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Spring is here. Finally!

But that means there are things around the home that you need to check, clean and replace.

One of the first things you will want to take a look at is your air conditioning unit. Maybe you still won’t need it for a month or so, but it is always best to know your AC unit will work when you do need to turn it on for the first time this year.

So, with that in mind, here is how to get your air conditioning unit and HVAC system ready for spring and warmer weather.

Catch problems before they hit your bank account

Your air conditioner worked when you turned it off for the last time as temperatures finally dropped and stayed low. So it stands to reason that it should kick right on this spring, right?

If only that were true. Too many homeowners forget to have their air conditioner serviced in the spring. This results in having to suffer through uncomfortable indoor temperatures as you wait for the HVAC pro to get to your home.

On the bright side, you probably won’t be the only overheated homeowner on their list who didn’t have them come check your system sooner.

On the other hand, you could be looking at a pretty significant repair bill. Air conditioner maintenance costs can climb quickly.

Simple fixes may only cost you $20 or so, but it doesn’t take much - especially with labor - for bills to reach a couple hundred dollars. For more serious problems, you’re looking at over $1,000.

Regular maintenance is always cheaper than major fixes

But let’s try to avoid the headache altogether. Give a technician a call before you need your AC in working order. That way, they have time to identify potential issues, get those repaired and you can rest assured your air conditioner works.

Cooling systems have so many different parts and components that operate for extended lengths of time. As parts get older, they succumb to regular wear and tear. If left alone, a part that’s not performing properly can cause much more serious issues.

Technicians can also help make sure your unit is working as efficiently as possible. That’s going to save you money on your utility bills.

A working air conditioner and more money in your wallet. We’ll call that a win-win every time.

The earlier the appointment, the more flexible the schedule

Some people may wait until early summer to have their air conditioner looked at. Even more will wait until it’s really struggling to cool their home to give an HVAC pro a call.

Don’t be like those procrastinators.

By having your AC check-up in early spring, you can make sure you fit into their schedule - which, as mentioned, is about to become packed in the next month or two.

Call ahead and find a convenient time that works for you. This will also allow for any follow-up appointments to be scheduled much sooner than they would be had you waited.

What your HVAC pro will look for during an air conditioner check-up

HVAC pros are going to be looking at several things when it comes to an annual air conditioner check-up service.

They’ll run through these common AC maintenance procedures:

• Condenser: They’ll look for any issues with the condenser.
• Electrical: Power needs to be flowing properly to your air conditioner unit to ensure it runs as intended.
• Evaporator and condenser coils: If either of these are dirty, then the amount energy needed to operate your air conditioner increases. Cooling ability could also be affected.
• Filters: These should be kept clean and in otherwise good condition for the unit to work efficiently.
• Motors: An HVAC pro will look to make sure motors in your unit are well-oiled.
• Refrigerant levels: A low refrigerant level means there’s a leak in your unit that needs to be fixed right away. If it’s left alone, you could be looking at a whole new compressor. In terms of AC fixes, that is the most expensive repair there is.

Your AC unit will last longer with annual service check-ups

Like your car, an air conditioner is a fairly major piece of equipment - and one that you rely on for comfort.

Most air conditioners last about 12 to 15 years. However, if you treat your AC unit right by scheduling regular service check-ups, then you could get even more years out of it.

That goes for the entire HVAC system by the way.

Regular service appointments, like the units themselves, are good investments.

Steps you can take around the home to help your home HVAC system

Not everything you can do to keep your air conditioner - and entire HVAC system - running as efficiently as possible requires a professional. Since it’s spring, you will likely have a few spring cleaning projects on your list.

One very minor project is to clean your home’s return air vents and floor registers.

Over time, dust, dirt, pet hair and other forms of debris build up on vents or even go through them altogether.

Help keep your air conditioner running as smoothly as possible by giving return air vents and floor registers a deeper clean this spring.

Go over the return air vents in your home with a vacuum, then do your best to remove any of the lingering debris from between the grill spaces.

For floor registers, go a few steps further and unscrew the cover from the floor and give it a good scrubbing with soapy water. Let it dry before placing it back over the vent.

While you’re waiting, remove any dust or debris from the vent.

Contact Comfortec for your air conditioner spring service check-up

At Comfortec, we are prepared to handle any of your air conditioner needs for your home HVAC system.

Our trained and licensed service pros have built a reputation for being fast, friendly and helpful. When it comes to your heating and cooling issue, we will have someone at your home fast and ready to get the job done right.

We also carry a wide variety of parts and can service any brand of AC.

Give the professionals at Comfortec Heating, Cooling and Plumbing a call toll free at 888-362-2106 or contact us to get your air conditioner serviced this spring.