When the heat arrives, air conditioning becomes one of the most important systems in the home. However, before switching it on for the first time after several months without use, it is worth carrying out a quick check to make sure it works properly, consumes only what is necessary and does not cause problems during the hottest days.
In areas such as Torrevieja, where summer temperatures can be intense and the coastal environment affects air conditioning units, this checklist can help prevent breakdowns, bad smells, poor performance and unnecessary electricity consumption.
1. Check the general condition of the unit
Before turning on the air conditioning, take a look at both the indoor and outdoor units. Make sure there are no visible knocks, loose parts, accumulated dirt or signs of deterioration.
On the indoor unit, check that the casing is correctly fitted and that the air outlet flaps move properly. On the outdoor unit, make sure there are no leaves, dust, sand, construction debris or any other element that could block ventilation.
This step is especially important in homes near the sea, as salt, humidity and dust can affect the performance of the system if proper maintenance is not carried out.
2. Clean the air conditioning filters
The filters are one of the most important parts of the system. Their function is to retain dust, particles and dirt so that the air circulating in the room is cleaner.
If the filters are dirty, the air conditioner will have to work harder to cool the room, consume more electricity and may release unpleasant odours. A clogged filter also reduces airflow and makes cooling less efficient.
It is advisable to remove the filters, clean them with lukewarm water and allow them to dry completely before putting them back in place. They should never be installed while wet, as this could encourage mould or bad smells.
3. Check for bad smells
When turning on the air conditioning for the first time in summer, pay attention to the smell coming from the indoor unit. A slight initial smell may be normal if the system has been unused for a long time, but if the smell is strong, persistent or unpleasant, it may indicate accumulated dirt, humidity or bacteria inside the unit.
In that case, it should not be ignored. Apart from being uncomfortable, it can affect indoor air quality. Professional cleaning may be needed to solve the problem properly.
4. Make sure it cools properly
After switching on the unit, wait a few minutes and check whether the air coming out is actually cold. Also observe whether the room temperature starts to drop gradually.
If you notice that the air conditioner is running but not cooling enough, this may be due to dirty filters, lack of maintenance, problems with the outdoor unit, incorrect settings or even a possible refrigerant leak.
It is not advisable to force the unit to run for hours if it is not cooling properly. This will only increase electricity consumption and may worsen an existing fault.
5. Check the remote control and settings
Sometimes the problem is not with the unit itself, but with the settings. Before assuming there is a fault, check the remote control and make sure the correct mode is selected.
For summer, the unit should be set to cooling mode, usually identified by a snowflake symbol. It is also important to choose a reasonable temperature. Ideally, this should be between 24 ºC and 26 ºC, as it helps maintain comfort without increasing energy consumption too much.
Also check the fan speed, the direction of the flaps and whether any functions such as night mode, timer or automatic mode are activated.
6. Check the outdoor unit
The outdoor unit needs enough free space to release heat properly. If it is blocked, dirty or surrounded by objects, the air conditioning system will lose efficiency and work harder than necessary.
Before summer, check that nothing is obstructing ventilation. It is also important to see whether the outdoor unit starts correctly when the air conditioning is switched on and whether it makes any unusual noises.
In coastal areas such as Torrevieja, this part of the system is more exposed to humidity, salt and environmental dirt, so it deserves special attention.
7. Listen for unusual noises
An air conditioning unit in good condition should operate relatively quietly. If you hear vibrations, knocking, loud buzzing or irregular sounds, there may be a loose component, accumulated dirt, fan problems or an internal fault.
Not every noise means there is a serious problem, but it is always worth checking it as soon as possible to prevent a small issue from turning into a more expensive repair.
8. Check for water leaks
Air conditioning produces condensation while operating, but this water should drain correctly through the drainage pipe. If you see water dripping from the indoor unit, there may be a blockage in the drain pipe, accumulated dirt or an installation problem.
Water dripping should not be considered normal. Apart from being annoying, it can damage walls, furniture or ceilings if it is not fixed in time.
9. Test it before the hottest days arrive
One of the most common mistakes is waiting until the first heatwave to turn on the air conditioning. If the unit has a problem, it will appear just when you need it most.
Ideally, you should test the system in advance, during spring or at the beginning of summer. Turn it on for a while and check whether it cools properly, whether there are no bad smells, whether it does not make strange noises and whether the outdoor unit works correctly.
This gives you time to arrange a check-up or repair before the hottest days arrive.
10. Consider a professional inspection
Although many basic checks can be done by yourself, a professional inspection can detect problems that are not always visible. A technician can check the general condition of the system, clean internal components, inspect the drainage system, verify pressures and make sure the unit works efficiently.
In homes in Torrevieja and nearby coastal areas, preventive maintenance is especially recommended due to exposure to humidity, salt and high temperatures for much of the year.
Quick checklist before turning on your air conditioning
Before using your air conditioning in summer, check the following points:
- Indoor unit clean and with no visible damage.
- Filters clean and completely dry.
- Outdoor unit clear and unobstructed.
- Remote control set to cooling mode.
- Temperature adjusted between 24 ºC and 26 ºC.
- Cold air coming out correctly.
- No persistent bad smells.
- No unusual noises.
- No water leaks.
- Test carried out before the hottest days.
Conclusion
Turning on your air conditioning in summer without checking its condition can lead to higher consumption, poorer performance and unexpected breakdowns. Spending a few minutes checking the unit before using it will help you enjoy more efficient, safe and comfortable cooling.
If your air conditioning does not cool properly, makes noise, smells bad or has not been serviced for a long time, the best option is to contact a professional installer. At AC Torrevieja, we can help you inspect, maintain or install your air conditioning so it works properly throughout the summer.