Before the weather gets too warm, call a qualified service technician to inspect and tune up your air conditioning system.
During this annual visit, the tech will be able to tell you if your system will make it through the summer or if it needs repairs. If the unit is old, the tech might recommend that you replace it.
In addition, there are two things you can do on your own to make sure your system stays in good working order:
1. Clean or replace the air conditioner filter. If you have a reusable filter, wash it and dry it every month during the summer. If you have a disposable filter, replace it. A dirty filter can get clogged with dust and dirt and restrict airflow. That will make your system work harder to cool your house, wasting energy and driving up your electric bill. Plus, a dirty filter can push dust back into your home, which makes the air less healthy—especially if someone in your family has allergies or asthma.
2. Keep the area around the outside AC unit clean. Remove dirt, grass and any debris that has collected around it so those things don’t restrict its airflow. Trim shrubs away so they don’t touch it.
