In Oklahoma, the air conditioner works hard from late spring into early fall. The worst time to find out something is wrong is the first 95-degree afternoon, when every HVAC company in the Tulsa metro is busy.
A spring tune-up helps your system start the season strong. Some checks you can do yourself. Others belong to a trained technician. Here is a simple checklist for both.
When to Do It
Aim for March or April, before the heat arrives. That gives you time to fix any problems before you really need the AC, and schedules are usually more open than in June or July.
Your Homeowner Checklist
These steps are safe for most homeowners and take less than an hour.
1. Check or Change the Air Filter
A dirty filter is the most common cause of poor airflow, frozen coils and high bills. Check it now and every month during summer. Standard 1-inch filters often need changing every one to three months, more often with pets or allergies.
2. Test the Thermostat
Switch it to Cool and set it a few degrees below room temperature. The system should start within a few minutes. Replace the batteries if your thermostat uses them. If you have a smart thermostat, check the schedule and settings.
3. Clear Around the Outdoor Unit
Remove leaves, grass clippings, sticks and anything stored near it. Give it about two feet of clear space on all sides. Trim back shrubs and make sure nothing blocks the top, where the warm air blows out.
4. Rinse the Outdoor Coil Gently
Turn the system off at the thermostat first. Then use a garden hose on a gentle setting to rinse dust, pollen and cottonwood fluff off the outside of the coil. Do not use a pressure washer. It can flatten the thin metal fins.
5. Look at the Refrigerant Lines
The larger copper line running to the outdoor unit should have foam insulation around it. If the insulation is cracked, missing or chewed, note it for your technician.
6. Check the Condensate Drain
Find where the drain line exits outside or into a drain. Make sure it isn't blocked. Inside, look for water, rust or stains around the indoor unit.
7. Open the Vents
Walk through the house and make sure supply vents are open and return grilles aren't blocked by furniture or rugs.
8. Run It and Listen
Run the AC for 15 to 20 minutes. Listen for grinding, squealing, buzzing or loud clicking. Feel the air at a few vents. It should feel noticeably cooler than the room.
What Not to Do Yourself
Some jobs are not DIY:
- Don't open electrical panels or touch capacitors. They can hold a dangerous charge even with the power off.
- Don't add refrigerant. Low refrigerant means there is a leak, and handling refrigerant requires training and special equipment.
- Don't straighten fins with a screwdriver or knife.
- Don't ignore ice on the lines or coil. Turn cooling off and call.
What a Technician Does
A professional tune-up goes deeper than what you can see. On a spring AC visit, we:
- Clean and inspect the outdoor condenser coil.
- Check refrigerant pressures and temperatures.
- Test capacitors, contactors and electrical connections.
- Inspect the indoor coil and blower.
- Flush the condensate drain and test the safety switch.
- Check thermostat operation and overall airflow.
- Inspect or replace the air filter.
These checks catch the parts that tend to fail in Oklahoma heat, like weak capacitors and clogged drains, before they leave you without cooling. Learn more about our HVAC maintenance and tune-ups.
Make It Automatic With a Maintenance Plan
The hardest part of maintenance is remembering to schedule it. Our Gold, Silver and Bronze maintenance plans put your tune-ups on a regular schedule. Depending on the tier, plans include seasonal tune-ups, priority scheduling when things get busy and discounts on repairs. Ask us for current pricing and what each tier includes, or see our maintenance plans.
Your electric company may also help. PSO's Power Forward program has listed rebates for A/C and heat pump tune-ups. Check the program's current rules to see if you qualify.
Breathe Easier, Too
Spring in Oklahoma brings heavy pollen. If allergies are a problem in your home, ask about indoor air quality options like better filtration during your tune-up.
If Something Is Already Wrong
If your AC is blowing warm air, freezing up or making new noises, skip the tune-up and schedule an AC repair visit. Repairs start with a $95 diagnostic so we can find the real cause.
Schedule Your Spring Tune-Up
Get ahead of the heat in Sapulpa, Tulsa and nearby communities. Book online or call (918) 370-1260 to schedule your AC tune-up.
