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As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, it’s time to turn off the heat and prepare your home for cooling season. Whether you use a traditional furnace and central air system or a heat pump, a smooth transition helps improve efficiency, prevent breakdowns, and keep your home comfortable all summer long. Here’s how to make the switch from heating to cooling in Bozeman, MT the right way.
Shutting Down Your Furnace or Boiler
If your home uses a furnace or boiler for heating, shutting it down properly for the season is an important first step. Start by turning off the thermostat or switching it to cooling mode. If your furnace has a dedicated power switch, flip it off to prevent unnecessary energy use. For oil or gas systems, it’s also a good idea to shut off the fuel supply valve. Finally, give the unit a quick inspection—look for any signs of rust, leaks, or dirt buildup—and schedule any necessary repairs before it sits idle for months.
DIY Spring Prep for Your AC
Once the heating system is off, it’s time to get your air conditioning ready. A few simple DIY tasks can go a long way in helping your system run efficiently all season.
- Change or clean the air filter. A dirty filter restricts airflow and puts extra strain on your system. Replace it now and check it monthly during the summer.
- Clean around the outdoor unit. Clear away leaves, branches, and debris from around the condenser. Make sure there’s at least two feet of clearance on all sides for proper airflow.
- Inspect visible wiring and insulation. Look for signs of wear, damage, or animals nesting near the unit. If you see anything concerning, call a pro before turning on the system.
Schedule Professional AC Maintenance
Even if your AC seems to be working fine, a spring tune-up from a licensed HVAC technician is a smart investment. Routine maintenance can catch minor issues before they become major repairs and helps your system run more efficiently—saving energy and money. A typical service visit includes checking refrigerant levels, tightening electrical connections, inspecting the blower motor, and cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils.
Switching Modes With a Heat Pump
If you have a heat pump, making the switch from heating to cooling is usually as easy as adjusting your thermostat. However, heat pumps rely on a reversing valve to change the direction of refrigerant flow, and this component can sometimes get stuck when switching modes—especially after a long winter.
If your system blows warm air when set to cool, or doesn’t seem to switch modes at all, a faulty reversing valve could be the issue. Don’t try to force the system—call our team to diagnose and repair the problem. Keeping your heat pump maintained year-round is the best way to prevent this issue.
Get Ahead of the Heat
A little prep work now will save you stress and discomfort later. By shutting down your heating system properly, performing a few DIY AC tasks, and scheduling spring maintenance, you’ll keep your system running smoothly and your home cool when it matters most.
Contact Ambient Air Solutions today for professional HVAC services in Bozeman, MT. Simplifying Heating & Cooling!