What type of maintenance is crucial at the beginning of the cooling season?

Cleaning or replacing air filters is essential at the beginning of the cooling season because it directly impacts the efficiency and performance of the air conditioning system. When air filters are dirty or clogged, they restrict airflow, which can lead to reduced efficiency and increased energy consumption. This can cause the system to work harder to cool the air, leading to potential breakdowns and a shorter lifespan for the equipment.

Regular maintenance that includes checking and cleaning air filters helps to ensure that the system can operate at full capacity, promoting better air quality and comfort in indoor spaces. It also allows for better heat exchange, which is critical in optimizing the performance of the air conditioning unit as temperatures rise during the cooling season.

Other maintenance activities, while important, may not have the immediate impact on system efficiency that changing or cleaning the air filters does at the start of the cooling season. For instance, checking thermostat accuracy is crucial for system operation but does not directly affect airflow. Insulating refrigerant lines is important for preventing energy loss but is less critical at the onset of the cooling season than ensuring adequate airflow through clean filters. Calibrating the compressor is a necessary task for ensuring proper system function but may not be as high of a priority as maintaining airflow through the filters when preparing for the cooling