Now that spring has returned to Kentucky, you're likely getting ready to switch off your furnace and turn on the AC. However, before you do that, you should make sure your system is in good shape and that you won't need air conditioner repair the first week of hot weather.  An affordable inspection by a reputable air conditioning contractor can help you head off problems before they arise. Below is a list of tasks they'll perform to ready your AC system for warmer weather.

3 Steps to Ready Your AC for Summer

1. Change the Filter

When the AC filter becomes clogged with dirt, dust, pollen, and other debris, it reduces airflow and causes the system to work harder than it should. This leads to increased wear and tear on the internal components and can lead to breakdowns or shorten the life of your system. Clogged filters also make it more difficult for cool air to circulate, limiting your comfort in the summer heat.

2. Clean Condenser Coils

The outside unit of your AC system is called the condenser, and one of its primary jobs is to dissipate the heat your air conditioner removes from inside the house. It does this by blowing air across a series of hot coils. When the coils become caked with dust, the debris acts as an insulator that prevents heat dissipation. This reduces system efficiency and can lead to overheating and damage. The coils should be thoroughly cleaned at least once a year.

3. Scrub Condensation Lines

When warm, moist air touches a cold surface like the evaporator coil—the inside unit—of your air conditioner, condensation forms. The condensate drain of your AC system removes this moisture so that it doesn't collect in the house. However, mold, mildew, and algae can form inside the drain and clog it up. To prevent dirty water from dripping onto the floor, the condensation lines should be inspected and cleaned regularly.

A reliable air conditioning contractor can help you with all three of these tasks—replacing the filter, cleaning the coils, and scrubbing the condensate drain—to prevent problems and to keep your home comfortable, even on the hottest days.

To schedule a yearly AC inspection to make sure your system is ready for use, contact Air Control Company, the most trusted and experienced furnace repair and air conditioning contractor in Lexington, KY. They've been in business for nearly 50 years, successfully helping businesses and residents throughout Fayette County keep their spaces comfortable. Visit their website or call (859) 253-1734 to make an appointment.