As temperatures rise, you’ll soon be relying heavily on your air conditioner. Since it’s been idle all winter, you’ll need to take a few steps to prime it for regular use. Along with scheduling an inspection with an HVAC contractor, use the following guide to prep your AC for spring.

Do:

Replace or wash the filter.

Dirty filters inhibit airflow, preventing the AC from running efficiently. For problems like high energy bills or poor air quality, a clean filter is often the solution. If you don’t know whether to clean or replace it, ask your HVAC contractor. Because they know the system, they can give a more accurate recommendation for how often you should change it.

Clean the condensate drain line.

The drain line is usually a thin, white PVC pipe that is connected to the indoor unit and leads outside of the house. It’s responsible for emptying the condensation that builds up during the cooling process. Without regular maintenance, it can develop clogs that lead to long-term problems like mold and corrosion. You can check for clogs by looking at the drain pan under the indoor unit. Any standing water indicates a clog. To clear it, slowly pour about a quarter cup of distilled vinegar down the drain line. If that doesn’t flush it out or you’re unsure how to access this line, contact an HVAC contractor.

Don’t:

Ignore dust and debris.

Before replacing the air conditioner filter, make sure the unit is clear of dust. Incorporate cleaning the vent grilles and registers into your vacuuming routine. The same goes for the outdoor unit as well. Rake up or blow away any leaves that may have accumulated around it.

Use the same old thermostat.

If your old thermostat isn’t programmable, invest in a new one. Modern models are more energy efficient because they allow you to adjust the temperatures to automatically and accurately reflect occupancy. During late spring and summer, HVAC contractors recommend raising the heat on your AC when you aren’t home; that way, it won’t run as often.

If you need help with any of AC maintenance tasks, call Thomaston Oil at (860) 283-4878. Serving both Thomaston and Bristol, CT, these HVAC contractors are known for their expertise and dedication. To learn more about their heating and cooling or oil delivery services, visit their website.