HVAC · Seasonal
AC startup checklist before the first heat wave
The first hot week exposes weak capacitors, dirty coils, and refrigerant leaks that were invisible all winter. A structured startup reduces callbacks and protects compressor life.
Homeowner-safe steps
- Replace or wash filters (type depends on furnace/air handler).
- Clear leaves, cottonwood seed, and pet hair from condenser fins — use a gentle hose spray from the inside out; do not mash fins with a pressure washer.
- Confirm the disconnect is seated and the breaker is on after winter.
- Run a cooling call at a moderate setpoint first; listen for grinding or clicking on startup.
Leave these to a technician
Refrigerant charging, capacitor testing under load, and TXV diagnosis require training and EPA-style handling rules in Canada. If you see ice on the large line set in mild weather, or the outdoor fan runs but there is no cooling, stop cycling the unit and call dispatch.
Why spring tune-ups pay
We measure subcooling and superheat where applicable, verify contactor pitting, clean condensate traps for high-efficiency furnaces paired with coils, and note belt wear on legacy blowers. Small fixes in May beat compressor damage in July.