Test Your A/C Before You Stress It

Beat the summer rush by testing your air conditioner in the spring.

Every year when we get our first hot day in Central Pennsylvania, countless air conditioning systems fail to provide cooling. You might not be ready to turn the A/C on for the season, but it’s a great idea to test it on a warm spring day well before the temperatures soar.

The test must be done on a day that’s warm enough for the air conditioner to provide cooling; anything over 70° Fahrenheit should suffice. First, make certain the outdoor unit is free and clear of any obstruction before turning the A/C on. By not removing an outdoor unit cover before turning the system on can result in a failed compressor. It’s also a great idea to check and change the indoor air filter as needed. Lastly make sure supply and return vents are open and free of obstructions. If you have high/low return grilles on interior walls, the upper should be open in the summer and the lower closed.

Now you’re ready to test your air conditioning. Set your thermostat to cooling and a temperature lower than what it’s currently reading in your home, if the thermostat shows 70° inside turn the A/C down to 68°. Once on, listen to how the air conditioner runs, observe general operation, and feel for cool air being supplied.

The start of summer is the busiest time of year for HVAC companies. By testing the air conditioner in the spring, you’ll hopefully be able to verify operation or ensure repairs can be made prior to the summer rush.

If you’re unsure about any of these items, need your air conditioning system professionally maintained or repaired – give Zimmerman Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning a call to schedule service at (717)697-3528 or email us at plumber@ezimmerman.com.