After months of hibernation, your air conditioner might need some TLC before the summer heat hits.
When you first switch on that AC after winter, several common issues can pop up:
Why Your AC Struggles After Winter
During those cold months, your air conditioning system sits unused, collecting dust and potentially developing problems. Components can deteriorate, small creatures might make homes in outdoor units, and regular wear can cause parts to fail. A quick inspection before summer arrives can save you from sweating through repairs later.
Common Post-Winter AC Problems (And How to Fix Them)
Clogged Air Filters
Restricted airflow means poor cooling and higher energy bills. Simply replace your air filter—it’s the easiest and most important maintenance task. Make it a habit to check filters monthly during heavy-use seasons.
Dirty Condenser Coils
Winter debris and dirt covering your outdoor unit prevent proper heat transfer. Turn off power to the unit, then gently clean the exterior fins with a garden hose (not a pressure washer). Spray from the inside out to push debris away from the unit.
Strange Noises When Starting Up
Rattling, squealing, or grinding can indicate loose parts or motor issues. Minor rattling might be fixed by tightening visible screws, but persistent unusual sounds warrant a call to Ballard’s technicians before small problems become expensive repairs.
Weak Airflow
If you’re feeling little air from your vents, you might have blocked ducts or fan problems. Check for closed vents, replace filters, and ensure return air grilles aren’t blocked by furniture. If these steps don’t help, you may need professional duct inspection.
System Won’t Turn On
Complete failure to power up after winter is common but often simple to fix. Check your circuit breaker first—sometimes the AC breaker trips during winter and just needs resetting. Also verify your thermostat has fresh batteries and is set correctly to “cool” mode.
Poor Cooling Performance
When the AC runs but doesn’t properly cool your home, it’s frustrating but fixable. Check for dirty filters and coils first. If cleaning doesn’t help, you might have refrigerant issues that require professional service from Ballard’s experienced technicians.
Water Leaking Indoors
Water pooling around your indoor unit usually indicates a clogged condensate drain line. Try clearing it with a wet/dry vacuum at the drain line’s exit point, or flush with vinegar. If leaking persists, call for service before water damage occurs to your home.
Pre-Summer AC Checklist
Before temperatures soar, spend an hour on these simple checks: Replace air filters, clear debris from the outdoor unit, check thermostat settings and batteries, inspect visible ductwork for leaks or disconnects, listen for unusual noises during a test run, clean vents and returns throughout your home, and verify that all vents are open and unblocked.
When to Call the AC Professionals
While many post-winter issues are DIY-friendly, some require expert attention. Refrigerant leaks (never attempt to handle refrigerant yourself), electrical problems beyond simple breaker resets, persistent unusual noises or vibrations, ice formation on any part of the system, or when your AC runs but doesn’t cool below 78°F are all situations where Ballard’s professional air conditioning technicians should step in.
Call us today at 909-297-1914 or schedule on our website!