7 Things To Do Before You Turn On Your AC This Season
As warmer weather approaches here in the Denver-Boulder area, it’s a good idea to take a little time to get your air conditioning system ready for the season. We see it every year. The first hot stretch hits, systems fire up, and that’s when hidden issues tend to show up.
A little preparation now can help your AC run more efficiently, reduce the chances of unexpected breakdowns, and keep your home comfortable when you need it most.
Here are a few simple but important steps to take before turning your AC on for the season.
1. Replace or Clean Your Air Filter
This is one of the easiest and most important things you can do. A dirty or clogged filter restricts airflow, which forces your system to work harder than it should.
In many of the homes we service, poor airflow caused by a neglected filter is one of the most common issues we find at the start of cooling season. A clean filter helps improve efficiency, protects key components like the indoor cooling coil, and reduces unnecessary wear on your system.
Related post: MERV Ratings and Furnace Air Filter Efficiency
2. Clear Debris Around the Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor AC unit tends to collect leaves, dirt, and debris during the off-season, especially with spring winds along the Front Range. Before starting the system, take a few minutes to clear the area around it.
Good airflow around the unit is essential. If the system is blocked or dirty, it can affect performance and efficiency right from the start.
3. Check Your Thermostat Settings
Before turning your system on, switch your thermostat to cooling mode and set it to your desired temperature. If your thermostat runs on batteries, replacing them now is a simple step that can prevent issues later.
We’ve had plenty of service calls over the years that came down to something this simple.
4. Inspect Vents and Registers
Take a quick walk through your home and make sure all supply and return vents are open and not blocked by furniture, rugs, or other items.
We often find that comfort issues inside the home are tied to restricted airflow. Keeping vents clear helps your system deliver more even, consistent cooling throughout the house.
5. Schedule Professional AC Maintenance
Annual maintenance is one of the best ways to keep your AC system running smoothly. During a tune-up, a technician will clean key components, inspect the system, and test overall performance.
Our technicians take a thorough approach to maintenance, helping to identify small issues before they turn into no-cooling calls during peak summer heat. It’s a proactive step that improves efficiency and helps extend the life of your system.
What does AC maintenance involve?
6. Check for Signs of Wear or Damage
Before starting your system, take a moment to look things over. Check both the indoor and outdoor equipment for anything that seems out of place, worn, or damaged.
If something doesn’t look right, it’s better to address issues early. Small issues often become larger problems once the system is running regularly.
7. Make Sure Your System Is Ready for Increased Demand
As homes change over time, so do their cooling needs. Additions, new appliances, or simply aging equipment can all affect how your system performs.
Here in the Denver-Boulder area, we work with a wide range of home styles and system setups, which makes proper evaluation important. Making sure your system is ready for the demands of the season helps maintain comfort and reliability when temperatures rise.
Your Denver-Boulder AC Comfort Experts
Our team works with trusted manufacturers like Lennox and Mitsubishi, known for high-quality, dependable equipment. Whether you need a simple maintenance visit or a more in-depth evaluation, our approach is always the same. We take the time to assess your system carefully, explain what we’re seeing, and provide clear, low-pressure recommendations.
If you’d like a professional set of eyes on your system before the heat arrives, we’d be glad to help you get ready for the season. Contact us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I replace my AC filter?
It depends on your home and usage, but we generally recommend checking your filter monthly during the cooling season and replacing it as needed.
Do I really need AC maintenance every year?
In most cases, yes. Annual maintenance helps improve efficiency, reduce wear on your system, and lower the chances of unexpected breakdowns, especially during peak summer conditions.
What happens if I turn on my AC without preparing it?
Your system may still run, but it could operate less efficiently or develop problems that could have been avoided with a few simple checks ahead of time.
