Seniors taking a selfie on beach- AC To Do List For Returning Snowbirds-Sunset Air and Home Services-Fort Myers-300x203

AC To Do List For Returning Snowbirds

Welcome home, snowbirds! The fall chill in the air means the weather is changing up north and it’s time to return to your second home in Cape Coral or Ft Myers, Florida.

Seniors bike riding- AC To Do List For Returning Snowbirds-Sunset Air and Home Services-Fort Myers-300x203

With so many things to do upon your return, we want to make sure your AC unit doesn’t get overlooked so you can protect your investment, time, and wallet from unnecessary AC repair.

Below is a checklist noting several items to do once you unpack and get settled.

Place AC Maintenance First On Your To Do List

Upon return, we recommend calling us so we can schedule a maintenance check right away.

Dog holding a cell phone- AC To Do List For Returning Snowbirds-Sunset Air and Home Services-Fort Myers-300x182

A maintenance check and inspection should be performed on your system at least 2x a year to identify any issues before they become major AC repairs.

AC To Do List Includes Checking Thermostat Settings

Your thermostat should be set to “COOL” and your fan to “AUTO”.  Set the temperature a few degrees cooler than the current room temperature and wait 3-5 minutes to see if the unit comes on.

Add Change Your Filter To Your AC To Do List

We recommend replacing your filter once a month, no matter the temperature.

Air filter-AC To Do List For Returning Snowbirds-Sunset Air and Home Services-Fort Myers-300x200

Heat, humidity, particulates, and debris take a toll on your air filter. In addition, contaminants can grow and ultimately spread throughout your home, causing you to breathe unhealthy air.

Replace Old Batteries As Part Of Your AC To Do List

If you have a thermostat that requires batteries, replacing them could solve the issue with your AC not running properly. Many times we go on service calls only to find the batteries just needed to be replaced. Try this first!

Smart thermostat controlled on phone-AC To Do List For Returning Snowbirds-Sunset Air and Home Services-Fort Myers-300x322

Pro Tip: Consider A Smart Thermostat which allows you to control your system from your phone when you’re away.  In addition, studies show you can save up to 10% a year by using a programmable thermostat. 

Place Inspect Condenser On AC To Do List

Remove debris situated around your outside condenser unit.  This will eliminate distractions which can block airflow and reduce your unit’s cooling capability.

AC condenser unit-AC To Do List For Returning Snowbirds-Sunset Air and Home Services-Fort Myers-300x370

In addition, make sure the outside drain line is flowing freely. We recommend shrubs and landscaping to be kept at least 2-3 feet away from the condenser.

AC To Do List Includes Inspect The Circuit Breaker

Check the electrical panel box or the circuits labeled AHU (indoor) and AC (outdoor).  Reset by flipping each circuit off then on, one at a time. Keep in mind, if the power has been off for some time, it can take a few minutes before the air conditioner powers on.

Seal Leaks And Gaps As Part Of Your AC To Do List

Caulking windows-AC To Do List For Returning Snowbirds-Sunset Air and Home Services-Fort Myers-300x300

Check your windows and doors, electrical outlets, and other open areas. Use a good quality caulk to seal around these areas to keep your AC unit running efficiently.

Your To Do List Includes Analyze Room Temperatures

Are you experiencing hot or cold spots in certain rooms?

Three bowls labeled too hot too cold just right- AC To Do List For Returning Snowbirds-Sunset Air and Home Services-Fort Myers-300x102

Temperature discrepancies can be caused by blocked vents or registers, ductwork inefficiencies, air leaks, and unbalanced HVAC systems. It is best to call us so we can determine the issue, find, and fix the culprit quickly.

Clean Pool Heater Is On Your AC To Do List

Pool heater outside- AC To Do List For Returning Snowbirds-Sunset Air and Home Services-Fort Myers-300x382

We can maintain your pool heater from replacing the filter to basic upkeep. Just ask when we call to schedule your regular maintenance.

Our goal is to ensure your system is running properly, so you can focus on other priorities. Have fun! Call us anytime, 24/7, (239) 693-9005

Related Reading