When spring rolls in, that long stretch of dry, recirculated air is behind you, and with the windows cracked, you can hear your HVAC system turn off for once.
Before summer sneaks up, it’s a good time to walk through a few basics and make sure your air conditioner setup is still running the way it should.
Step 1: Replace the Filter
After a full season of heating, most filters are packed with dust, especially in homes that stay closed up all winter.
Slide the filter out and take a look. If it’s discolored, fuzzy, or sagging, replace it. Most homes around here benefit from a medium-efficiency pleated filter—especially if you’ve got pets or live near open fields.
Step 2: Inspect Vents and Return Grilles
Winter rearranges a lot—area rugs get added, furniture gets moved to stay out of drafts, and vents can end up blocked without anyone noticing. As you go room by room, make sure supply vents and returns are open and clear.
Take a vacuum along with you and clean off any buildup. Dust tends to collect more heavily during the heating season, especially in homes that stay closed up for months at a time like many in Minnesota.
Step 3: Clear Out Around the Outdoor Unit
When the last pile of snow has melted, your AC condenser or heat pump outside has probably collected a ring of leaves, sticks, or even salt-damaged debris. That buildup can choke airflow if it’s left too long.
Take a rake and Clear enough space so air can move freely—about two feet of open clearance on all sides is a good target.
If the fins are dirty, use a soft brush to loosen any surface buildup, but don’t apply too much pressure. They’re easy to bend and hard to straighten once damaged.
Step 4: Test the AC Before You Need It
Spring weather in the Midwest is unpredictable. Some years, the cold lingers long into May. In others, it jumps straight from freezing to 85 degrees. Don’t let that first hot day catch you off guard.
When the outdoor temperature is mild—ideally above 65°F—switch your thermostat over to cooling. Set it a few degrees below the room’s current temperature and give it a few minutes. If it doesn’t respond, or the air isn’t cool, it’s better to know that now than during a 90-degree stretch in June.
Step 5: Flush the Condensate Drain
Your system’s drain line handles moisture pulled from the air during cooling. Over time, it can collect buildup, especially in homes that see heavy use during summer. A clogged line won’t always cause problems immediately, but when it does, you’ll likely notice water pooling near the unit or a musty odor that doesn’t go away.
If the line is accessible, a small flush with vinegar can help keep things clear. Some setups make that easy. Others are better left to a technician during routine service.
Step 6: Listen Closely When It Runs
Strange sounds or short cycles can appear when you switch modes for the first time in months.
Don’t assume they’ll go away on their own. A worn belt or weak capacitor in April is a simple fix. That same problem in July could take your whole system offline during a heatwave, especially with long lead times on summer service calls.
Step 7: Schedule a Spring Tune-Up
If your system hasn’t been checked in a while, now’s the time to schedule that visit. Spring is when HVAC service calendars are most flexible—before the cooling season ramps up and emergency calls stack up.
A proper tune-up covers refrigerant pressure, electrical components, drain function, fan performance, and coil condition. Even if you clean and check everything you can on your own, there are parts you simply can’t access without the right tools and training.
A Seasonal Reset That Pays Off
By the time May rolls around, most Minnesota homes have weathered dry air, deep freezes, and long months of recirculated heat. That kind of sustained use takes a toll.
If your HVAC system is due for attention or you’re ready to look into something newer and more efficient, we’re happy to help you get started.
