As the days are starting to get longer and the nights shorter, it is only a matter of months before summer sets in. And that means one thing: sweltering temperatures. In such case, the best defense you have against summer’s hot temperatures is none other than a central air-conditioning system. If you have one at home, be sure to include its tune up in your to-do list for spring so that it will be up and running by summer and will work its best to make your home comfortable. Here are the things you should do.

Clean up the exterior condenser

The condenser is the large unit that is usually situated outdoors. Its main role is to regulate the refrigerant’s temperature so that it blows cool air indoors. In order for this component to work properly, it should have unhampered flow of air around it and its fan should also be free of debris. Hence, give the unit some spring cleaning. Remove its fan and wash it with a garden hose. If there is a build up, consider using a mild detergent to remove the debris and douse it with water. Also, clean the area surrounding the condenser. At the most, there should be ample space around the component, so be sure that there are no low-hanging branches, shrubs or other obstructions nearby.

Replace the filter

As a rule of thumb, you should be checking your air conditioner’s filter once a month. This is to ensure that it is not clogged and air is smoothly flowing through the blowing unit, letting the cooling coil to cool up. If you have not checked your AC’s filter and it is already clogged, this can cause the unit to shut down. To avoid that from happening, the best thing you can do is to replace the old filter with a new one. There are many filter grades available in the market so it will not be difficult to find a piece that is compatible with your AC. Be forewarned though that if you use a filter that reduces allergens, you should check it more often as it clogs faster.

Examine the condensate removal system

When your AC is in operation and warm air travel across the cooling coil, condensation happens. Depending on the blower unit of your air-conditioning system, it will deal with condensation in different ways. For example, it may discharge the moisture directly in a drain, or it may redirect the water vapor into a pan beneath the blower where it will just evaporate.

To ensure your AC’s condensate removal system is functioning, take the time to inspect it. If the system has a pump, try moving the float switch that engages the unit to see if it is working. If there is no pump and there is also no drain in the pan, check if it has a float switch. This wired sensor is set at a certain height in the pan and automatically shuts down when water touches it. Hence, ensure it is functioning properly as it serves as your indicator if there are leaks.

Inspect the ductwork

Your air conditioner delivers cool air inside your home through its ductwork, so it is important that these components are unobstructed. Open up the duct registers around the house and be sure that they are free of obstructions that could get inside the ductwork. Next, inspect the ducts running through your basement or attic. At the most, the joints, seams and other connections should be locked tightly together and the ductwork should have no gaps or corrosion where air could leak. If you find any problem spots where air could escape, seal them up with aluminum foil tape. You should also insulate the ductwork to prevent condensation.

If you suspect that there are molds growing in the ducts, it will be best if you contact a professional duct-cleaning company instead of tackling the job yourself. This may entail a little expense, but you can be assured that your AC’s ductwork will be free of molds, keeping your home safe and clean.

This guest post was written by Ericka, an avid write and home improvement enthusiast. She is also a regular contributor for Ace Blocks a Driveways West Lothian Company who specialise in monoblock driveways.