Winter may feel like it’s been around forever, but warmer weather is on its way, and you’ll want to get your AC system ready before it’s here. Tuning up a central air unit isn’t difficult, and you’ll be rewarded with a season of smooth operation by taking some preemptive steps. The guide below will help you prepare your AC unit to run again.

3 Ways to Ready Your AC System for Spring

1. Clean the Air Registers

As you’ve been cooped up inside this winter, your air registers and vents may have become dirty with dust, pet hair, and other allergens. Don’t leave your HVAC system off the spring cleaning list. Instead, remove register covers and wipe them down with a clean cloth. Use your vacuum to clean the openings of vents as far back as you can reach. If it’s been a few years since your ducts have been professionally cleaned, it’s a good idea to call your HVAC contractor and schedule this service.

2. Change the Air Filter

Just like your air vents, the filter has been collecting pollutants throughout the winter. If you haven’t been changing or cleaning it consistently throughout the winter, take the time to do so before spring arrives. Not only will this improve your home’s air quality, but it will also make the workload for your central air unit lighter, as it won’t have to work as hard to intake air.

3. Check the Condenser

Your AC system relies on an outdoor condenser unit, the large metal unit outside your home, to exchange heat from the used coolant with the surrounding air. If the unit is dirty or crowded by foliage, it will struggle to circulate enough air past the coils. Trim back any trees and bushes that are near the condenser, and spray off the coils with a hose. If you’ve covered the unit to protect it from the winter weather, remove it before you turn on the central air unit. Clearing space around the unit will ensure adequate ventilation and improve energy efficiency.

If you turn on your AC system and it doesn’t work, call the professionals at Independence Mechanical in Independence, KY. Their technicians are skilled at installing central air units, repairing furnaces, and tuning up HVAC systems to optimize performance. For a free estimate, call (859) 756-4099, and visit their website to learn more about their services.