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If you have separate heating and air conditioning systems, it is a great time to begin testing your air conditioner before the spring and summer seasons. Being proactive now will ensure that we catch any issues that need to be addressed early.
Keep reading to learn our checklist for testing your air conditioner in Wilmington before you need it as temperatures warm up outside. When you’re ready, you can call our team for professional service and check another task off your list.
Pay Attention to Startup
When you first turn your air conditioner on for the season, pay attention to how it starts. Turning on should be smooth, although it is not uncommon for your AC to have a little hiccup during its very first startup of the season. If it takes a few seconds longer than usual, don’t stress. However, if it seems like your AC is really struggling to turn on, that’s a red flag.
If it finally turns on but continues to have difficulty cycling on and off, you also need to call for service. It’s better to be proactive and address any concerns now rather than wait until they become potentially more serious or have caused additional damage to your air conditioner.
Bad Smells
Your air conditioner sat unused for months while it was cold outside. Don’t be surprised if it has a musty odor when it first turns on. However, airflow should return to normal and be odorless after the first cooling cycle or two. If you continue to smell bad odors, a more serious problem may need to be addressed.
For example, your air conditioner may be overheating, or moisture buildup in the system may be fostering mold growth. If you have any concerns about odors coming from the vents while your air conditioner is operating, call us for service. We can get to the root cause and fix it so you don’t have any fire hazards or health risks while running your AC.
Cooling Output
It is a good idea to hold your hand up to each vent around your home and make sure you feel a steady stream of cool air blowing out while your AC is operating. If you notice that a room or two have weaker airflow, this could be a problem with your ductwork. If there are seals broken near that air vent, cool air may be escaping before reaching those rooms.
As temperatures heat up, some rooms can become significantly less comfortable than others. You’ll also spend more on energy costs without enjoying better results. Addressing any concerns with your ductwork will not only boost your home comfort but also save you money by ensuring that all of the conditioned air reaches your home instead of escaping out of damaged ducts.
At Gideon Heating & Air Conditioning, we like to say that our work isn’t just good—it’s Gideon Guaranteed! Contact us today to schedule HVAC services.