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Spring in the Upstate is short. The dogwoods bloom, the azaleas pop, and by mid-May the humidity is climbing and AC systems across Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson counties are firing up for the first time since October. That’s when our phones light up — homeowners discovering dead capacitors, frozen coils, and clogged drain lines that sat dormant all winter.
Our dispatch team tracks it every year: the first 90°F day generates 3-4x normal call volume. The homeowners who scheduled spring tune-ups in March and April are comfortable. Everyone else is in the queue.
Here’s the checklist our technicians recommend — ideally completed before May.
HVAC
Replace the air filter. Even if you changed it in winter, start cooling season with a fresh filter.
Test the AC. Set the thermostat to cool, drop the temperature 5 degrees below room temp, and let it run for 15-20 minutes. The air from the vents should be 15-20°F cooler than the room. If it’s not, schedule service before the rush.
Clear the outdoor unit. Remove leaves, branches, and debris that accumulated over winter. Trim vegetation back to at least 2 feet of clearance on all sides. Rinse the condenser coils gently with a garden hose from the inside out.
Check the condensate drain line. Pour a cup of vinegar down the drain line access point. This prevents algae clogs that cause water damage during cooling season.
Inspect ductwork in accessible areas. Look for disconnected joints, crushed flex duct, or visible damage in the attic or crawlspace. Duct tape (ironically) is not a proper duct sealant – it fails within months. Proper duct repairs use mastic sealant or UL-listed foil tape.
Plumbing
Check outdoor faucets. Turn on each hose bib and check for leaks at the handle and spout. If a faucet drips or has low pressure, the pipe behind it may have sustained frost damage over winter.
Inspect exposed pipes. Look under sinks, in the crawlspace, and around the water heater for signs of leaks, corrosion, or moisture.
Test sump pump (if applicable). Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit to trigger the pump. Verify it activates, pumps the water out, and shuts off properly. A failed sump pump during spring storms leads to basement flooding.
Flush the water heater. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve at the bottom of the tank and flush until the water runs clear. This removes sediment that reduces efficiency and shortens tank life.
Check toilet flappers. Add a few drops of food coloring to each toilet tank. Wait 15 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, the flapper is leaking and needs replacement.
Electrical
Test GFCI outlets. Press the TEST button on every GFCI outlet (bathrooms, kitchen, garage, exterior). The outlet should trip. Press RESET to restore power. If it doesn’t trip, the GFCI protection has failed and the outlet needs replacement.
Check outdoor lighting and outlets. Verify covers are intact and weatherproof. Replace any cracked or missing cover plates.
Inspect the electrical panel. Look for signs of rust, scorching, or moisture inside the panel. If you see any, call an electrician.
General
Clean gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters direct water toward your foundation, which can cause basement moisture and foundation damage. Ensure downspouts discharge at least 3-4 feet from the foundation.
Inspect the roof. Look for missing or damaged shingles from winter weather. Address issues before spring storms add to the damage.
Check the attic. Look for signs of roof leaks (water stains on sheathing), pest intrusion, and proper insulation coverage. Verify attic ventilation is unobstructed.
Schedule Your Spring Tune-Up
Professional AC maintenance in spring catches problems while they’re cheap to fix and ensures your system is ready for its heaviest workload. Our Club Wally members get priority spring scheduling – meaning you’re not waiting in a queue when temperatures spike.
YOUTUBE EMBED: Got High Water Pressure? This One Valve Fixes It FAST — @YallCallWally
Call Waldrop Plumbing Air Electric at (864) 536-0887 to schedule your spring tune-up.
RELATED POSTS:
- Runnin’ Out of Hot Water → https://www.callwaldrop.com/blog/runnin-out-of-hot-water-lets-figure-it-out-with-wally-upstate-sc/
- How Does Hot Water Get Through the Whole House → https://www.callwaldrop.com/blog/how-does-hot-water-get-through-the-whole-house/
- Why Does My Drain Keep Clogging → https://www.callwaldrop.com/blog/why-does-my-drain-keep-clogging/
