Spring AC Tune-Up Checklist: Get Your Air Conditioner Ready for Summer in London, ON

London summers have been getting hotter. The last thing you want when the temperature hits 35 degrees is to discover your air conditioner has not been serviced since it was installed. A spring tune-up takes a couple of hours and can prevent the most common mid-summer breakdowns. Here is what the process involves.

Outdoor Unit (Condenser) Checks

• Remove the winter cover if you used one and inspect the unit for physical damage from ice or debris.
• Clear vegetation, leaves, and debris from around the unit. Maintain at least 60 centimetres of clearance on all sides.
• Gently rinse the condenser coil fins with a garden hose from the inside out to remove dirt and cottonwood. Do not use a pressure washer.
• Straighten any bent fins with a fin comb if accessible.
• Check that the unit is level on its pad. Settlement over winter can cause vibration and refrigerant line stress.
• Inspect the refrigerant lines for insulation damage or signs of oily residue, which can indicate a refrigerant leak.

Indoor Unit (Air Handler / Evaporator) Checks

• Replace the air filter before the cooling season begins.
• Inspect the evaporator coil for dust buildup. A dirty evaporator coil reduces cooling capacity and efficiency significantly.
• Check the condensate drain pan for standing water or algae growth. Pour a cup of diluted bleach down the drain line to prevent clogs.
• Confirm the blower wheel is clean and spinning freely.
• Check all electrical connections for corrosion or looseness.

What a Professional Tune-Up Adds

A licensed technician will also measure the refrigerant charge using gauges and verify it is within manufacturer specifications. Low refrigerant almost always indicates a leak, not just normal depletion. They will also test the capacitor and contactor, which are the two components most likely to fail during a hot summer, and measure the system's operating pressures and temperatures to confirm it is performing at rated efficiency.