As temperatures start climbing across Ruston, Monroe, and Northern Louisiana, it’s time to think about switching your HVAC system from heating mode to cooling. But before you flip that thermostat, a quick spring startup routine can prevent breakdowns, lower energy bills, and extend the life of your air conditioning system.
At Albritton Service, we’ve been helping Louisiana families prepare their AC systems for summer for over 40 years. Here’s our recommended 7-point checklist to get your system ready.
1. Replace or Clean Your Air Filter
This is the single most impactful thing you can do for your AC system. A dirty filter restricts airflow, forces your system to work harder, and drives up energy costs. If you haven’t changed your filter since fall, it’s long overdue.
- Standard 1-inch filters should be replaced every 30-60 days
- 4-inch media filters last 3-6 months
- If you have pets or allergies, replace more frequently
Not sure which filter your system takes? Our team can help you find the right AC filter replacement for your unit.
2. Clear Debris from Your Outdoor Unit
Your outdoor condenser unit has been sitting through Louisiana’s winter — collecting leaves, dirt, pine needles, and debris. Before you run the AC, clear at least two feet of space around the unit on all sides. Trim back any vegetation that’s grown too close over the winter months.
3. Check Your Thermostat Settings
Switch your thermostat from “heat” to “cool” and set it a few degrees below room temperature to test. If you still have an older manual thermostat, consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat — it can save 10-15% on cooling costs by automatically adjusting when you’re away or sleeping.
4. Inspect Your Ductwork for Obvious Issues
Walk through your home and check visible ductwork in attics, crawl spaces, and basements. Look for disconnected joints, visible holes, or duct tape that’s peeling away. Leaky ducts can waste 20-30% of your conditioned air before it ever reaches your living spaces.
5. Test the System Before You Need It
Don’t wait until the first 90-degree day to find out your AC isn’t working. Run it now while the weather is mild. Let it cycle for 15-20 minutes and check that:
- Cool air is coming from all vents
- The outdoor unit fan is spinning
- No unusual noises — grinding, squealing, or banging
- No strange odors when the system kicks on
If anything seems off, it’s much easier to schedule a repair now than in the middle of a July heat wave when every HVAC company in Lincoln Parish is booked solid.
6. Check Your Air Handler and Indoor Unit
Your indoor air handler works year-round, but spring is a good time to visually inspect it. Look for standing water around the unit (which could indicate a clogged condensate drain), check that the drain line is clear, and make sure nothing is stored against the unit blocking airflow.
7. Schedule a Professional Tune-Up
A professional spring tune-up catches problems a visual inspection can’t — low refrigerant levels, worn capacitors, dirty evaporator coils, and electrical connection issues. Annual maintenance also keeps your manufacturer warranty valid and can extend your system’s lifespan by several years.
Albritton Service offers Proactive Service Agreements that include annual tune-ups, priority scheduling, and discounts on repairs — so you’re always ahead of the weather.
Don’t Wait Until Summer Hits
Northern Louisiana summers are brutal and they arrive fast. Taking 30 minutes now to run through this checklist — and scheduling a professional tune-up — can save you from an emergency breakdown when you need your AC the most. Albritton Service has been keeping Ruston, Monroe, West Monroe, and the surrounding communities cool and comfortable since 1982. Contact us today to schedule your spring AC checkup.
