Spring in the Ozarks doesn’t ease on in! One week you’re running the heat, and the next week, you’re turning on the AC because it got up to 80 degrees outside. In all likelihood, that first flip of your thermostat from “heat to cool” will be here sooner rather than later. If your AC hasn’t been touched since last fall, it’s probably time to consider the transition.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, neglecting basic AC maintenance leads to a steady decline in performance and higher energy use. A little attention now saves you from a super-warm house and an expensive repair call in June.
Start with the filter
This is the easiest thing you can do, and it makes a bigger difference than most people realize. A clogged filter restricts airflow, forces your system to work harder, and can cause the evaporator coil to ice over. Before you switch to cooling mode, check your filter. If it’s been in there since last fall, replace it. Our post on 6 Important Reasons to Change Your Furnace Filters Regularly breaks down exactly why this step matters year-round.
Check the outdoor unit
Head outdoors, walk around your unit, and take a look. Clear away any leaves, sticks, or debris that piled up around the base. Make sure nothing is pressing against it like shrubs, last year’s dead plant growth, or whatever might have ended up there. You want at least two feet of clearance on all sides for proper airflow.
Give the unit a visual once-over too. Bent fins, obvious damage, or anything that looks off is worth flagging before you ever turn the system on.
Run it before you need it
Don’t wait for the first hot day to find out something’s wrong. On a mild spring afternoon, flip your thermostat to cool and let the system run for a full cycle. Listen for anything unusual, such as rattling, grinding, or a system that runs but doesn’t seem to cool. Check that air is coming out of your vents at a reasonable volume and temperature.
If the system doesn’t kick on at all, check the circuit breaker first. If it runs but struggles, that’s a call to make now. You don’t want to make that call in the middle of July!
What to watch for on that first run
- Weak airflow from vents (usually a filter or duct issue)
- Warm air blowing instead of cool (could be low refrigerant)
- Ice forming on refrigerant lines or the evaporator coil (often a sign of restricted airflow or refrigerant problems)
- Unusual noises at startup (worth a professional look)
Any of these symptoms means something needs attention before the heat sets in.
Consider a tune-up
Even if everything seems fine, a professional maintenance visit before cooling season is money well spent. A technician will check refrigerant levels, inspect coils, test electrical connections, and make sure the system is ready to handle a Missouri summer. Jerry’s services Trane, Goodman, and Daikin systems, so whatever you’re running, we can get it ready.
For a more complete pre-season walkthrough, check out our Spring HVAC Maintenance Checklist.If you have any questions about your HVAC system, please get in touch with us today.