As the weather warms up, your HVAC system kicks into AC mode to keep your home cool and comfortable. But, you shouldn't wait until then to get your HVAC system ready for the hard work of cooling your home. Follow these tips for making sure your unit is ready to go when the hot weather arrives.

Change Your Filters

This step is one of the easier to accomplish and can make a big impact on how efficiently your AC unit cools your home. Simply replacing the filter can also lower your energy consumption by 15 percent and will make you feel more comfortable, too. Filters should be replaced once a month. If your unit has a permanent filter, take it out and rinse it to remove built-up dust and dirt once a month.

Clean Up Outside

Wintertime can cause old leaves, plant debris and items blown by the wind to gather around your outside unit. Now is the time to remove any visible debris in or around the unit. It is also the time to cut back or remove any weeds or plants growing near the unit. As a rule, you should keep a 2-foot area around the unit free of plant material and other debris. This allows your AC unit to suck in the air it needs to keep you comfortable inside.

Clean the Drainage Holes

In order to operate efficiently, the drainage hole located under the evaporator fins must be kept clear. Use a paperclip or small section of wire to clean any debris from the hole.

Clean Bathroom Fans and Vents

Remove the covers from bathroom fans or vents and clean them with soap and water. Dry them with a soft cloth and set them aside. Turn off the electricity to the fan and use an old toothbrush to clean the fins on the fan. Replace the covers and turn the electricity back on. Fans and vents work hard to keep your home comfortable and can get clogged with dust and pet hair. Cleaning them improves their efficiency and prolongs their lifespan. Make cleaning the fans once a year part of your spring cleaning routine to keep your system running smoothly.

Schedule a Tune Up 

Professional HVAC services can boost the performance of your AC unit and may head off potential problems that you may easily overlook. A professional can often identify and correct an issue before it causes you a major problem, saving you money in the long run and avoiding emergency calls if the system fails.                                               

If you are ready to schedule a routine tune-up of your air conditioning unit, contact the professionals at Guaranteed Heating and Cooling today.  We also provide 24-hour emergency services with finances options available and even offer lifetime parts and labor warranties, too.