What is the method to test the air-conditioning system?

Operating the thermostat is a crucial method to test the air-conditioning system because it directly assesses whether the system responds correctly to temperature adjustments. By setting the thermostat to different temperatures, you can evaluate whether the system activates properly and adjusts its cooling output accordingly. This process also helps in identifying if the thermostat is functioning correctly, which is essential for proper climate control within the space.

While inspecting ductwork, measuring airflow, and checking the condensate drain are important maintenance and diagnostic tasks associated with HVAC systems, operating the thermostat focuses specifically on the system's response and functionality, making it a fundamental step in testing whether the air conditioning system is operating as intended. Each of those other methods can provide valuable insights into the system's overall health but do not directly measure its operational response in real time like the thermostat does.