Do you ever wonder when you should turn your AC on every spring? Will turning it on too soon or too late impact your comfort level, energy bills, or overall health of your system?

Figuring out when to turn your air conditioner on for optimal comfort and efficiency isn’t just a seasonal concern. Turning it on for the season too early – or without proper preparation – can cause your system to run inefficiently, waste energy, or break down during the hottest months.

Day & Night Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has been helping Albuquerque families kick off cooling season for years. Whether you’re just wondering when to turn it on or how to get it ready, we’re here to help.

When to Turn on Your Air Conditioner for the Season

General rule of thumb: When daily temperatures are consistently hitting the mid-70s, it’s time to turn on your AC for the season.

Depending on elevation and rainfall, late April or early May is when most houses start becoming uncomfortable, especially those with southern exposure or poor ventilation.

On the flip side, waiting too long to turn it on can cause your home to feel stuffy or uncomfortable. Turning it on too soon can waste energy and drive up your bill.

Turning your cooling on for 30 minutes to 1 hour on an unusually warm day won’t hurt your AC and can be a good way to make sure things are working properly before you really need them to work like in the dog days of summer when it’s super-hot out.

If you had issues with your AC’s performance last summer, turning it on briefly during spring can help you catch problems early. Then, you can book a service appointment ahead of peak season and may even snag a bigger discount. Here are just a few benefits of replacing your air conditioner ahead of summer.

For most homeowners, late April into early May is the ideal time to give your system an initial trial run and perform AC maintenance tasks.

Things to Do Before Running Your Air Conditioner Daily

Before you switch your thermostat from “heat” to “cool” permanently, complete a few simple maintenance tasks to ensure your AC is ready for optimal performance:

• Change your air filter: This helps with airflow and efficiency and also protects your equipment.
• Clear debris from your outdoor unit: Leaves, grass clippings, dirt, and other winter buildup can hinder airflow to your condenser.
• Ensure your thermostat is ready: Confirm it’s set to cooling mode, is functioning properly, and is calibrated to the temperature you want inside your home. If it uses room sensors, now’s the time to set those up.
• Give it a trial run: After about 10-15 minutes of cooling, check around your home for airflow and listen for strange noises or odors. This is also a great time to ensure furniture or carpeting is blocking airflow from vents.

Taking the time to prepare your system may prevent issues when you need your air conditioner the most.

Should I Schedule a Spring Tune-Up for My AC?

Yes! Even if your air conditioner seems to run well without professional maintenance, giving it a yearly tune-up is one of the best ways you can prevent issues from occurring when it starts to get sweltering outside. It will keep you comfortable – and protect your investment.

Your annual maintenance appointment should include:

• Cleaning coils on the inside and outside of your home
• Checking refrigerant levels
• Tightening electrical components
• Inspecting parts that move (fans, motors, etc.)
• Ensuring adequate airflow and general performance

Annual maintenance allows your system to operate more efficiently, prevents unexpected breakdowns, and extends the life of your HVAC equipment. Sleep soundly knowing your AC is being proactive about maintenance before beating the heat.

Troubleshooting Common AC Startup Issues

What happens if you turn your system on and something doesn’t feel right? It’s important to correct the issue ASAP. Otherwise, you may find yourself sweating when summer rolls around.

Some signs that your AC is having problems early in the season include:

• Not blowing cool air
• Strange noises coming from vents or outdoor unit
• Short cycling, or turning on and off too frequently
• System takes a long time to start cooling or doesn’t turn on at all

These are just some issues that can happen when you turn on your air conditioner. Some signs may be indicative of low refrigerant, dirty coils, electrical issues, or parts that are beginning to fail. Catching them early can save you from paying for expensive repairs down the road and ensure you stay cool during heat waves.

FAQs: Turning on Your AC for the Season

Is it OK to turn my AC on for a few hours if it’s still cool outside?

There’s no issue with turning your system on for short periods of time while it’s still cool outside. As soon as temps hit the mid-70s, however, you’ll likely need to keep it running!

What temperature should my thermostat be set for in the spring?

Ideally, you want to stay between 72-74 degrees while you’re home and cool off your home. When you’re away, try to bump it up to about 78 degrees.

How long should I run my new air conditioner before shutting it off?

You may want to leave your new air conditioner running for up to 24 hours straight to ensure everything works properly.

Do I really need my AC serviced every spring?

Yes! Even if it runs without issue for most years, having HVAC experts check your system goes a long way towards preventing future headaches.

When is the best time to replace my home’s air conditioner?

There’s no time better than the present to invest in air conditioner maintenance, repair, or replacement. Day & Night Plumbing, Heating & Cooling offers financing options, so contact us to learn more!

Ready to learn more about starting up your air conditioner this season?

Once winter blows over, you may be itching to turn on your cooling ASAP. But did you know running your AC before it’s ready can damage your system?

You should wait to turn your system off until daytime temps reach the mid-70s. Until then, you can run your air conditioner for a few hours during the warmer days to make sure everything is working properly and catch issues before they snowball.

Also, be sure to schedule annual maintenance with our HVAC technicians. Not only will it improve efficiency and comfort, but it could save you money and help you avoid any uncomfortable surprises.

Call Day & Night Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for Expert AC Start Up, Repair and Replacement

Day & Night Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has been repairing, installing, and servicing air conditioners since 2009. From AC maintenance to repairs to replacement, our experts can help with all your air conditioning needs.

If you turn your air conditioner on and realize it’s time to replace your air conditioner, call Day & Night Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today at (505) 974-5797.

Don’t let your house get too hot. Contact us to schedule an AC tune-up or book online now!