How to Turn ON AC After Winter?

March 10, 2023
Blog, Cooling, HVAC

As temperatures rise, it’s best to start preparing your cooling systems. It is essential to get your HVAC systems in shape for the warmer months.

You must take a few preparatory steps before using your air conditioner again, especially if you haven’t used it since last summer.

In this guide, you will pick up some helpful tips on how to safely turn your AC on after winter. These tips can help your air conditioner optimize energy efficiency and stability during summer.

Can You Turn ON Your Air Conditioner After Winter?

Of course! Your home – your choice. However, winters in Washington are pretty cold. Washington is known for blistering winter weather.

Winters dip below 36°F, with spring temperatures not trailing far behind. Most homeowners hold off on using air conditioning systems until well into spring or summer.

Using your AC immediately after winter can lead to unnecessary utility costs. It’s important to remember that cooling systems are designed to cool air, which may lead to freezing indoor temperatures.

In addition to the added utility costs, using your AC unit immediately after winter may lead to mechanical damage. System operation may produce enough waste heat to melt frost particles, flooding your outdoor unit.

How Do I Turn My AC ON After Winter?

Your air conditioning unit has been dormant throughout the winter months. Please avoid cycling it on without first following these preparatory steps.

You should take a few steps to ensure that it’s in good working order before turning it on. This will help prevent any potential damage or breakdowns.

These steps will also help ensure your AC unit works safely and efficiently!

Turning Your AC ON in 5 Easy Steps

Make sure it’s turned OFF. Double-check different power sources to the unit on the circuit breaker. Ensure that everything is turned off or disconnected. Disconnecting it from the power source helps you safely work on your air conditioner.
Inspect and clean the indoor and outdoor coils.Inspect both coils for any dirt and residue. Remember, clean coils help our air conditioners function more easily. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt or debris saturating coils. Avoid abrasive material that may cause damage.
Inspect and recharge refrigerant levels.
Ensure your refrigerant levels aren’t depleted due to leaks and other issues. You must replenish refrigerant levels and apply any necessary fixes to secure supply lines.
Clean or replace the air filters.Your air filters may be clogged by dust and other debris during the winter months. Having your air filters obstructed by pollutants will directly affect your indoor air quality, bringing allergens and other particles into your home.Congested air filters also hinder your unit from performing efficiently. Dirty filters can cause your cooling system to use more energy to cool the air indoors.
Turn the power back on
Finally, you can turn on your air conditioning unit! Start by switching on the circuit breaker and making sure the power source is connected. After that, you can turn on your unit’s thermostat.

After turning on your AC, monitoring its performance is important to ensure it works efficiently and effectively. If you notice any issues, such as strange noises or reduced cooling power, it may be time to schedule a professional tune-up or maintenance visit.

By taking these steps, you can make sure that your air conditioning unit is ready to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the summer months.

Investing in pre-season AC maintenance is a wise decision to help you save money, improve your comfort, and protect your home’s air quality for years to come.

Your AC system may face many obvious risks against freezing outdoor temperatures. However, there are also some lesser-known risks.

Below, we put together some of the most common risk factors of turning your AC on immediately after winter.

The Risks of Turning Your AC ON When It’s Still Too Cold Outdoors

AC DAMAGE – Running your AC right after winter hastens wear and tear on your system. The components of your AC system have specific configurations.They may have a limited range against frigid temperatures. Your AC units may struggle outside of these specifications, which may shorten equipment life.
HEALTH RISKS – When you turn your cooling system on after winter, you are bringing in outside air that may still be dry and stale. This affects the indoor air quality in your home, causing respiratory issues or allergies.
COOLING COSTS – You may waste energy and other utilities. Cooling your home when it’s still cold outside can be more wasteful and harmful to the environment, leading to unnecessary energy consumption.
Using your cooling system is best for removing heat from your home. Limiting its use to warmer months helps you save your finances and preserve the surrounding environment.
HOW IT MAY INTERFERE WITH HEATERS – The unnecessary functions of your air conditioner this season will impact your cooling system and hinder your heating system.

