The weather is warming up, and summer is right around the corner. This is the perfect time to make sure your air conditioner is ready to go. You have some things to do before you turn it on, or you can run the risk of damaging it. Here is a checklist that you want to follow to make sure you have properly maintained the air conditioning system and taken all the steps possible to ensure you can cool your home efficiently and effectively.

Check for Potential Airflow Problems

You may have moved around some furniture and other interior belongings since last summer. If this is the case, then you are going to want to go through the house and make sure you haven't blocked any of the vents. If a vent is blocked so the air can't flow freely, then it can cause an imbalance in the AC system. It can also make it harder to cool the home evenly and it can lead to everything from higher energy bills to higher repair costs. If you happen to have your vents on the floors, which can be common in older homes, then make sure you haven't accidentally covered any up with area rugs which can be easier to forget about.

Clean the Filter and Vents

Make sure you put a new filter in before you turn on the system for that first time. You should use good quality filters that are disposable, instead of reusable ones or ones that you cut to fit. Double check that you aren't putting the filter in backwards, and clean off the vent at the same time. Go into all of the rooms in the house that have vents and clean each of them as well. They will have dust on them that has accumulated since you last used the system, and you won't want all of that dust blowing throughout the house.

Have the System Serviced Professionally

The air conditioning system should be serviced once a year by a professional company, and the best time for this to be handled is right before you start using your air conditioning for the season. This way, you know there aren't problems that should be fixed and that it is clean. Once the system has been given a clean bill of health by the technician, you can turn it on and begin cooling your home with the knowledge that everything is okay with it.

For more information on getting your HVAC system ready for warmer weather, contact residential AC services in your area.