Mother Nature has already flipped the “on” switch, are you ready to do it? Spring is here. Buds are growing on trees and bushes. Birds are singing, and the weather is getting warmer. Before too long, it’s going to get uncomfortably warm. Will your cooling system be ready?

Many people think that simply means switching your air conditioner on. However, Tragar Home Services wants you to know that if you want your cooling system to run properly this year and to continue to run for years to come, there are steps you should take every year before cooling your home.

5 Things You Should Know Before Turning on Your Air Conditioning

1. Check Your Air Conditioner’s Filters

1This is an easy task that any homeowner can do, but it’s critically important to the health of your air conditioning. According to the US Department of Energy, clogged, dirty filters will block your cooling system’s airflow, which will reduce the system’s efficiency. Replacing your dirty filter can actually lower your energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent. If you own a central air conditioner, your filter is usually located somewhere along the return duct’s length. If you can’t find it, contact Tragar. We’ll help you find it.

2. Make Sure Your Vents Are Clear

Clearing your vent is the best way to keep the air in your home clean, and this will also save you money and keep your home energy efficient. If you want to clean your vents yourself, the website “How Stuff Works” says you can do it with a heavy duty vacuum, broom, and a cleaning brush as well as a screwdriver to remove the air duct covers. Vacuum the ducts as thoroughly as possible. It’s also a good idea to have your ducts professionally cleaned by Tragar.

3. Clear Your Condensing Unit

This is important for all central air systems since a lot can happen to your outdoor condenser unit over the winter. Winter weather can blow all sorts of debris into the condenser. Dirt, leaves, sticks, and trash can make your central air system less efficient and prevent it from working properly. It’s essential that you inspect your outdoor condenser unit before restarting your central air every spring or summer. Also, check to make sure the exterior panels of the condenser aren’t loose or missing.

4. Make Sure Your Thermostat is Working Correctly

Spring is the time of year you switch your thermostat from heat to cool, and you want the transition to go smoothly. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, you should start with the basics by making sure the thermostat is set to “AC” or “cool” and not still in the heating mode. Check the batteries and replace them and then test the thermostat to see if the cooling system is running. We recommend a programmable thermostat like the iComfort smart Thermostat, available from Tragar.

5. Have Tragar Do Air Conditioning Startup Services

You can lengthen the life of your cooling system and prevent problems from popping up by having Tragar do our annual air conditioning maintenance.

The Services We Provide & The Parts We Check

1. Belt tension
2. CFM across your evaporator coils
3. Compressor contactor
4. Drain condensate lines
5. Evaporator superheat
6. Operating pressure
7. Pressure switch setting
8. Voltage to meter and wiring
9. Clean drain lines
10. All moving parts are lubricated

Tragar will keep your cooling system running all year round. Contact us today to get started/.