Now that winter’s chilly grip is finally starting to loosen, the minds of many homeowners will undoubtedly be squarely set on warmer weather. Cranking up the air conditioning to full blast without a bit of prep, however, puts a lot of strain on the system. Instead, here are four ways to prepare your AC for the hotter temperatures to come.

How to Prepare Your AC for Spring & Summer

1. Inspect the Outdoor Unit

Over the winter, your air conditioning system’s outdoor unit can be clogged or damaged by various types of debris. It’s important to examine the unit for twigs lodged inside of it, nests that may have been built, and overgrown grass. Cleaning this debris will help the system run efficiently and without issue.

2. Change Your Indoor Air Filters

The shift to warmer weather is a great opportunity to start your air conditioning system off on a clean slate. If you didn’t change your indoor air filters during the winter, they’re most likely clogged with dust and debris. Swapping the dirty filters out with new replacements will help improve the system’s performance. Depending on what type of filter your system requires, they should be changed every one to three months.

3. Examine the Coolant Pipes

The insulation of your air conditioning system’s coolant pipes can be damaged by sun exposure, freezing water, or animals. If coolant leaks out of the cracked coating, your system can be damaged or wrack up high utility bills because of its inefficiency. Trying to fix damaged insulation can result in even more problems, so it’s best to contact a professional as soon as possible for a repair.

4. Get a Tuneup

Carefully examining your air conditioning system before turning it on is a good practice, but nothing beats the trained eye of a professional. An experienced AC technician will inspect the system for a wide range of possible issues, leading to much more efficient cooling.

Ronnie Ritchie Service Co. Inc. is the go-to source for air conditioning installation and repair in the Waynesboro, VA, area. With more than 60 years of experience in the field, the company is able to quickly identify and fix a wide range of problems. For more information, call (540) 942-1415 or visit the website today.