Spring AC Prep Checklist

Central Kansas can hit 85°F in mid-April. Don't wait for the first heat wave to discover your AC is broken — spend 20 minutes on this checklist a few weeks before you need it.

The 8-step homeowner checklist

• 1. Replace the air filter. Six months of winter blowing has loaded it up.
• 2. Clear 2 ft around the outdoor condenser. Cottonwood fluff and grass clippings are coming.
• 3. Gently rinse the outdoor coil with a garden hose (power off at the disconnect).
• 4. Verify the outdoor unit is level. Freeze-thaw can shift the pad — an unlevel unit shortens compressor life.
• 5. Check the condensate drain line for algae. A little bleach-water flush prevents summer overflows.
• 6. Test-run the system on a cool day. Set thermostat to 68°F, let it run 15 min. Feel supply vents for cold air.
• 7. Verify thermostat batteries.
• 8. Book the professional tune-up. Before Memorial Day, every year.

What "test run" tells you

On a 60-65°F day, run the AC for 15 minutes. Supply air at the vents should be ~20°F cooler than return air (so if room is 70°F, vent should be ~50°F). If the delta is under 15°F, call us before summer.

Key takeaway. 20 minutes in April saves you a 3-day wait in July. Every year.

Need a hand from a real Central Kansas technician? Call (785) 822-7550 and a Comfort Heating & Air tech will walk you through it — or request service online and we'll follow up the same business day.