Do This Before You Turn on Your A/C

Important Prep Steps to Take This Spring

Spring has sprung in Connecticut! As the temperatures warm-up, it’s a good time to make sure your AC will be able to keep you and your family cool no matter how hot it gets this summer.

Age Matters

The first thing you need to do is determine how old your AC system is. If it’s 15 years or older, it’s time to think about upgrading—even if you’re confident your AC system is still doing the job. Consider this: Older ACs can have a SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) rating as low as 6. Current models have a SEER rating of 15 or higher. Having an AC with a high SEER rating could save your money on your cooling bills in just one season. So, if your unit is on the older side, consider upgrading now to save money in the long run.

If you need to upgrade your central AC system, the sales and technical staff at Jennings Oil & Propane can help you choose the best central AC system for your family’s needs. They are knowledgeable about the equipment options available as well as any discounts you can take advantage of. The installation will be scheduled at your convenience. And we’ll remove your old unit!

Before You Turn Your A/C On…

Here are some things you should check and do before you run your AC for the first time:

1. Check the thermostat. If it’s not working well, neither will your HVAC system. Now is a good time to replace your thermostat’s batteries. And if you don’t already have a programmable thermostat, you should consider investing in one. Programmable thermostats are a simple and cost-effective ways to gain control over energy bills all year long.
2. Check your vents. Makes sure nothing will block the cool air coming out of your vents (e.g., drapes, curtains, furniture, etc.).
3. Check your ductwork. If you have a duct leak, you could lose up to 15% of the air your unit has cooled. Seal up any obvious leaks and fix out-of-place duct joints in exposed ductwork areas.
4. Clear the drain line. This will ensure that water won’t get diverted back into your home or toward your foundation and cause problems.
5. Check your AC filter. Blockages will reduce your system’s efficiency, and a chronically blocked AC filter could cause your cooling system to fail. Make a habit of checking your air filter monthly. Replace it (or clean it if you have a model that can be cleaned) as needed.
6. Check your electrical lines. Wiring problems could cause you to lose power to your AC. Check all electrical connections and circuit breakers.
7. Clean the outdoor condenser unit. Check for and remove any debris like leaves, twigs, and nests to make sure there’s adequate airflow throughout the entire home cooling system chain.

Once you start using your AC, check for signs of a refrigerant leak. To do this, keep an eye out for poor cooling, ice on the evaporator coils, and fluid spots near your AC condenser.

Professional A/C Maintenance

The best thing to do before you turn your AC on is to schedule a maintenance visit. Regular maintenance will extend the life of your home’s cooling system. It could also save you up to 10% on your energy bills this summer. When you schedule a maintenance visit with Jennings Oil & Propane, one of our experts will test, assess, clean, and lubricate your central air conditioning system.

Get Comfortable with Jennings Oil & Propane

Jennings Oil & Propane has more than 40 years of experience providing excellent service to our customers in parts of Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven counties in Connecticut. We also care about helping our customers save money and budget their energy costs.

Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a maintenance visit for your central air conditioning system