The worst time to find out your AC has a problem is the first 100-degree week of the year, when every HVAC company is booked. A little prep in spring goes a long way.
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When to do it
Aim for March through May, before the heat arrives. Contractors have more open appointments, and small problems can be fixed before they become emergencies.
Easy checks you can do yourself
- Replace the air filter. Put a reminder on your phone to check it monthly during summer.
- Clear around the outdoor unit. Keep about 2 feet clear of plants, leaves, trash cans and stored items so it can breathe.
- Rinse the outdoor coil gently. Turn the power off at the outdoor disconnect first, then use a garden hose (not a pressure washer) to rinse dust and debris off the fins.
- Check the drain line. Look for water around the indoor unit or a full drain pan.
- Test the thermostat. Replace the batteries, set your summer schedule, and run the AC for 15 minutes on a warm day to make sure cold air comes out.
- Open supply vents and make sure furniture is not blocking them.
What a professional tune-up should include
- Checking the refrigerant charge and looking for leaks
- Testing electrical parts, including the capacitor and contactor
- Cleaning or inspecting the indoor and outdoor coils
- Clearing the condensate drain
- Measuring airflow and temperature drop across the coil
- Checking the thermostat and safety controls
Ask the contractor for a written list of what they checked and anything they recommend. You never have to approve extra work on the spot.
Signs you should not wait
- The system is more than 10 years old and has not been serviced in a while
- Last summer, some rooms never got comfortable
- Your electric bill jumped with no change in use
- Strange noises, smells or short cycling
Need a licensed pro?
Want a pre-summer tune-up from a licensed local contractor? Call and we will connect you for free.
Valley HVAC Network is a free referral service, not an HVAC contractor. All work is done by independent contractors licensed by the California CSLB. Learn how it works.
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