What To Do Before Turning on Your A/C

Written on: April 25, 2022

Can Your System Handle the Summer Heat?

central air service connecticutWe’re all excited that, after a few false starts, the weather in western Connecticut is finally warming up. While longer days and blooming flowers are great, this region can go from comfortably warm to sweltering hot in the blink of an eye.

The spring is an excellent time to prepare your home cooling systems for the hot weather ahead. At Seymour Oil & Propane, we know a few simple steps homeowners can take to ensure their air conditioning can handle the heat.

We recommend you take these steps now, before you need your A/C to run at full capacity.

1. Check Your Thermostat

If your thermostat is battery-powered, it’s a good idea to change its batteries if they’re over six months old. You should also run a wiring test: set the thermostat to a new temperature and see if the A/C clicks on.

2. Change Your Air Filter

When your air filter is clogged, it impedes airflow and forces your cooling equipment to work harder. On average, a home should change its air filter every three months (closer to once a month if you have a pet).

3. Clear Your Outdoor Condenser Unit

Your condenser unit should always be clear of leaves, branches and sundry debris, all of which likely collected through the winter and early spring. Toss on some gloves and pull everything off and away from your unit. Also, ensure that its panels are in place and secure.

4. Inspect Your Ducts and Air Vents

For peak cooling performance, you want your ductwork to be free of holes and tears. Cool air can leak from there before reaching your living space, so check any exposed ductwork for damage.

It’s also wise to look closely at your air vents to ensure they aren’t obstructed by furniture, curtains, rugs, etc. This is an excellent time to give them a quick dusting.

5. Test-Run Your A/C

Make sure your system is powered on, and you’ve set your thermostat to “cool.” Then, lower the temperature and turn the thermostat to “on.” Confirm that the fan inside your condenser is running and sounds normal. The air coming out from your condenser should be warm. After about 15 minutes, step back inside and confirm that steady cool air is flowing from your vents.

6. Call In the Pros for Full Tune-Up

If you’re concerned that your home’s cooling system isn’t working effectively — or if you haven’t had routine maintenance in a while — the expert technicians at Seymour Oil & Propane can put your mind at ease. Our team has the skills and experience to keep your A/C running smoothly and efficiently.

We also offer an Air Conditioning Service Plan that protects you from breakdowns, pricy repair bills and energy inefficiency. Each plan comes with an annual tune-up and 10% off parts & labor. Our 15-point A/C maintenance guarantees that you have optimal home comfort all summer long!

For over 20 years, we’ve served Connecticut homes with expert service and high-quality fuel. Contact us to become a customer today!