10 Things To Do Before You Turn On Your Air Conditioner

Believe it or not, summer is just a few weeks away – and with us spending as much time indoors as we will be in the weeks ahead here in New Jersey, it’s important to make sure your air conditioner is ready for action.

Here are 10 simple steps you can take to inspect the different parts of your system to be sure your air conditioning will work when you need it (of course, the best way to do that is to schedule routine air conditioning maintenance with our cooling system experts – contact us today to schedule an appointment).

Pre-flight checklist for your cooling system

Start with your thermostat in the “off” position, with the temperature set to 80 degrees.

Then:

• Examine your thermostat. If your thermostat has a digital display, make sure you can see it; if you can’t, try replacing the batteries. If your thermostat is an older model, it could be time to replace it with an easy to use programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat, which can save you 10 percent or more on your heating and cooling bills.
• Check any exposed ductwork for wear. You could be losing as much as 15 percent of the air you pay to cool through leaks in your ductwork; look for obvious signs of wear and tear, and consider professional duct sealing if you notice your cooling bill rising.
• Check air vents around the home. Remove any items that could block airflow, such as curtains, furniture or any other impediment.
• Change your air filter. The filter should be checked one a month during cooling season, then changed (or cleaned, depending on the model) as needed. Clogged air filters cause your central air conditioner to overwork, leading to higher bills and more frequent breakdowns.
• Check circuit breakers. Be sure electricity is being supplied to the air conditioner.
• Be sure the power is turned “on” at the A/C’s indoor unit.
• Inspect the outdoor condenser unit. Make sure the outdoor unit of your air conditioner is free from leaves, vines or debris. Also check for any missing panels, which electrical connections.
• Inspect refrigerant lines. Refrigerant lines should be insulated, and there should be no signs of fluid leaks. Repairs to the insulation or refrigerant lines should always be done by a professional.
• Look for problem wiring. If you see damaged or worn wiring, call a professional for service before using your system.
• Know when it’s time for a new air conditioner. Even a well maintained air conditioner will eventually wear out, or become so inefficient that replacing it becomes a more sensible choice than running your A/C for another season. If that time has come for your home cooling system, let us know – we can help you find a quality system that’s right for your home and your budget, then install it the right way the first time.

Once you run through this checklist, turn on your air conditioner for 10 to 15 minutes, looking for any obvious problems (strange sounds or smells, for example) with your indoor or outdoor units before shutting down. If you notice a problem, contact us for air conditioner service in NJ.

For air conditioner service and expert cooling system installations in NJ, nobody beats the pros at JW Pierson Co. Our licensed, insured technicians work quickly and neatly, installing, repairing, or maintaining your air conditioner the right way the first time.

Contact us today to schedule an air conditioning tune-up, or to request a FREE, no obligation estimate on a high efficiency A/C upgrade for your northern New Jersey home.

Please note: Once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, we expect a surge in cooling system service and installation calls that could back up technicians for weeks. Lock in an appointment time now so you’ll be early on the list. And remember: at JW Pierson, your safety and comfort are always our priority. Please see our COVID-19 Service Update Page to learn more about how we are working to keep your family and our crews safe and your heating oil deliveries coming as we navigate this challenging time.