As winter fades and summer approaches, now’s the perfect time to give your air conditioner a little attention. A quick seasonal tune-up can keep it running smoothly — and help you avoid costly repairs during the hottest days of the year. 

Follow these five steps to get your A/C summer-ready.

Step 1: Shut Off the Power

Before you start any maintenance, turn your unit completely off. Head to your circuit breaker and flip the switch for your A/C. Double-check that it’s off before moving on.

Step 2: Clear Away Debris

Sticks, stones, and other debris can damage your air conditioner. Remove anything loose around the unit and keep at least a 2.5-foot clearance by trimming back grass and plants. Use a can of compressed air or a wet/dry vacuum with a brush attachment to gently remove dust buildup.

Pro tip: Skip the pressure washer. It can bend the coils and lead to expensive repairs.

Step 3: Tighten and Realign

Strange noises could be from loose screws or misaligned fans. Tighten or replace any loose or missing screws (available at most hardware stores) and check that fans are properly aligned to prevent clicking or clanking sounds.

Step 4: Replace the Filter

A dirty HVAC filter forces your system to work harder, leading to overheating or damage. If it’s been more than three months — or your filter looks dirty — replace it. A clean filter keeps your system efficient and your air clean.

Step 5: Test the System

Once maintenance is done, restore power at the breaker and give your system a test run. This is easiest with two people — one at the thermostat and one outside at the unit — so you can quickly shut it off if anything seems wrong.

Stay Cool All Summer

With these quick steps, your air conditioner will be ready to handle summer heat. If you still notice unusual noises, poor cooling, or other issues after maintenance, it’s best to call in a professional before temperatures rise.

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