As the days grow longer and the temperatures in Redding and surrounding Northern California towns begin to climb, it’s time to shift your focus from heating to cooling. Spring is the perfect season to give your air conditioning system the attention it needs to perform efficiently all summer long. A bit of early maintenance can help you avoid mid-summer breakdowns and costly AC repair in Redding, CA, lower your energy bills, and extend the life of your AC unit. Here’s a quick and simple checklist to help you get started.
1. Shut Down Your Heating System Safely
Before switching gears completely, make sure your heating system is properly shut down. If you use a furnace or heat pump for heating, turn off the heat setting at your thermostat and, if necessary, shut off the fuel supply. This prevents accidental heating and ensures your system isn’t working against itself. It’s also a good time to inspect the area around your heating equipment for any signs of wear or debris that may have accumulated over the winter.
2. Change Your AC Air Filter
One of the easiest — and most important — tasks you can do is replace your air filter. A clogged or dirty filter can restrict airflow, making your system work harder and less efficiently. Not only does this spike your energy bills, but it also puts unnecessary strain on your AC. In Redding, where dusty conditions can be common, checking and changing your filter every 1–3 months is a smart habit to develop. A clean filter ensures better indoor air quality and optimal performance.
3. Clean Up Your Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor AC unit (also called the condenser) likely collected some debris over the winter months. Leaves, twigs, dirt, and even small critters can find their way inside or around the unit, impeding airflow and efficiency. Gently remove any debris and trim back bushes or grass within a 2-foot radius around the unit. Also, inspect the unit’s fins and coils for dirt or damage — you can use a garden hose to rinse off dirt (never use high pressure). Always make sure the AC power is off before performing any cleaning.
4. Schedule Professional AC Maintenance
While DIY tasks are a great start, a professional AC tune-up is essential for long-term system health. A licensed HVAC technician will inspect the entire system, check refrigerant levels, clean internal components, tighten electrical connections, and test system performance. We can spot small issues before they become major (and expensive) problems. Spring is the best time to schedule maintenance — before the summer rush hits and our appointment slots fill up fast.
We are giving you the comfort of your home at Redding Heating & Air. Contact us today for exceptional AC service in Redding!
530-223-1332
