6 Key Tips to Prepare for Spring Air Conditioning 

Spring has sprung!

We’ve officially left the winter months behind us and the warm days are fast approaching.  As we prepare  for another HOT St. Louis Summer, it’s important to know a few tips to get ready for the season.  No one wants to find out the first warm day of the year that their A/C isn’t  up to the task.  

Here are a few things to keep in mind so that when the hot, humid weather arrives, you’re ready.

  1. Inspect your outdoor air conditioner before startup.  If you keep your A/C covered during the winter months, make sure to remove the cover before use.  
    • Covering your A/C is a great way to prevent sticks, leaves, and other debris from getting into your unit when it’s not in use.  It’s an especially great deterrent from a stick or limb lodging itself in the fan shroud.  In the same way a lodged stick can burn up a fan motor, failing to remove the cover before startup could damage components and create expensive repairs before ever using your system. 
  2. Make sure the fuse or breaker is in the “ON” position  at your electrical panel.  Some homeowners prefer to turn off power to the outdoor unit so the A/C can’t run unintentionally during the winter.  This is an easy thing to forget months later when you’re ready to cool down.
  3. Check the air filter at your indoor unit.  A dirty air filter will drastically reduce the efficiency of your air conditioner as it struggles to circulate the cold air.  This will drive up your energy costs through the season and put undue stress on your equipment.
  4. Hose off the air conditioner and remove loose debris.  The same principle of a dirty air filter applies to your A/C.  If the outside coils are dirty, air cannot effectively move through the system and will cause avoidable inefficiency.  
    • Use a low pressure hose (no more pressure than a finger over the nozzle) to wash away the debris and keep your A/C running at its best.
  5. Turn off your humidifier.  Humidifiers should be installed in a way that prevents their operation during the cooling season, but some are not.  Turn the humidity control all the way down and if your humidifier has a damper, close that as well.  This will ensure no cold air is wasted.
  6. Schedule to have Spring maintenance performed.  Allow a trained professional to take these steps to prolong the life of your A/C unit and keep it running efficiently.  
    • Procedures like checking the refrigerant charge and inspecting motors and other components for wear will prevent breakdowns.  Doing preventative maintenance is a great way to save money throughout the season and gain peace of mind.  
    • PRO TIP: Ask about our “Maintenance Agreement” for year-round service as well as discounts on parts, products, and labor.
It’s absolutely essential to have an expert team on your side as you prepare for each season in St. Louis. Contact Kirkwood Heating & A/C to schedule your spring maintenance at 314-968-3453 or email us at info@kirkwoodheating.com