Summer heat is just around the corner! Before you know it, you’ll be seeking relief from it by turning on your air conditioner. As a homeowner, it’s essential to ensure that your cooling system is ready for hot weather. You want to make sure that it’s up to the task of keeping your home nice and cool during the hottest months. Here are four important things to check for a trouble-free summer.

Take your air conditioner’s cover off

Many homeowners cover their outside AC unit during the winter to keep snow, leaves, sticks and other debris out and to provide protection from falling ice. Covering your air conditioner in winter will help prolong your condenser’s life, but make sure that you remove the cover before switching your thermostat to “cool” for the summer. Otherwise, you could cause damage to your AC, which will lead to costly repairs.

Clear the area around your exterior AC condenser

Before using your AC for the first time each season, you should check the area around you outdoor unit and make sure nothing is obstructing airflow into it. Clear any leaves, branches, sticks and other debris, making sure it has at least two feet of space around the unit. It needs a nice, unobstructed flow of air around it to work properly.

Have your home’s ductwork cleaned

To maintain optimal system efficiency, you should have your home’s vents and ductwork cleaned once a year, preferably in the spring. Duct cleaning isn’t very time-consuming, so you won’t be inconvenienced. In fact, a professional duct cleaning typically takes only about three to five hours. An annual duct cleaning will also prevent mold problems from occurring and will improve your indoor air quality.

Call in the pros

Before starting your air conditioner each summer, we highly recommend having your cooling system professionally inspected to make sure that it is in good working condition. Our expert HVAC technicians will address any concerns you may have, and our inspection will keep your system in tip-top shape. You’ll stay comfortable throughout the summer months and avoid additional – and potentially costly – air conditioning service.