Preparing Your Air Conditioning for Hot Weather

Why pre-summer checks are worth doing

Many domestic air conditioning systems are used mainly through spring and summer and left largely idle the rest of the year. A system that hasn't run for months can develop small issues that only become obvious the first time you switch it on for a warm day, often right when demand for a repair visit is highest.

Doing a few basic checks in advance means you're not caught out when temperatures rise, and it spreads maintenance out rather than leaving everything to the hottest week of the year.

Clean the filters first

Filters left in over winter tend to collect dust even when the system isn't running, simply from general household or office air circulation. Take them out, clean them thoroughly and let them dry fully before refitting, as this is the single most impactful thing you can do before the season starts.

Check the outdoor unit

Outdoor units are exposed to the elements year-round, and it's worth checking that nothing has fallen onto or around them over autumn and winter, leaves, twigs, or debris blown in during storms. Clear any obstructions and make sure the unit has reasonable airflow on all sides.

Also check that the unit is sitting level and securely on its mounting, as ground movement or a loose bracket can develop gradually and is easier to fix before the unit is running flat out.

Test the system before you need it

Rather than waiting for the first genuinely hot day, switch the system on during a mild spell to check it's cooling as expected. This gives you time to book a repair or service visit if something isn't right, instead of discovering a fault when temperatures are already uncomfortable and appointment slots are in high demand.

Listen out for unusual noises on start-up, check the remote's batteries and settings are working, and confirm the unit reaches a comfortable temperature within a reasonable time.

Book a service if it's due

If it's been close to a year since your last professional service, spring is a sensible time to book one. A service covers things a homeowner can't check themselves, including refrigerant levels, electrical connections, drainage and internal coil condition, and picks up developing issues before they become breakdowns.

Servicing demand tends to rise sharply once warm weather arrives, so booking ahead of the rush generally means more flexibility over appointment times.

What to do if something's wrong

If your test run reveals weak cooling, unusual noise, or dripping water, avoid continuing to run the system and arrange a diagnostic visit instead. Running a faulty unit hard through summer can turn a minor fault into a more significant repair.