Turning on your air conditioner can disrupt the balance of your heating system, leading to uneven heating throughout your home. Your heaters might still be on, causing a conflict of different functions.

While one system warms your home, another strives to lower temperatures. An air conditioner used during months still too cool for any supplemental cooling may lead to dry air. It is harder for home-heating systems to alter temperatures against dryer air.

All that conflict may result in an uncomfortable or inhospitable indoor environment.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT – AC units consume a significant amount of energy, largely generated by burning fossil fuels. You can reduce your carbon footprint by opting for more natural cooling, which is still abundant shortly after winter.
COLD SPOTS – When you cool a room immediately after winter, you generate erratic cold spots all around your indoor environment. It can be uncomfortable for most of us and pose health risks to others. Infants, children, and seniors may develop respiratory problems or joint pain.

By considering these risks, you can help to protect your health, save money on your utility bills, and ensure the longevity of your AC unit. Overall, it’s important to avoid using your air conditioner when the outside temperature is already low.

The Importance of Pre-season AC Maintenance Efforts

It’s important to remember to schedule pre-season maintenance for your air conditioning unit. Pre-season means before you intend on using your air conditioner the most.

In this case, the pre-season for air conditioners is spring.

Schedule maintenance efforts during spring instead of turning it on immediately after winter. This guarantees its longevity and performance.

This should include tasks such as cleaning the unit, checking the refrigerant levels, and examining each of the unit’s electrical components.

These efforts help to ensure that your air conditioning system is running efficiently and effectively while also improving the quality of air that you breathe indoors!

Neglecting routine maintenance can lead to a range of problems, including decreased energy efficiency, higher utility bills, and even breakdowns.

Regular maintenance can help to identify potential issues before they become major problems, allowing for timely repairs that can save you money in the long run.

By keeping your air conditioning system well-maintained, you can prevent wear and tear that can lead to breakdowns and the need for premature replacements.

When is the Best Time to Use My AC?

The climate in Puyallup is still chilly and dry after winter. Toward the end of spring, the temperature becomes more comfortable and warm. This may be the sweet spot we’re looking for!

The best time to use your air conditioner to cool your home after winter is when temperatures begin rising. In most areas, this typically occurs later in spring or early summer months.

Do I Need Professional Assistance?

If you have the relevant experience in maintaining your own AC unit, you may not necessarily need to hire a professional for routine maintenance and repairs.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that air conditioning systems can be complex. HVAC systems require specialized knowledge and equipment to diagnose and repair any issues that may arise properly.

If you’re not confident in your abilities to maintain or repair your AC unit, it’s always a good idea to seek the help of a professional.

HVAC professionals are trained to identify potential issues before they become major problems, allowing for timely repairs that can save you money and prevent breakdowns.

A licensed HVAC contractor can prevent any potential issues from becoming major headaches. They can ensure reliable cooling all summer long!

Ultimately, while it’s possible to maintain your own AC unit, hiring a professional can help ensure your system is running at its best.

Looking for Reputable HVAC Contractors in Puyallup?

When it comes to finding a reputable local HVAC contractor to help with your HVAC system, there are a few key factors to consider.

Look for a contractor with a strong community reputation, positive reviews, and a track record of providing quality service. A reputable contractor should also be licensed, insured, and certified to work on your HVAC system.

It’s important to choose a contractor that offers a range of services to meet your needs. This includes installation, maintenance, and repair of your HVAC systems.

It would be best to rely on the same contractor for all your HVAC needs; rather than hiring multiple contractors for different services.

Choosing a reputable local HVAC contractor is essential for ensuring your HVAC system is well-maintained and properly working. By researching and selecting a contractor with a strong reputation, you can have peace of mind knowing that your HVAC system is in good hands.