The P. Gagnon & Son Blog

11 Steps To Take Before You Turn On The A/C

A/C spring maintenance maine

Since Memorial Day has passed, summer has unofficially started. That means warm, summery weather is (hopefully) on the way to the Seacoast region of Maine and New Hampshire.

Soon, you will be turning on your air conditioner to keep your home cool and comfortable. But before you do that, there are some things you need to do to make sure it is ready for the job.

We’ve put together 11 things you need to do now so the A/C runs efficiently all summer long.

Start at the thermostat

Replace the batteries if you haven’t changed them in more than 6 months. Test it to see if it turns on when you set it to a new temperature. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, we sell and install them. You can save more than 10% on your heating and cooling costs by using a programmable thermostat!

Inspect any visible ductwork

Check for holes, wear, and tears. Those can be a source of leaks which cause the A/C system to work inefficiently, driving up your energy costs.

Inspect the air vents

Go around your home and look closely at the air vents. Make sure air flow around them is not obstructed by furniture, curtains, or other items. Take the time to dust them so that dust isn’t blown around your home when the A/C kicks on.

Inspect the circuits

Make sure electrical connections are on.

Change the air filter

The average-sized home, with no pets, should have its air filter changed at least every three months. If you have pets, or if people in your home have allergies or health conditions like asthma, COPD, or emphysema, you have to change the filter more often, possibly once a month.

Inspect the outdoor condenser unit

Leaves, sticks, litter, and other debris have collected around and on the unit over winter and early spring. Clear anything off and away from the condenser unit. Make sure all panels are there and secure.

Inspect the drain line

Look by the indoor cooling coil for the drain line. Dirt can build up in the drain line over time, creating a clog. If you see it is clogged, contact us for a service call.

Inspect the outdoor wiring

Be careful when looking closely. If you see any wear or damage to the wiring, DO NOT turn on the A/C system. Contact us for a service call

Inspect the refrigerant lines

Look closely. They should be insulated and the insulation should be intact. If you see anything wrong, contact us.

Turn on the A/C

Check that the power is turned on at the A/C unit. Set the thermostat to “cool,” lower the temperature to where you want it, and turn the thermostat to the “on” setting. Go outside to check that the fan inside the condenser is working, and that it sounds normal. Feel above the unit to make sure the air being taken out is warm. Let the system run for 15 to 20 minutes, then go indoors and check that the air is being cooled.

Check the age of your air conditioning system

The average life expectancy of a central A/C system is 12 to 15 years. If your home’s A/C system is in that age range, or older, it’s time to plan an upgrade to a new, more efficient air conditioning system that can save you up to 40% on your cooling costs. We’ll help you choose the right one for your home, and expertly install it.

Don’t DIY — Leave this to P. Gagnon & Son!

If you don’t have time or don’t feel comfortable doing maintenance on your home’s air conditioning, there’s no reason to! Our A/C service technicians are trained and experienced to take good care of your home’s air conditioning system.

Our maintenance service on your central air conditioning system includes making sure everything is cleaned and lubricated, assessing and testing all parts of your system, and fixing anything that needs fixing.

Regular professional maintenance like what P. Gagnon & Son provides may be required to keep your A/C system’s warranty in effect.

P. Gagnon & Son has the skilled technicians on-hand to make sure your home’s air conditioning is in good running order. Contact us today to schedule a tune-up!