What maintenance task should be performed at the beginning of each cooling season?

Cleaning or replacing air filters at the beginning of each cooling season is crucial for ensuring the optimal performance and efficiency of an HVAC system. Air filters play a significant role in maintaining indoor air quality and ensuring that air flows freely through the system. Over time, filters can accumulate dust, dirt, and debris, which can obstruct airflow. This obstruction forces the HVAC system to work harder, leading to increased energy consumption and potential system failures.

By starting the cooling season with clean or new filters, the HVAC system can operate efficiently right from the beginning, maintaining better air quality and reducing the risk of breakdowns during peak usage periods. This proactive maintenance task not only helps extend the lifespan of the HVAC system but also promotes a healthier living environment by reducing allergens and pollutants in the air.

Checking refrigerant levels, inspecting ductwork for leaks, and calibrating the thermostat are also important maintenance tasks; however, they are not as immediate or routine as cleaning or replacing air filters at the start of the cooling season. Ensuring that filters are clean is a foundational step that supports the overall maintenance and operation of the air conditioning system.