As the winter comes to an end and spring approaches, it’s time to start preparing for warmer temperatures. One of the most important things you can do is to get your air conditioner ready for the upcoming season. Here are some tips on how to prepare your air conditioner after winter.
Clean the outdoor unit: The first thing you should do is clean the outdoor unit. Over the winter months, debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt may have accumulated on the unit. Use a garden hose to gently clean the unit and remove any debris. Be careful not to damage the fins or coil.
Change the air filter: The air filter in your air conditioner should be changed every few months, but it’s especially important to change it after winter. The filter may have become clogged with dust and dirt over the winter, reducing the efficiency of your air conditioner. A clean filter will ensure proper air flow and improve indoor air quality.
Check the refrigerant levels: The refrigerant in your air conditioner is responsible for cooling the air. If the refrigerant level is low, your air conditioner will not be able to cool your home effectively. Check the refrigerant levels and top up if necessary. However, it’s recommended to hire a professional for this task as refrigerant is a hazardous substance.
Check the thermostat: Make sure the thermostat is functioning properly. If it’s not working, replace the batteries or consider replacing the unit altogether.
Test the air conditioner: Turn on the air conditioner and let it run for a while to ensure it’s working properly. If you notice any strange noises, smells or if the air flow is weak, you may need to call a professional to have it checked out.
Schedule regular maintenance: Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your air conditioner runs smoothly and efficiently. Hire a professional to perform maintenance tasks such as cleaning coils, checking refrigerant levels, and inspecting electrical connections.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your air conditioner is ready for the warmer months ahead. Proper maintenance can also prolong the life of your air conditioner, so it’s worth the time and effort. Stay cool and comfortable this summer!
Recent Posts
Thinking About Leaving the City? Try This 30-Day Homesteading Challenge FirstApril 14, 2025Thinking about ditching city life for something quieter, simpler, and a whole lot more hands-on? My free 30-Day Homesteading Challenge is the perfect way to test the waters—no acreage required. With one doable task each day, you’ll get a real feel for homesteading life before you commit. Grab the free printable and give it a shot! […]
Dandelion Season: Syrup, Jelly, Fritters & MoreIn CookingApril 12, 2025Dandelions aren’t just stubborn lawn invaders—they’re edible, medicinal, and downright delicious. In this post, I share my favorite ways to turn those bright yellow blooms into syrup, jelly, fritters, and more. Learn how to safely harvest, preserve, and appreciate one of spring’s most underrated gifts, straight from the weedy wilds of Northwestern Ontario. […]
What Is Cottagecore and How It Connects to Real-Life HomesteadingApril 6, 2025Cottagecore may romanticize rural life, but actual homesteading is where the aesthetic meets reality—mud, bugs, fresh bread, and all. In this post, I break down what cottagecore is, how it overlaps with homesteading, and why real-life slow living is messier, sweatier, and way more satisfying than any Instagram filter. […]
Sustainable Snacking: Things I Forage, Dry, and Stash for Later (Instead of Buying Crinkly Plastic Packs)April 5, 2025Why buy shrink-wrapped snacks when nature’s pantry is overflowing? I forage wild berries, mushrooms, and herbs, then dry and stash them for year-round snacking. It’s sustainable, budget-friendly, and tastes way better than anything in a plastic pouch. Here’s how I do it—and a few hilarious fails along the way. […]
How Foraging Ruined Grocery Shopping for Me ForeverApril 4, 2025Foraging changed how I eat, shop, and see food. After tasting wild asparagus and berries, store produce just doesn’t cut it. From plastic-wrapped lettuce to bland mushrooms, I’ve happily swapped fluorescent aisles for forests and fields—and I’m never going back. Here's how the wild completely ruined me (in the best way). […]
Foraging with Kids: Chaos, Curiosity & CattailsMarch 31, 2025Foraging with kids is equal parts wild adventure and total chaos—but it’s also one of the best ways to teach them about nature, food, and curiosity. From picking dandelions to asking 400 questions about mushrooms you’re not eating, here’s what actually works (and what doesn’t) when you take little humans into the wild to find snacks. […]
Spruce Tips: The First Foraged Flavor of SpringMarch 27, 2025Spruce tips are one of the first wild flavors to appear after the snow melts. Learn how to forage them, what they taste like, and how to use them at home. […]
Chaga Hunting Around McGinnis Creek: A Very Cold, Very Canadian AdventureMarch 24, 2025I went chaga hunting around McGinnis Creek, armed with snowshoes, a saw, and a thermos of tea. Between faceplants and squirrel arguments, I found a few golden treasures growing on birch trees. This solo foraging trip reminded me why I love the bush—even when it's -12°C and the snow tries to eat your boots. […]
Coming Soon: The Forager’s Notebook (Yes, I Wrote a Book and No, It’s Not a Plant ID Guide)March 21, 2025The Forager’s Notebook is coming soon—and no, it’s not a plant ID guide. It’s a journal for recording your wild finds, tracking seasonal growth, and making sense of your foraging life one mushroom at a time. With 135 entry pages and 20 wild food recipes, it’s the perfect companion for anyone who loves wandering the woods and wondering what’s edible. Funny, practical, and made by a fellow homesteader who’s been there (and sometimes gotten stung). […]
Bartering and Trade on a Homestead: What Skills and Items Are Valuable?March 16, 2025Bartering is a way of life on a homestead, where skills and goods hold more value than cash. From fixing small engines to trading eggs for firewood, knowing what’s worth swapping can save you money and build strong community ties. Here’s how to make fair trades and get the best deals. […]