Firing Up Your Cincinnati Air Conditioner for the First Time

If you haven’t already given in to the hotter temperatures, there’s no denying you’ll be starting up your Cincinnati air conditioner for the first time soon. Unfortunately, the first AC use of the season can be a shock for some – the air conditioner won’t start!

There are some steps you can take to lessen your chances of experiencing such a shock this season. Set your home or business up for a summer full of cool comfort by prepping your cooling system before it’s time to use it.

Preventative Air Conditioning Maintenance

Want to avoid surprise air conditioner performance problems and improve your system’s efficiency? Preventative AC maintenance is your best bet – your NATE-certified air conditioner technician will tune up essential components and evaluate the system, looking for flaws which could hinder performance once it’s time to start using your air conditioner. Having a skilled eye provide your cooling system the TLC it needs pre-season will keep it running smoothly and efficiently.

Inspect Air Conditioning Equipment

In addition to professional air conditioning preventative maintenance, you should inspect your cooling system components prior to turning it on for the first time. Often, preventative maintenance is performed early in the spring, leaving a bit of time between your tune-up and system use – it never hurts to give your AC another check!

Indoor Cooling Equipment

• Thermostat: Replace batteries or check hard-wired electrical connection to ensure the thermostat has power. Switch your programmable thermostat to its programmed cooling schedules – review the schedules to make sure they still fit the needs of the household or business.
• Ductwork: Visually inspect accessible or exposed ductwork for disconnections, gaps, or wear. These issues cause your system to lose efficiency, and require repair for optimal performance.
• Indoor vents: Make sure nothing is blocking the registers and return air grills throughout your home – blockages could hinder airflow, harming your system
• Drain line: Your condensate drain line must be free of clogs to perform properly. Flush the drain line by pouring a cup of chlorine bleach through the drain line, followed by a gallon of water – this will help prevent clogs throughout the summer.
• Air filter: Before the start of cooling season, replace your disposable filter with a new one, or clean your reusable filter.
• Power source: Check the switch next to the air handler, and breakers to ensure your unit has power.

Outdoor Cooling Equipment

• Condenser: Clear away all debris which has built up around or on the condenser – this material could restrict airflow. Trim away vegetation growing around the unit.
• Refrigerant lines: Take a look at your refrigerant lines to ensure their insulation is in good shape. Insulation allows the system to perform more efficiently.
• Wiring: Wiring to the outdoor unit could be damaged by the elements or pests over the off season. Check that connections are intact, no wiring is exposed, and its insulation is in good shape. If you notice issues, have them repaired.
• Power source: Make sure the switch to your outdoor unit is set to ‘on’.

Need help getting your Cincinnati air conditioner into summer shape? The NATE-certified air conditioner technicians of Nelson Comfort are available to lend a hand. Schedule our air conditioner preventative maintenance tune-up now, or call us for quick, reliable repairs to your cooling system.

About The Author

Dan Detmer

Dan Detmer is the owner of Nelson Comfort. Dan was born into the heating and cooling industry, coming from a family of well respected HVAC contractors in Dayton, Ohio. After working in the family business, Dan decided to work for a local HVAC wholesale business helping local contractors grow their business. When he felt his heart moving him back into the residential and light commercial business, Dan joined the Mortimer Heating & Cooling team in Cincinnati, where he had called home and become part of the community for several years. After a short period of time Dan purchased the company and created what is today, Nelson Comfort. Today he operates a company based on integrity, honesty, and stellar customer service. If you have any questions feel free to tweet (at sign) NelsonComfort and we will get right back with you!