the unit panels.
- Check for any damage or wear and tear.
Test the Unit
Once you’ve completed all the necessary maintenance checks, it’s time to test the unit. Turn the power back on and connect the power cords. We recommend turning on your air conditioner and testing it out. Ensure the airflow is strong and adequate to cool your home effectively.
Work with a Charleston, SC, Air Conditioning Expert
Assessing your AC unit can be challenging. The unit has several components that need scrutiny, including health and safety risks.
If you’re uncomfortable with performing maintenance or repairs on your AC, let a Charleston, SC, air conditioning expert help you. They can help you assess the unit’s condition and perform necessary maintenance and repairs to ensure it runs efficiently and effectively.
Why You Should Turn On the Air Conditioner Before Summer in Charleston, SC
Several benefits come with turning on your AC after winter but before summer:
Improved Air Quality
Dust, dirt, allergens, and other pollutants can accumulate in your home in winter. These accumulations can cause poor air quality and pose a health risk if left unchecked. While spring cleaning can clear most of it, you can’t eliminate the minute particles in the air.
Turning on your air conditioning early circulates air throughout your home, removing dust, allergens, and other pollutants from the air. By the first day of summer, you’ll be breathing quality air.
Increased Energy Efficiency
A dormant AC unit is a hub for dust, debris, and other contaminants accumulating in the system’s filters, ducts, and coils. This build-up can reduce airflow, resulting in inefficient energy usage and high costs.
Turning the AC on before summer allows it to warm up and gradually reach its optimal performance level. This will enable it to work more efficiently, providing consistent and efficient cooling throughout summer. It doesn’t have to work as hard to cool your home, resulting in less energy usage and cost savings.
Detect Complications Early
Can you imagine turning on your AC a few days into summer when the heat is sweltering, only to discover the system has several defective components? How disappointing and inconveniencing!
Turning on the AC for the first after winter but before summer can help you detect any malfunctions or defects that may have developed during the winter months.
Running your AC system early ensures you identify and address malfunctions before they become more significant and costly.
Longer Air Conditioning Lifespan
The first time turning on your central AC after the winter gives it the head start it needs on its workload. The U.S. Department of Energy confirms that your central AC lasts 15 to 20 years. But it can only last that long with regular use, maintaining smooth operations, and avoiding wear and tear caused by sudden temperature changes. Turning the AC before summer and early preparation helps prolong your AC unit’s lifespan.
Save Costs
Turning on your AC after a long period of disuse may take a while to reach its optimal performance level. Waiting until summer to turn on your AC means working harder to achieve the desired temperature and needing more time to cool your space.
This can result in higher energy bills. Instead, please turn it on early so it can warm up and gradually reach its optimal and efficient performance level faster. Additionally, you’ll detect defects early, saving you on high energy and repair costs.
Peace of Mind
Knowing that your AC works efficiently and optimally before the summer will give you much-needed peace of mind and heart. Knowing that your space and everyone in it will be cool and comfy in the sweltering heat gives you peace.
Your Air Conditioning Professionals in Charleston, SC
Turning on your air conditioning system before summer is brilliant for every homeowner in Charleston, SC. If it’s the first time turning on your AC after winter, you can avoid potential problems and reap several benefits. And if you need any help installing, repairing, or what to do before turning on your AC after winter, Smoak’s Comfort Control is here for you.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Please don’t wait until it’s too late to prepare your system for the summer.