Getting Your AC Ready for a Baton Rouge Summer
Short answer: in March or April, change the filter, flush the condensate line, clean around the outdoor unit, test the system on a warm day, and schedule a tune-up before the first heat wave.
Why spring
By June, Baton Rouge highs average around 90°F, and by July and August about 92°F, with warm, humid nights (National Weather Service New Orleans/Baton Rouge, 1991–2020 Climate Normals). Systems that limped through last summer will fail when demand peaks, which is exactly when everyone else's fail too. ENERGY STAR recommends checking the cooling system before the season starts (ENERGY STAR, HVAC Maintenance Checklist).
The checklist
- Change the filter. Note the size and set a monthly reminder for the summer.
- Flush the condensate line. Pour a cup of white vinegar into the cleanout tee near the indoor unit. Make sure the outside end of the line is clear.
- Check the drain pan if you can reach it safely. Rust or standing water is worth mentioning at a tune-up.
- Clear the outdoor unit. Trim plants back two feet, remove leaves and pollen mats, and with power off at the disconnect, rinse the coil gently with a hose.
- Test on a warm day. Run the AC for 20 to 30 minutes. Air from the registers should be about 15 to 20°F cooler than the air going into the return.
- Listen and look. Grinding, squealing, a fan that is slow to start, or ice on the lines all point to problems.
- Check the thermostat. Replace batteries and review schedules.
- Check humidity. A hygrometer reading above 60 percent with the AC running deserves attention (EPA, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home).
- Schedule a tune-up before the first heat wave.
Signs to call before summer
- The system struggled to keep up last summer.
- Electric bills climbed without explanation.
- The house felt damp or smelled musty.
- Water leaked from the indoor unit or drain pan.
- The system is more than 12 to 15 years old, or uses R-22.
Thinking about replacing?
Spring is the best time to replace a struggling system: you have time to compare options, and installation does not happen during a heat emergency. See AC installation.
Related services
- AC Maintenance & Tune-Ups: Spring AC and fall furnace tune-ups, condensate line care, coil cleaning and filters.
- AC Repair: No cooling, weak airflow, iced lines, attic units leaking through the ceiling and systems that cannot keep up.
- Humidity, Mold & Air Quality: Damp, musty houses, mold around vents, whole-home dehumidifiers, filters and air cleaners.
Sources: National Weather Service New Orleans/Baton Rouge, 1991–2020 Climate Normals; ENERGY STAR, HVAC Maintenance Checklist; EPA, A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home.
Frequently asked questions
When should I service my AC in Baton Rouge?
In early spring, before temperatures climb.
How do I know if my AC is cooling properly?
After 20 to 30 minutes, supply air should be about 15 to 20°F cooler than return air.
Can I clean my outdoor AC unit myself?
Yes. With the power off, clear debris and rinse gently with a hose. Never use a pressure washer.
What humidity should my house be in summer?
Below 60 percent, ideally 30 to 50 percent.
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